Egypt: Israel in Jacob's Death and Burial
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Background and Context

Egypt holds a significant place in the biblical narrative, particularly during the time of Jacob's death and burial. This period is a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, as it marks the transition from the patriarchal era to the eventual enslavement and exodus of the Israelites. The events surrounding Jacob's death and burial are recorded in Genesis 49:29-50:14, providing insight into the customs, familial relationships, and divine promises that shaped the early Israelite identity.

Jacob's Final Instructions

As Jacob approached the end of his life, he gathered his sons to impart blessings and prophecies concerning their futures (Genesis 49). After blessing his sons, Jacob gave explicit instructions regarding his burial. He charged them to bury him in the cave of Machpelah, in the land of Canaan, where his ancestors Abraham and Isaac were laid to rest. This request underscored Jacob's deep connection to the Promised Land and his desire to be united with his forefathers in death.

Genesis 49:29-30 : "Then Jacob instructed them, 'I am about to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my fathers in the cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite. This is the cave in the field of Machpelah, near Mamre in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought as a burial site from Ephron the Hittite.'"

The Mourning in Egypt

Upon Jacob's death, Joseph, his favored son and a high-ranking official in Egypt, ordered the embalming of his father, a process that took forty days. The Egyptians mourned Jacob for seventy days, reflecting the respect and honor accorded to him due to Joseph's esteemed position (Genesis 50:1-3). This period of mourning highlights the integration of Israel's patriarchal family into Egyptian society, albeit temporarily, and the influence Joseph wielded in Pharaoh's court.

Genesis 50:2-3 : "Then Joseph directed the physicians in his service to embalm his father Israel. So they embalmed him, taking the forty days required to complete the embalming. And the Egyptians mourned for him seventy days."

The Journey to Canaan

Following the mourning period, Joseph sought Pharaoh's permission to fulfill his father's burial wishes. Pharaoh granted Joseph leave, and a grand procession, including Egyptian dignitaries and Jacob's family, journeyed to Canaan. This procession was a testament to Joseph's status and the respect Jacob commanded, even in death (Genesis 50:4-9).

Genesis 50:7-9 : "So Joseph went to bury his father. All Pharaoh’s officials accompanied him—the dignitaries of his court and all the dignitaries of Egypt—besides all the members of Joseph’s household and his brothers and those belonging to his father’s household. Only their children and flocks and herds were left in Goshen. Both chariots and horsemen went up with him. It was a very large company."

The Burial at Machpelah

Upon reaching the threshing floor of Atad, beyond the Jordan, the company observed a seven-day period of mourning, which was so profound that the Canaanites named the place Abel-mizraim, meaning "mourning of the Egyptians" (Genesis 50:10-11). Jacob was then buried in the cave of Machpelah, fulfilling his final wish and reaffirming the family's connection to the land promised by God.

Genesis 50:12-13 : "So Jacob’s sons did as he had commanded them. They carried him to the land of Canaan and buried him in the cave in the field of Machpelah, near Mamre, which Abraham had bought as a burial site from Ephron the Hittite, along with the field."

Return to Egypt

After the burial, Joseph and his brothers returned to Egypt, marking the continuation of their sojourn in a foreign land. This return set the stage for the subsequent enslavement of the Israelites, as foretold by God to Abraham, and the eventual exodus led by Moses.

Genesis 50:14 : "After Joseph had buried his father, he returned to Egypt with his brothers and all who had gone with him to bury his father."

The narrative of Jacob's death and burial in Egypt serves as a bridge between the patriarchal promises and the unfolding account of Israel's deliverance, highlighting themes of faith, family, and divine providence.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Genesis 49:33
And when Jacob had made an end of commanding his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the ghost, and was gathered to his people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 50:1-13
And Joseph fell on his father's face, and wept on him, and kissed him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Calm Evening, Promising a Bright Morning
... Israel was safe in Egypt, and sure to come out of it, though ... It is noteworthy that
Jacob desired to be laid beside his ancestors ... 'In a coffin in Egypt'"so the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/a calm evening promising a.htm

Introduction
... The Temporary Emigration of Israel to Egypt (chapter 46).11 ... Israel Established in
Goshen; Egyptian Famine Measures (47:1-26 ... Jacob's Death and Burial (50:1-14).14 ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/introduction.htm

The Pentateuch.
... We must not think of Jacob going into Egypt as ... the whole generation that came out
of Egypt, from twenty ... recapitulation of the past history of Israel under Moses ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xix the pentateuch.htm

Chapter xxxv
... worthy to bear the honourable title sons of Israel. ... Joseph was thirtyseven, Jacob
came to Egypt at the ... 60 equals 168 equals Isaac's age when Jacob returned home ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxv.htm

Chapter l
... of Israel had come down into Egypt at the ... Jacob's burial testifies that their thoughts
and their hopes lay ... So the physicians embalmed Israel, being occupied in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter l.htm

Jesus at the Well.
... Near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. In this parcel Joseph
was buried when Israel came up out of Egypt, his bones having been ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/jesus at the well.htm

