“And Joseph commanded his servants the physicians to embalm his father: and the physicians embalmed Israel.”
This verse is found towards the end of the book of Genesis and describes an important event in the life of Joseph, the son of Jacob (also known as Israel). Let’s explore the context and key themes related to this verse.
Context: Genesis 50 records the events following the death of Jacob. After Jacob passed away in Egypt, Joseph, who had become a powerful ruler, desired to honor his father’s memory by giving him a proper burial in the land of Canaan.
Joseph’s command: In verse 2, we see Joseph commanding his servants, the physicians, to embalm his father. Embalming was a common practice in ancient Egypt, where Joseph and his family were residing. This process involved preserving the body through various methods to delay decomposition.
Significance of embalming: Embalming was significant for multiple reasons. Firstly, it was an expression of Joseph’s love and respect for his father. By embalming Jacob’s body, Joseph ensured that it would be preserved until it could be transported to Canaan for burial. Secondly, embalming was customary in Egyptian culture, as they believed in an afterlife and wanted to ensure the preservation of the body for the journey into the next life.
Honoring parental authority: Joseph’s act of embalming his father also serves as a demonstration of honoring parental authority. Even though Joseph had become a powerful figure in Egypt, he still respected and honored his father’s wishes and traditions. This act underscores the importance of honoring and showing reverence to our parents.
Foreshadowing: This verse also foreshadows the future events of the Exodus, where the Israelites would leave Egypt and be buried in the Promised Land. The embalming process symbolizes the temporary dwelling of the Israelites in Egypt and their eventual return to Canaan, the land promised to them by God.
Overall, Genesis 50:2 highlights Joseph’s love for his father, his commitment to honoring parental authority, and the preservation of Jacob’s body through embalming. It also foreshadows the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land.
