Moses took the bones of Joseph with him because Joseph had made the sons of Israel swear a solemn oath when he said, "God will surely attend to you, and then you must carry my bones with you from this place." Moses took the bones of Joseph with himMoses carried out a charge that had been preserved for generations since Joseph’s death. Joseph’s remains accompanied Israel’s departure from Egypt as a visible witness that the God who had brought Joseph into Egypt would also bring His people out. The bones were eventually buried at Shechem in the land allotted to Joseph’s descendants (Joshua 24:32). Act 7:15-16 So Jacob went down to Egypt, where he and our fathers died.… because Joseph had made the sons of Israel swear a solemn oath Joseph placed the responsibility upon the covenant people as a whole, binding succeeding generations to honor his final request. His oath revealed confidence that Israel’s long residence in Egypt would not overturn God’s covenant purposes. The fulfillment of the oath also demonstrated Israel’s duty to remember God’s promises and to keep solemn commitments. Gen 50:25 And Joseph made the sons of Israel take an oath and said,… when he said, “God will surely attend to you, Joseph spoke these words near the end of his life, looking beyond Egypt’s prosperity and beyond his own death to God’s promised visitation and deliverance (Genesis 50:24–25). Though Joseph had been exalted in Egypt, he regarded Canaan as the inheritance God had appointed for Israel. Hebrews identifies this command as an act of faith, for Joseph trusted God’s future work without seeing it completed (Hebrews 11:22). Gen 50:24 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die,… and then you must carry my bones with you from this place.” Joseph’s burial in Canaan declared that Egypt was not Israel’s permanent home. Carrying his bones during the Exodus joined the memory of the patriarchs to the present generation of deliverance and strengthened Israel’s hope of possessing the land. Joseph’s confidence in God’s power over death and history points forward to the resurrection hope fulfilled in Christ. Gen 50:12-14 So Jacob’s sons did as he had charged them.… Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who led them out of Egypt. He is responsible for fulfilling Joseph's request to carry his bones to the Promised Land. 2. Joseph A patriarch of Israel who had risen to power in Egypt. Before his death, he made the Israelites swear to take his bones with them when God delivered them from Egypt. 3. The Israelites The descendants of Jacob (Israel) who were enslaved in Egypt and are now being led to freedom. 4. Egypt The land where the Israelites were enslaved and from which they are now departing. 5. The Promised Land The land promised by God to Abraham and his descendants, which the Israelites are journeying towards. Teaching Points Faith in God's PromisesJoseph's request to have his bones carried to the Promised Land reflects his unwavering faith in God's promises. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's faithfulness, even when fulfillment seems distant. The Importance of Legacy Joseph's actions remind us of the impact of leaving a legacy of faith. Our actions and words can inspire future generations to hold onto God's promises. Obedience to Oaths and Commitments The Israelites' fulfillment of Joseph's request underscores the importance of keeping promises and commitments, especially those made before God. God's Providence and Timing The transport of Joseph's bones is a testament to God's providence and perfect timing. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God orchestrates events according to His divine plan. Community and Shared Faith The collective effort to carry Joseph's bones highlights the strength found in community and shared faith. Believers are encouraged to support one another in their spiritual journeys. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Joseph's request to have his bones carried to the Promised Land demonstrate his faith in God's promises?2. In what ways can we leave a legacy of faith for future generations, similar to Joseph's example? 3. How does the fulfillment of Joseph's request by Moses and the Israelites illustrate the importance of keeping our commitments? 4. What can we learn about God's providence and timing from the journey of Joseph's bones to the Promised Land? 5. How can we, as a community of believers, support each other in our faith journeys, as seen in the collective effort to fulfill Joseph's request? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 50:24-25This passage records Joseph's original request to have his bones carried out of Egypt, showing his faith in God's promise to deliver Israel. Hebrews 11:22 This verse highlights Joseph's faith, as he spoke of the Exodus and gave instructions concerning his bones, demonstrating his belief in God's promises. Joshua 24:32 This verse records the fulfillment of Joseph's request, as his bones are finally buried in Shechem, in the Promised Land.
People Amorites, Canaanites, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Israelites, Jebusites, Joseph, Moses, PharaohPlaces Etham, Red Sea, SuccothTopics Aid, Bones, Care, Carry, Caused, Certainly, Hence, Inspect, Joseph, Mind, Oath, Remember, Saying, Solemnly, Sons, Straitly, Strictly, Sure, Surely, Swear, Sworn, Taketh, VisitDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 13:19 5137 bones Library Thought, Deed, Word'It shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the Lord's law may be in thy mouth.'--EXODUS xiii. 9. The question may be asked, whether this command is to be taken metaphorically or literally. No doubt the remembrance of the great deliverance was intrusted to acts. Besides the annual Passover feasts, inscriptions on the door-posts and fringes on the dress were appointed for this purpose. And the Jews from a very early period, certainly before our Lord's … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Fifth Day. Holiness and Redemption. June the Tenth Pillars of Cloud and Fire The Personality of Power. "The Lord Hath Need of Him. " Mark xi, 3 Entangled in the Land Letter xxxvi. To Pope Damasus. Letter xxxv. From Pope Damasus. Epistle xxviii. To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli . Jesus Living at Nazareth and visiting Jerusalem in his Twelfth Year. The Healing of the Woman - Christ's Personal Appearance - the Raising of Jairus' Daughter Jesus' Last Public Discourse. Denunciation of Scribes and Pharisees. The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close. Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus. The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the Teaching of the Lord Concerning Purity - the Traditions Concerning Hand-Washing' and Vows. ' Among the People, and with the Pharisees Concerning the Communion, or Participation of the Body and Blood of Christ. The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Last Controversies and Discourses - the Sadducees and the Resurrection - the Scribe and the Great Commandment - Question Third Withdrawal from Herod's Territory. Exodus Links Exodus 13:19 NIVExodus 13:19 NLT Exodus 13:19 ESV Exodus 13:19 NASB Exodus 13:19 KJV Exodus 13:19 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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