Read with Me
Genesis 47:27-31 (HCSB)
Israel settled in the land of Egypt, in the region of Goshen. They acquired property in it and became fruitful and very numerous. Now Jacob lived in the land of Egypt 17 years, and his life span was 147 years. When the time drew near for him to die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, “If I have found favor in your eyes, put your hand under my thigh and promise me that you will deal with me in kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt. When I rest with my fathers, carry me away from Egypt and bury me in their burial place.”
Joseph answered, “I will do what you have asked.”
And Jacob said, “Swear to me.” So Joseph swore to him. Then Israel bowed in thanks at the head of his bed.
Listen with Me
The deep sorrow over Joseph’s presumed death had consumed 23 years of Jacob’s life, and had shortened his lifespan significantly. Whereas his grandfather, Abraham, had lived to be 175 (Genesis 25:7), and his father, Isaac, had lived to be 180 despite years of declining health (Genesis 35:28), at the comparatively young age of 147, Jacob felt that his life was coming to an end.
Jacob had already buried both his wives. Leah had been interred in the family tomb at Machpelah (Genesis 49:29-31), and Rachel had been buried near the road to Ephrath (Genesis 35:19-20). Now Jacob was far from both of them. He wanted to be buried in the family tomb so that he could rest with at least the majority of his close family, and he figured that even though Joseph wasn’t the oldest of his children, he was the one who had the greatest ability to make that happen, as well as the one who is most highly motivated to please him. So, he made his petition.
Actually, “petition” is too small a word. This was more of a demand, and Jacob reinforced that demand by making Joseph swear a solemn oath that he would carry out his last wishes. Joseph’s promise was not even enough. Jacob insisted that he swear it with a solemn oath.
Even though Jacob would linger for a few more weeks, he settled his mind that everything was now arranged. All he had to do was to wait patiently for his end to come.
Pray with Me
Father, it’s interesting that even though Jacob had been a nomad for most of his life, or maybe because of that, his roots meant a lot to him. He did not want to be buried far from those among whom he had spent his most happy years, even though it would be a hardship to get his body all the way back to Canaan. Thankfully, Joseph had both the will and the means to make that happen. These days, we are so less tied to our roots, and I think that that is very sad. Lord, help me to always cherish my familial roots, and at the same time keep my spiritual roots deeply planted in You. Amen.