Joshua 24:32

And the bones of Joseph, which the Israelites had brought up out of Egypt, were buried at Shechem in the plot of land that Jacob had purchased from the sons of Hamor, Shechem's father, for a hundred pieces of silver. So it became an inheritance for Joseph's descendants.

Study Bible

And the bones of Joseph, which the Israelites had brought up out of Egypt
This phrase highlights the fulfillment of Joseph's dying wish, as recorded in Genesis 50:25, where he asked that his bones be carried out of Egypt when God delivered the Israelites. This act symbolizes the faithfulness of God in keeping His promises and the Israelites' respect for their patriarchs. It also serves as a reminder of the Israelites' journey from slavery to the Promised Land, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant with His people.

were buried at Shechem
Shechem holds significant historical and spiritual importance. It is the location where God first promised the land to Abraham (Genesis 12:6-7) and where Jacob settled after returning from Paddan Aram (Genesis 33:18-20). The burial of Joseph's bones here signifies the fulfillment of God's promises and the establishment of Israel in the land. Shechem later becomes a city of refuge and a Levitical city, further underscoring its spiritual significance.

in the plot of land that Jacob had purchased from the sons of Hamor, Shechem’s father
This purchase is recorded in Genesis 33:19, where Jacob buys the land for a hundred pieces of silver. The transaction signifies a legitimate claim to the land, contrasting with the later conquest narratives. It also reflects the patriarchs' faith in God's promise to give them the land, as they invested in it even before its full possession.

for a hundred pieces of silver
The mention of the purchase price underscores the legal and binding nature of the transaction. It reflects the customs of the time, where land ownership was often secured through purchase. This detail also highlights the continuity of God's promise, as the land bought by Jacob becomes the resting place for Joseph, linking the patriarchs' faith with the fulfillment of God's covenant.

So it became an inheritance for Joseph’s descendants
This phrase indicates the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to the descendants of the patriarchs. Joseph's burial in Shechem symbolizes the inheritance of the land by his descendants, the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. It serves as a tangible reminder of God's faithfulness and the realization of the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The inheritance also prefigures the eternal inheritance believers have in Christ, as mentioned in the New Testament.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joseph
The son of Jacob, whose bones were carried from Egypt to Canaan as a fulfillment of his dying wish. His life account is a testament to God's providence and faithfulness.

2. Israelites
The descendants of Jacob who carried Joseph's bones from Egypt to Canaan, signifying their respect for Joseph's faith and God's promises.

3. Shechem
A significant location in biblical history, where Joseph's bones were buried. It was a place of covenant renewal and a symbol of God's fulfilled promises.

4. Jacob
The patriarch who purchased the land at Shechem, which became the burial site for Joseph's bones, highlighting the continuity of God's promises through generations.

5. Hamor
The father of Shechem, from whom Jacob purchased the land. This transaction is a reminder of the Israelites' legitimate claim to the land.

Teaching Points

Faith in God's Promises
Joseph's request to have his bones buried in Canaan reflects a deep faith in God's promises. Believers today are called to trust in God's promises, even when fulfillment seems distant.

Legacy of Faith
The Israelites' commitment to fulfilling Joseph's request demonstrates the importance of honoring the faith and legacy of those who have gone before us.

God's Faithfulness Across Generations
The burial of Joseph's bones in Shechem is a testament to God's faithfulness over generations. We are encouraged to see God's hand in our family history and trust Him for the future.

Significance of Place in Worship
Shechem's role as a place of covenant renewal reminds us of the importance of sacred spaces in our spiritual journey.

Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites' actions in carrying Joseph's bones show the importance of obedience to God's commands, even in seemingly small details.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joseph's faith in God's promises challenge us in our current circumstances?

2. In what ways can we honor the legacy of faith from previous generations in our own lives?

3. How does the account of Joseph's bones being buried in Shechem encourage us to trust in God's faithfulness?

4. What are some "sacred spaces" in your life that have been significant in your spiritual journey, and how can you honor them?

5. How can we ensure that we are obedient to God's commands in both significant and seemingly minor aspects of our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 50:24-25
Joseph's request to have his bones carried out of Egypt is a direct precursor to the events in Joshua 24:32, demonstrating his faith in God's promise to bring Israel to the Promised Land.

Exodus 13:19
Moses' fulfillment of Joseph's request by taking his bones during the Exodus shows the continuity of faith and obedience among the Israelites.

Acts 7:15-16
Stephen's speech references the burial of Joseph's bones, connecting the Old Testament account to the New Testament understanding of God's faithfulness.