Joseph's Bones Burial in Canaan Exodus Account
Joseph's Bones: The Exodus Account and Burial in Canaan
The biblical account of Joseph's bones is deeply intertwined with the narrative of the Israelites' Exodus from Egypt and their journey to Canaan. Joseph, before his death, made his brothers swear that they would carry his bones out of Egypt when God visited them, to be buried in Canaan [1]. This request is recorded in Genesis 50:25, where Joseph says, "God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence" [4].
The fulfillment of Joseph's request is detailed in Exodus 13:19, which states, "And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you" [2]. The Hebrew term used here for "straitly sworn" implies a solemn oath, underscoring the significance of this act [2].
The carrying of Joseph's bones is seen as an act of faith, reflecting the Israelites' belief in the promise of God's future redemption and their connection to the land of Canaan. Hebrews 11:22 highlights this, stating that "By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones" [1].
The bones were eventually buried in Shechem, a part of the inheritance of Joseph's descendants, specifically between Ephraim and Manasseh. This location is significant because it was a parcel of land Jacob had purchased [3]. The burial is recorded in Joshua 24:32, which notes that "the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought" [3].
The tradition surrounding Joseph's bones highlights the themes of faith, promise, and the connection between the Israelites' past and their future in Canaan. Jewish tradition, as seen in the Midrash Rabbah, elaborates on the significance of Joseph's bones being carried out of Egypt, interpreting it as a demonstration of Moses' leadership and the Israelites' commitment to their heritage [5, 6].
The account of Joseph's bones serves as a tangible link between the patriarchal narratives in Genesis and the Exodus narrative, emphasizing the continuity of God's promise and the Israelites' faithfulness to their ancestral heritage. The careful preservation and eventual burial of Joseph's bones in Canaan underscore the importance of honoring the past while looking forward to the fulfillment of divine promises [7].
Sources
- Hebrews “Hebrews 11:22 (LITV) — Dying Joseph by faith made mention of the Exodus of the sons of Israel, and he gave orders concerning his bones.”
- Exodus (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Exodus 13:19: And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him,.... And his remains might well be called bones, since at such a distance from his death the flesh must be gone, and nothing but bones left; of the place where Joseph's coffin was laid; see Gill on Gen 50:26. The Jews pretend, that Moses was informed where Joseph was buried by Sarah, the daughter of Asher, who they say was living at this time (q); and many other fables they relate concerning the manner of finding him, which are not worthy of any notice. Jarchi thinks, that the bones of all the tribes, or of the sons of Jaco”
- Joshua (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Joshua 24:32: 24:32 Israel had carried the bones of Joseph out of Egypt, through the years of their journeys, and into Canaan to honor Joseph’s last request to be buried in the land God had promised Israel (Gen 50:25; Exod 13:19). • Shechem was part of the inheritance of Joseph’s descendants, at the border between Ephraim and Manasseh. Jacob had purchased the land centuries before for 100 pieces of silver.”
- Genesis (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Genesis 50 (introduction): INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 50 This chapter contains a short account of what happened from the death of Jacob to the death of Joseph, and is chiefly concerned with the funeral of Jacob; it first gives an account how Joseph was affected with his father's death, of his orders to the physicians to embalm him, and of the time of their embalming him, and of the Egyptians mourning for him, Gen 50:1, next of his request to Pharaoh to give him leave to go and bury his father in Canaan, and his grant of it, Gen 50:4 and then of the grand funeral procession thither,”
- Midrash Rabbah (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Midrash Rabbah, Bereishit Rabbah 100:11: “Joseph administered an oath to the children of Israel, saying: God will remember you, and you shall carry up my bones from here” (Genesis 50:25). “Joseph administered an oath to the children of Israel…” – I would think [he demanded they bring his bones to Canaan] immediately. The verse states: “[You shall bring my bones up from here] with you” (Exodus 13:19) – when you will ascend. From where is it derived that they took up the bones of all the tribes with them? As it is stated: “With you.” “Joseph died at the age of one hundred and ten years. They emb”
- Midrash Rabbah (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Midrash Rabbah, Shemot Rabbah 20:19: “The children of Israel ascended ḥamushim ,” – they ascended armed. “Moses took Joseph’s bones with him, as he had administered an oath to the children of Israel, saying: 'God will remember you; and you shall take my bones up with you from here’” (Exodus 13:19). “Moses took Joseph’s bones.” In his regard the verse says: “The wise hearted will take commandments” (Proverbs 10:8), as all Israel were engaged with silver and gold and Moses was engaged with Joseph’s bones, as it is stated: “Moses took [Joseph’s] bones….” The Holy One blessed be He said to Moses: ”
- Genesis (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Genesis 50:24: Joseph said unto his brethren, I die--The national feelings of the Egyptians would have been opposed to his burial in Canaan; but he gave the strongest proof of the strength of his faith and full assurance of the promises, by "the commandment concerning his bones" [Heb 11:22].”