The account of Joseph mourning the death of his father, Jacob, is a poignant narrative found in the Book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 50:1-14. This event marks a significant moment in the history of the patriarchs, illustrating themes of filial devotion, the fulfillment of promises, and the customs surrounding death and burial in ancient Israel.

Context and Background

Jacob, also known as Israel, was the son of Isaac and the grandson of Abraham. He was the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. After a life marked by divine encounters and familial challenges, Jacob spent his final years in Egypt, where his son Joseph had risen to prominence as a powerful leader under Pharaoh. As Jacob's life drew to a close, he gathered his sons to bless them and to express his final wishes regarding his burial.

The Mourning of Joseph

Genesis 50:1-3 describes the immediate reaction of Joseph upon his father's death: "Then Joseph fell upon his father’s face, wept over him, and kissed him." This expression of grief underscores the deep bond between Joseph and Jacob, highlighting Joseph's role not only as a son but also as a caretaker who had ensured his family's survival during the famine.

Following his initial mourning, Joseph commanded his servants, the physicians, to embalm his father, a process that took forty days. This was in accordance with Egyptian customs, reflecting Joseph's integration into Egyptian society while maintaining his Hebrew identity. The Egyptians mourned Jacob for seventy days, indicating the respect and honor accorded to Joseph and his family.

Fulfillment of Jacob's Burial Request

Before his death, Jacob had made Joseph swear to bury him in the cave of Machpelah in Canaan, where Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, and Leah were buried (Genesis 49:29-32). Joseph honored this request, demonstrating his commitment to his father's wishes and the covenantal promises associated with the land of Canaan.

Genesis 50:4-9 details the journey to Canaan for Jacob's burial. Joseph sought Pharaoh's permission to leave Egypt, which was granted, allowing him to fulfill his father's burial request. The funeral procession included not only Joseph's family but also Egyptian dignitaries, signifying the high regard in which Joseph was held.

The Burial at Machpelah

Upon reaching the threshing floor of Atad, beyond the Jordan, Joseph and the company observed a seven-day period of mourning, which was so profound that the Canaanites remarked upon it, naming the place Abel-mizraim (Genesis 50:10-11). This public display of grief further emphasizes the significance of Jacob's death and the impact of his legacy.

Finally, Jacob was laid to rest in the cave of Machpelah, as recorded in Genesis 50:12-14: "So his sons did for him as he had commanded them. They carried him to the land of Canaan and buried him in the cave at Machpelah in the field near Mamre, which Abraham had purchased as a burial site from Ephron the Hittite." This act of burial not only fulfilled Jacob's wishes but also reaffirmed the connection of the patriarchs to the Promised Land.

Significance

The mourning of Joseph for Jacob's death is a testament to the enduring bonds of family and faith. It reflects the importance of honoring one's parents and fulfilling their final wishes, as well as the deep-seated hope in God's promises. This narrative also serves as a bridge between the patriarchal period and the unfolding account of the Israelites, who would eventually return to Canaan as a nation.