Chapter xxxiv
... worthy to bear the honourable title sons of Israel. ... Joseph was thirtyseven, Jacob
came to Egypt at the ... 60 equals 168 equals Isaac's age when Jacob returned home ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxiv.htm

Chapter xlvi
... bring thee up again; and Joseph shall close thy eyes (in death). ... And these are the
names of the children of Israel that came down to Egypt"Jacob and his ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvi.htm

The Book of Jubilees
... who went before the camp of Israel, wrote out the ... how Jacob, fearing to go down into
Egypt, waited patiently ... Here may be mentioned Jacob's war with the Amorite ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of jubilees.htm

Chapter xlvii
... of such moment to ask for burial in Canaan not in Egypt? ... us that this was done "by
faith." Jacob believed God's promises in reference to Israel, the land ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvii.htm

Resources
Who is the king of the North in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.org

Is there any evidence of the exodus? | GotQuestions.org

Who is the king of the South in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.org

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Subtopics

Aegypt

Egypt

Egypt: A Small Stream Flowing Into the Mediterranean Sea

Egypt: As a Power Was: Ambitious of Conquests

Egypt: As a Power Was: Mighty

Egypt: As a Power Was: Pompous

Egypt: As a Power Was: Proud and Arrogant

Egypt: As a Power Was: Treacherous

Egypt: Boundaries of

Egypt: Called: House of Bondmen

Egypt: Called: Rahab

Egypt: Called: Sihor

Egypt: Called: The Land of Ham

Egypt: Called: The South

Egypt: Celebrated For: Commerce

Egypt: Celebrated For: Fertility

Egypt: Celebrated For: Fine Horses

Egypt: Celebrated For: Fine Linen

Egypt: Celebrated For: Literature

Egypt: Celebrated For: Wealth

Egypt: Diet Used In

Egypt: Dry Climate of

Egypt: had Princes and Counsellors

Egypt: Idolatry of, Followed by Israel

Egypt: Inhabitants of Abhorred Shepherds

Egypt: Inhabitants of Abhorred the Sacrifice of Oxen

Egypt: Inhabitants of Hospitable

Egypt: Inhabitants of Might be Received Into the Congregation in the Third

Egypt: Inhabitants of not to be Abhorred by Israel

Egypt: Inhabitants of Often Intermarried With Strangers

Egypt: Inhabitants of Superstitious

Egypt: Inundations of, Alluded To

Egypt: Israel in Benjamin Brought

Egypt: Israel in Date of the Exodus

Egypt: Israel in Destruction of the First-Born

Egypt: Israel in Egypt is Plagued for Pharaoh's Obstinacy

Egypt: Israel in Israel Driven out of

Egypt: Israel in Israel Increases and are Oppressed

Egypt: Israel in Israel Placed in the Land of Goshen

Egypt: Israel in Israel Spoils the Egyptians

Egypt: Israel in Jacob Presented to Pharaoh

Egypt: Israel in Jacob's Death and Burial

Egypt: Israel in Jacob's Journey

Egypt: Israel in Joseph Counsels Pharaoh

Egypt: Israel in Joseph Enriches the King

Egypt: Israel in Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams

Egypt: Israel in Joseph Interprets the Chief Baker's and the Chief Butler's

Egypt: Israel in Joseph Made Governor

Egypt: Israel in Joseph Makes Himself Known to his Brethren

Egypt: Israel in Joseph Recognizes his Brethren

Egypt: Israel in Joseph Sends for his Father

Egypt: Israel in Joseph Sold Into

Egypt: Israel in Joseph Unjustly Cast Into Prison

Egypt: Israel in Joseph's Successful Provision Against the Years of Famine

Egypt: Israel in Joseph's Ten Brethren Arrive

Egypt: Israel in Male Children Destroyed

Egypt: Israel in Moses Adopted and Brought up by Pharaoh's Daughter

Egypt: Israel in Moses Born and Hid for Three Months

Egypt: Israel in Moses Exposed on the Nile

Egypt: Israel in Moses Flies to Midian

Egypt: Israel in Moses Proves his Divine Mission by Miracles

Egypt: Israel in Moses Sent to Pharaoh

Egypt: Israel in Moses Slays an Egyptian

Egypt: Israel in Pharaoh Increases Their Affliction

Egypt: Israel in Pharaoh Invites Jacob Into

Egypt: Israel in Pharaoh Pursues Israel and is Miraculously Destroyed

Egypt: Israel in Potiphar Blessed for Joseph's Sake

Egypt: Israel in The Passover Instituted

Egypt: Israel in Their Sojourn in It, Foretold

Egypt: Magic Practised In

Egypt: Mode of Embalming In

Egypt: Mode of Entertaining In

Egypt: Often a Refuge to Strangers

Egypt: Peopled by Mizraim's Posterity

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Allies to Share Its Misfortunes

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Armies Destroyed by Babylon

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Captivity of Its People

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Christ to be Called out of

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Civil War and Domestic Strife

