Genesis 50:24

Then Joseph said to his brothers, "I am about to die, but God will surely visit you and bring you up from this land to the land He promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob."

Study Bible

Then Joseph said to his brothers,
Joseph, a key figure in the history of Israel, is addressing his brothers, the patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel. This moment is significant as it marks the end of an era for the family of Jacob, who had settled in Egypt during a time of famine. Joseph's relationship with his brothers, once strained due to their betrayal, has been reconciled, symbolizing forgiveness and unity within the family of God’s chosen people.

“I am about to die,
Joseph acknowledges his impending death, a reminder of the mortality that all humans face. His awareness of death reflects the biblical theme of life’s transience and the importance of faith in God's promises beyond this life. Joseph's death marks the end of his leadership and the beginning of a new chapter for the Israelites in Egypt.

but God will surely visit you
This phrase indicates Joseph's faith in God's continued presence and intervention in the lives of the Israelites. The term "visit" implies divine attention and action, suggesting that God will not abandon His people. This foreshadows the Exodus, where God indeed visits His people to deliver them from bondage, fulfilling His covenant promises.

and bring you up from this land
Joseph prophesies the future Exodus, where God will lead the Israelites out of Egypt. This promise of deliverance is a central theme in the Old Testament, symbolizing salvation and liberation. The phrase "bring you up" suggests a physical and spiritual elevation, moving from a place of oppression to one of freedom and blessing.

to the land He promised on oath
The land referred to is Canaan, the Promised Land, which God swore to give to the descendants of Abraham. This promise is a cornerstone of the Abrahamic covenant, emphasizing God's faithfulness and the importance of the land in Israel's identity and destiny. The oath underscores the certainty and unchangeable nature of God's promises.

to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”
By mentioning the patriarchs, Joseph connects the current generation to the foundational promises made to their forefathers. This lineage highlights the continuity of God's covenant and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through successive generations. It also points to the faithfulness of God in keeping His promises, despite human failings. The patriarchs are types of Christ, as they prefigure the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus, who brings spiritual deliverance and the hope of eternal life.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joseph
The son of Jacob and Rachel, Joseph rose to prominence in Egypt and played a crucial role in preserving his family during a time of famine. In this verse, he is nearing the end of his life and speaks prophetically to his brothers.

2. Joseph's Brothers
The sons of Jacob, who initially sold Joseph into slavery. They are the recipients of Joseph's prophetic assurance of God's faithfulness.

3. Egypt
The land where Joseph and his family resided after being brought there due to famine. It represents both a place of refuge and a place of future bondage for the Israelites.

4. The Promised Land
The land promised by God to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It symbolizes God's covenant and faithfulness to His people.

5. God's Promise
The covenant made with the patriarchs, which includes the promise of land, descendants, and blessing.

Teaching Points

Faith in God's Promises
Joseph's assurance to his brothers reflects a deep faith in God's promises. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's faithfulness, even when fulfillment seems distant.

God's Sovereignty
Joseph's life exemplifies God's sovereign plan, turning what was meant for evil into good. This teaches us to trust God's overarching plan in our lives.

Hope Beyond the Present
Joseph's words remind us to look beyond our current circumstances to the hope of God's future deliverance and promises.

Legacy of Faith
Joseph's final words to his brothers serve as a legacy of faith, encouraging us to leave a spiritual legacy for future generations.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joseph's faith in God's promise challenge us to trust in God's plans for our lives, even when we cannot see the outcome?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in Joseph's life, and how can this understanding impact our perspective on our own life circumstances?

3. How does the promise of the Promised Land to Joseph's brothers relate to the promises God has made to us as believers today?

4. What are some practical ways we can leave a legacy of faith for those who come after us, as Joseph did for his brothers?

5. How can we apply the hope of future deliverance and fulfillment of God's promises to our daily lives, especially during challenging times?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 3:16-17
God speaks to Moses about delivering the Israelites from Egypt, fulfilling the promise Joseph mentioned.

Hebrews 11:22
Joseph's faith is highlighted, showing his belief in God's promise even as he faced death.

Genesis 15:13-14
God's prophecy to Abraham about his descendants being strangers in a foreign land, which aligns with Joseph's words.

Acts 7:15-16
Stephen recounts the history of Israel, including Joseph's death and the promise of the land.