Topical Bible: Burial: Directions Given About, Before Death by Jacob

◄ Burial: Directions Given About, Before Death by Jacob ►

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In the biblical narrative, the patriarch Jacob, also known as Israel, provides specific instructions regarding his burial before his death. These directions are significant as they reflect the customs, beliefs, and familial ties of the ancient Hebrew people. Jacob's instructions are recorded in the Book of Genesis, primarily in chapters 47 and 49.

Context and Significance

Jacob, the son of Isaac and grandson of Abraham, is a central figure in the Genesis narrative. As he approached the end of his life, Jacob was living in Egypt, where his son Joseph had risen to a position of great power. Despite his residence in Egypt, Jacob's heart remained tied to the Promised Land, Canaan, which God had promised to his forefathers. His burial instructions underscore his faith in God's promises and his desire to be united with his ancestors in death.

Jacob's Instructions

Jacob's burial directions are first mentioned in Genesis 47:29-31. As his death approached, Jacob called his son Joseph and made him swear an oath concerning his burial. Jacob said, "Do not bury me in Egypt, but when I rest with my fathers, carry me out of Egypt and bury me in their burial place" (Genesis 47:29-30). Joseph agreed, and Jacob insisted on a solemn oath, which Joseph swore to uphold.

Further details are provided in Genesis 49:29-32, where Jacob reiterates his instructions to all his sons. He charged them, saying, "I am about to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite" (Genesis 49:29). Jacob specified the location as the cave in the field of Machpelah, near Mamre in Canaan, which Abraham had purchased as a burial site. This cave was significant as it was the burial place of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, and Leah, Jacob's wife.

Theological Implications

Jacob's insistence on being buried in Canaan reflects his unwavering faith in God's covenant promises. By choosing to be buried in the land promised to his descendants, Jacob demonstrated his belief in the future fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and himself. His instructions also highlight the importance of family and heritage, as he desired to be laid to rest with his ancestors.

Jacob's burial directions serve as a testament to the enduring hope and faith of the patriarchs. They remind believers of the significance of God's promises and the assurance of being gathered to one's people in the afterlife. Jacob's actions exemplify a life lived in anticipation of God's faithfulness, even beyond death.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 49:29,30
And he charged them, and said to them, I am to be gathered to my people: bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

In Death and after Death
... was introduced by Rabbi Gamaliel, who left directions that he ... 9:3). On the return
from the burial, friends, or ... he commanded the robes to be given, that they ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 10 in death and.htm

Jacob Boehme: his Life and Spirit
... first of all, by Luther, especially in two directions. ... I was awakened a strong smell
was given to me ... [13] Memoirs of the Life, Death and Burial, and Wonderful ...
/.../chapter ix jacob boehme his.htm

Chapter xxv
... Recalling all the transactions that gave Abraham this burial plot at ... known tribe
of the immediate vicinity, for general directions are being given. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxv.htm

The Pentateuch.
... in men from whatever source, followed by directions for the ... begins with a restatement
of the law given on Sinai ... and the account of his death and burial on mount ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xix the pentateuch.htm

From the Birth to the Ascension of Jesus.
... The burial was very hurried, lest they should break a ... power exerted in each of the
five directions suggested in ... 2" of "the teachings of the period" given above ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xviii from the birth.htm

The Book of Jubilees
... The death and burial of Sarah. ... in order to show their superiority to the beasts of
the earth, and the directions concerning apparel were given to the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of jubilees.htm

The Fifth Word from the Cross
... were falling and tearing up the ground in all directions. ... I recall the description
given by a friend of one such ... this and sunset the death and burial took place ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter xviii the fifth word.htm

Introduction
... In fact, the assumption that these directions were not committed to ... The revelation
of God's Yahweh-character given to the ... 15. Death and Burial of Sarah (23:1-20 ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/introduction.htm

Questions.
... Where had directions been given for the new Temple ... What fresh aid was given to the
building at Jerusalem ... of the dying among the wicked and the burial?"Psalm 88 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm

To Pammachius against John of Jerusalem.
... the realms of praise in all other directions; you spend ... all this noise about the
dead, the burial of the ... day they shall neither marry, nor be given in marriage ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/to pammachius against john of.htm