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Conversion of

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Destruction of Its Cities

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Destruction of Its Idols

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Destruction of Its Power

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Dismay of Its Inhabitants

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Ever to be a Base Kingdom

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Failure of Internal Resources

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Infatuation of Its Princes

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Invasion by Babylon

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Prophetic Illustration of Its Destruction

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Spoil of, a Reward to Babylon for Services Against Tyre

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Terror Occasioned by Its Fall

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: The Jews Who Practised Its Idolatry to Share Its

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: To be Numbered and Blessed Along With Israel

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Utter Desolation of, for Forty Years

Egypt: Religion of, Idolatrous

Egypt: Ruled by Kings Who Assumed the Name of Pharaoh

Egypt: Sometimes Visited by Famine

Egypt: Subject to Plague

Egypt: The Armies of Assistance of, Sought by Judah Against the Chaldees

Egypt: The Armies of Besieged and Plundered Jerusalem in Rehoboam's Time

Egypt: The Armies of Captured and Burned Gezer

Egypt: The Armies of Deposed Jehoahaz and Made Judea Tributary

Egypt: The Armies of Described

Egypt: The Armies of Destroyed in the Red Sea

Egypt: The Armies of Invaded Assyria and Killed Josiah Who Assisted It

Egypt: The Country of: Abraham Lives In

Egypt: The Country of: Armies of

Egypt: The Country of: Army of Destroyed in the Red Sea

Egypt: The Country of: Called Rahab

Egypt: The Country of: Civil War In

Egypt: The Country of: Exports of

Egypt: The Country of: Famine In

Egypt: The Country of: Fertility of

Egypt: The Country of: Idols of

Egypt: The Country of: Imports of

Egypt: The Country of: Irrigation Employed In

Egypt: The Country of: Joseph Takes Jesus To

Egypt: The Country of: Land of Ham

Egypt: The Country of: Limits of

Egypt: The Country of: Magi of

Egypt: The Country of: of Horses

Egypt: The Country of: Overflowed by the Nile River

Egypt: The Country of: Priests of

Egypt: The Country of: Productions of

Egypt: The Country of: Prophecies Against

Egypt: The Country of: Symbolical

Egypt: The Country of: The King Acquires Title to Land of

Egypt: Under a Governor

Egypt: Watered by the Nile

Related Terms

Egypt's (13 Occurrences)

Shihor (5 Occurrences)

Shur (6 Occurrences)

Shishak (6 Occurrences)

Africa (1 Occurrence)

Zoan (7 Occurrences)

Canals (5 Occurrences)

Stretcheth (33 Occurrences)

Serpent (40 Occurrences)

Ashurbanipal (1 Occurrence)

Assyrians (15 Occurrences)

Assyrian (18 Occurrences)

Abel-mizraim (1 Occurrence)

Abelmizraim (1 Occurrence)

Syene (4 Occurrences)

Swarm (26 Occurrences)

Sihor (3 Occurrences)

Corrupted (28 Occurrences)

Sojourners (37 Occurrences)

Zerah (22 Occurrences)

Sojourn (51 Occurrences)

Sennacherib (13 Occurrences)

Aliens (53 Occurrences)

Severe (53 Occurrences)

Quick-moving (2 Occurrences)

Zo'an (7 Occurrences)

Chushanrishathaim (2 Occurrences)

Cup-bearer (5 Occurrences)

Coptic

Chushan-rishathaim (2 Occurrences)

Caravan (8 Occurrences)

Awesome (47 Occurrences)

Almond (7 Occurrences)

Appeareth (31 Occurrences)

Seba (4 Occurrences)

Splintered (4 Occurrences)

Sorrows (37 Occurrences)

Sidon (35 Occurrences)

Sojourning (35 Occurrences)

Stopping (22 Occurrences)

Stretched-out (21 Occurrences)

Animal (163 Occurrences)

Antiochus

Covereth (61 Occurrences)

Smitten (215 Occurrences)

Yeast (48 Occurrences)

Strangers (95 Occurrences)

Changing (31 Occurrences)

Amalekites (36 Occurrences)

Camest (27 Occurrences)

Alliance (12 Occurrences)

Amalekite (12 Occurrences)

Seveneh (2 Occurrences)

Smote (281 Occurrences)

Shatter (26 Occurrences)

Cyrene (7 Occurrences)

Victuals (32 Occurrences)

Swift (35 Occurrences)

Ashdod (21 Occurrences)

Settled (112 Occurrences)

Amalek (35 Occurrences)

Yarn (37 Occurrences)

Sold (92 Occurrences)

Slew (206 Occurrences)

Seal (47 Occurrences)

Carchemish (3 Occurrences)

Victual (6 Occurrences)

Cushim (8 Occurrences)

Covenanted (7 Occurrences)

Car'chemish (3 Occurrences)

Collected (55 Occurrences)

Achbor (7 Occurrences)

Abib (5 Occurrences)

Hagar (15 Occurrences)

Sores (16 Occurrences)

Selfsame (18 Occurrences)

Sojourned (20 Occurrences)

Sanballat (10 Occurrences)

Egypt: Israel in Jacob Presented to Pharaoh
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