Joseph #52: A Good Death, Part 1

Jacob's final words are broken into three sections: verse 28 summarizes his blessings on his children; verses 29-32 focus on his burial instructions; his death is in verse 33.

Death, burial, and being gathered to his people are the emphasis. The word "bury" occurs 14 times in the next 19 verses. Notice the sequence. He first says he will be "gathered unto my people" and then buried. The "gathering" or reunion with his people—his father and grandfather—is not happening when he's buried. His burial is symbolic of a reunion that's already taken place. We often talk about meeting others in heaven after we die. Like Jacob, our greatest joy will be our covenant God. But it is also proper to want to see those who have gone before. Indeed, it is part of our faith.

The Lord gave Jacob a good death: he died of a good old age with his family at his bedside after delivering his testament. It was not a financial inheritance—who gets my favorite shepherd's staff or favorite goat. Rather, he blesses his son, giving testimony of his faith.

Upon his father's death, Joseph wept and fell upon his father's face—a dramatic expression of his affection. Note: Nothing is said about the reaction of the other sons, including Reuben, Simeon, and Levi, who had been chastised by their father moments before.

Joseph takes charge of his father's affairs. He has him embalmed to preserve him for the journey to Canaan and secures permission from Pharaoh to leave Egypt.