“And when the days of his mourning were past, Joseph spake unto the house of Pharaoh, saying, If now I have found grace in your eyes, speak, I pray you, in the ears of Pharaoh, saying,”
Context: Genesis 50 concludes the book of Genesis, which chronicles the story of Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel). Joseph was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers but eventually rose to become the second most powerful man in Egypt. In this verse, Joseph’s father, Jacob, has passed away, and Joseph is addressing the house of Pharaoh, seeking permission to fulfill his father’s burial request.
The Days of Mourning: After Jacob’s death, Joseph observed a period of mourning as was customary in that culture. This shows Joseph’s deep respect and love for his father. Mourning was a time of reflection, grief, and remembrance.
Joseph’s Humility: Despite his elevated position as a ruler in Egypt, Joseph approached Pharaoh’s household with humility. He recognized that finding grace in the eyes of Pharaoh was necessary for his request to be granted. Joseph’s humble attitude is a consistent theme throughout his life.
Seeking Permission: Joseph respectfully requests that the message be conveyed to Pharaoh. He doesn’t assume authority or take matters into his own hands. This demonstrates his diplomatic approach and adherence to protocol. It also shows that Joseph valued the role of Pharaoh as the ruler of the land.
Application: This verse teaches us important principles that we can apply to our lives today:
- Humility: Joseph’s humility is commendable. Regardless of our position or success, it is important to remain humble and not let pride overshadow our actions and relationships.
- Respect and Protocol: Joseph’s respectful approach to Pharaoh’s household reminds us of the significance of honor and proper channels of communication. Respecting authority and observing appropriate protocols can open doors for collaboration and understanding.
- Honoring Parents: Joseph’s commitment to fulfilling his father’s burial request highlights the importance of honoring and respecting our parents. It serves as a reminder to prioritize our relationships and responsibilities within our family.
- Patience in Grief: Joseph’s period of mourning exemplifies the need for allowing ourselves and others to grieve properly. Grief is a natural response to loss, and it’s important to give ourselves time and space to heal emotionally.
Overall, Genesis 50:4 showcases Joseph’s character traits of humility, respect, and honoring family obligations. By examining Joseph’s actions and attitude, we can learn valuable lessons about how we should conduct ourselves in various situations in our own lives.
