Topical Bible: Forty: Days for Embalming

◄ Forty: Days for Embalming ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the number forty often signifies a period of testing, trial, or preparation. One of the notable instances where the number forty is mentioned in relation to days is in the process of embalming, as recorded in the Old Testament. This specific reference is found in the account of the death of Jacob, also known as Israel, in the Book of Genesis.

Biblical Reference:

The primary scriptural reference to the forty days of embalming is found in Genesis 50:2-3 : "Then Joseph directed the physicians in his service to embalm his father Israel. So they embalmed him, taking the full forty days, for that was the time required for embalming. And the Egyptians mourned for him seventy days."

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Egypt, embalming was a significant and elaborate process, reflecting the Egyptians' beliefs about the afterlife and the preservation of the body. The forty days mentioned in Genesis align with the historical practices of Egyptian embalming, which involved a detailed procedure to preserve the body for burial. This process was not only a physical preparation but also held spiritual significance, as it was believed to prepare the deceased for the journey to the afterlife.

The embalming of Jacob by Joseph's command indicates the high regard and respect Joseph had for his father, as well as the influence of Egyptian customs on the Hebrew people during their time in Egypt. The forty days of embalming, followed by seventy days of mourning, underscore the importance of Jacob as a patriarch and the deep mourning experienced by both his family and the Egyptians.

Symbolic Significance:

The number forty in the Bible often symbolizes a period of testing or preparation. In the context of embalming, the forty days can be seen as a time of preparation for Jacob's final journey and his eventual burial in the Promised Land, as he had requested. This period of embalming and mourning reflects the transition from earthly life to the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the embalming of Jacob and the associated forty days highlight the intersection of faith and culture. Joseph's adherence to Egyptian customs while maintaining his Hebrew identity illustrates the balance between living in a foreign land and holding onto one's faith and traditions. It also points to God's providence in preserving the lineage of Israel, even in a foreign land, as part of His divine plan.

The forty days of embalming serve as a reminder of the transient nature of life and the hope of resurrection and eternal life, themes that resonate throughout the biblical narrative.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 50:3
And forty days were fulfilled for him; for so are fulfilled the days of those which are embalmed: and the Egyptians mourned for him three score and ten days.
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Library

Chapter l
... days of embalming." But the entire mourning extended over a period of "seventy days,"
including, of course, the forty days during which the embalming took place ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter l.htm

Eastern Wise-Men, or Magi, visit Jesus, the New-Born King.
... of Herod, for he spent the last forty days of his ... must, therefore, have been at least
eighty days old when ... The gum was chiefly used in embalming dead bodies ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xiii eastern wise-men or magi.htm

First and Second Appearances of the Risen Christ. The Resurrection ...
... (Time, Forty Days. ... The Lord's death had been sorrow enough, but to be deprived of
the poor privilege of embalming the body seemed a veritable sorrow's crown of ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxxv first and second appearances.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... journey long complete) And as into the city Jonah made His first day's journey,
he cry'd out and said, When forty days shall be expired and past, This city ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

The Memphite Empire
... a green and perfumed youth of some days' duration ... without increasing in aperture,
runs for forty feet on ... the Egyptians had carried the art of embalming at this ...
/.../chapter iithe memphite empire.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire
... had continued to increase in size since the days of Minephtah ... and execution of six
women and some forty men. ... by the natron in the process of embalming, the skin ...
/.../chapter iiithe close of the.htm

The Gospel According to St. John
... who has only spoken Gaelic in his earlier days, and, when he ... xviii.28), and the Jewish
method of embalming (xix.40). ... The forty-six years in ii.20 are correct. ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter vi the gospel according.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... Bodies of men, to the number of forty or fifty, are ... Thutmosis, and he was able to
end his days in the ... to a disease of which the process of embalming could not ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

The First Theban Empire
... These forty-three years represent the length of time that the Theban dynasty reigned ...
vestibule in front of the tomb, and here, on prescribed days, the memorial ...
/.../chapter iiithe first theban empire.htm

the Legendary History of Egypt
... For three days the two chiefs had fought together under the forms of men and of ...
Forty-two jurors who had died and been restored to life like their lord, and ...
/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm