Genesis 50:26

So Joseph died at the age of 110. And they embalmed his body and placed it in a coffin in Egypt.

Study Bible

So Joseph died at the age of 110.
Joseph's lifespan of 110 years is significant in the ancient Near Eastern context, where 110 was considered an ideal age, symbolizing a full and blessed life. This reflects the Egyptian influence on Joseph's life, as he spent the majority of his years in Egypt. His age at death also connects to the patriarchal narratives, where long life is often seen as a sign of divine favor. Joseph's life, marked by faithfulness and leadership, fulfilled God's promises to the patriarchs, serving as a bridge between the stories of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and the forthcoming narrative of the Exodus.

And they embalmed his body
The embalming of Joseph's body indicates his high status in Egyptian society, as embalming was typically reserved for royalty and the elite. This process, which involved preserving the body for the afterlife, aligns with Egyptian customs and beliefs about death and the afterlife. Joseph's embalming signifies his integration into Egyptian culture while maintaining his Hebrew identity, as he requested to be eventually buried in Canaan, the land promised to his ancestors.

and placed it in a coffin in Egypt.
The placement of Joseph's body in a coffin is another indication of Egyptian influence, as coffins were commonly used in Egyptian burial practices. This act also foreshadows the future Exodus, as Joseph's remains would later be carried out of Egypt by the Israelites, fulfilling his request to be buried in the Promised Land. This connects to the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His promises, as Joseph's burial in Canaan would symbolize the eventual return of the Israelites to their ancestral land. Joseph's life and death serve as a type of Christ, prefiguring Jesus' role as a savior and leader who, though integrated into the world, ultimately fulfills God's redemptive plan.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joseph
The son of Jacob and Rachel, Joseph is a key figure in the Book of Genesis. Known for his coat of many colors, his rise to power in Egypt, and his role in saving his family from famine, Joseph's life is a testament to God's providence and faithfulness.

2. Egypt
The land where Joseph rose to power as second-in-command under Pharaoh. Egypt serves as both a place of refuge and a place of bondage for the Israelites, setting the stage for the Exodus.

3. Embalming
A process used in ancient Egypt to preserve bodies for the afterlife. Joseph's embalming signifies his high status in Egyptian society and the respect he commanded even in death.

4. Coffin
The Hebrew word for coffin here is (aron), which can also mean "ark" or "chest." This term is significant as it later refers to the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence with His people.

Teaching Points

Faith in God's Promises
Joseph's life and death remind us of the importance of trusting in God's promises, even when fulfillment seems distant.

Legacy of Faith
Joseph's instructions regarding his bones show his concern for the spiritual legacy he leaves behind, encouraging us to consider the impact of our faith on future generations.

Cultural Engagement
Joseph's embalming and burial in Egypt illustrate how believers can engage with and influence the culture around them while maintaining their faith.

Hope Beyond Death
The preservation of Joseph's body and his request to be buried in the Promised Land point to a hope that transcends death, encouraging believers to live with an eternal perspective.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joseph's life demonstrate the fulfillment of God's promises, and how can this encourage us in our own faith journey?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our faith leaves a lasting legacy for future generations, as Joseph did?

3. How can we engage with the culture around us without compromising our faith, following Joseph's example in Egypt?

4. What does Joseph's hope for burial in the Promised Land teach us about living with an eternal perspective?

5. How does the account of Joseph connect with the broader account of God's deliverance of His people, and how can this shape our understanding of God's faithfulness today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 15:13-14
God's promise to Abraham about his descendants being strangers in a foreign land and eventually being delivered. Joseph's death in Egypt foreshadows the Israelites' eventual enslavement and deliverance.

Exodus 13:19
Moses takes Joseph's bones out of Egypt during the Exodus, fulfilling Joseph's request and demonstrating the Israelites' faith in God's promises.

Hebrews 11:22
Joseph's faith is highlighted in the New Testament, emphasizing his belief in God's promises concerning the future of Israel.