READ: Gen. 47:28-31: And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years. So the length of Jacob’s life was one hundred and forty-seven years. When the time drew near that Israel must die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, Now if I have found favor in your sight, please put your hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me. Please do not bury me in Egypt, but let me lie with my fathers; you shall carry me out of Egypt and bury me in their burial place. And he said, I will do as you have said. Then he said, Swear to me. And he swore to him. So Israel bowed himself on the head of the bed.
It has been 17 years since Jacob arrived in Egypt. This time with Joseph is as long as the time Jacob spent with him when Joseph was a boy. Jacob has witnessed the prosperity of his family; they are provided for and have grown significantly in number under the blessing of the LORD.
Yet Jacob knows Egypt is not their homeland. Their stay is temporary, and they must eventually return to Canaan. As Jacob prepares for his death, he reveals himself once more as “Israel (v.29)—the patriarch who lives in service to the LORD, trusts Him, and holds firmly to His covenant promises. His preparations for death reflect this trust in God’s promises.
Israel humbly appeals to Joseph: If I have found favor in your sight… This request is not made because Joseph is a ruler but because Israel wishes to ask something deeply personal, invoking Joseph’s love and faithfulness through an oath. Jacob’s earnest request is not to be buried in Egypt but in the burial place of his fathers, Abraham and Isaac.
Joseph affirms this, and as a sign of commitment, he places his hand under Jacob’s thigh, according to the custom of the time. After this, Jacob bows in prayer and thanksgiving to the LORD.
How do we view the burial of our loved ones?
Sing: Ps. 16:3