“And Pharaoh said, Go up, and bury thy father, according as he made thee swear.”
This verse is part of the account of Joseph, one of the prominent figures in the book of Genesis. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, but through a series of events, he rose to become the second-in-command in Egypt, under Pharaoh. During a severe famine, Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt seeking food, and eventually, the entire family was reunited.
In Genesis 50, we find Joseph and his brothers returning to Egypt after burying their father, Jacob (Israel), in the land of Canaan. Following Jacob’s death, Joseph’s brothers became fearful that Joseph would seek revenge for the wrongs they had committed against him. However, Joseph reassured them of his forgiveness and God’s sovereign plan, as he had come to understand through his experiences.
In verse 6, we see Pharaoh’s response to Joseph’s request to go and bury his father in Canaan. Pharaoh gives his consent and instructs Joseph to fulfill the promise he made to his father, Jacob, to bury him in his ancestral land. This highlights the respect and honor Pharaoh had for Joseph, acknowledging his position and responsibility to his family.
From this verse, we can draw a few insights:
- Joseph’s integrity and faithfulness: Despite his elevated position in Egypt, Joseph did not forget his family and the promise he made to his father. He honored his commitment and showed respect for his father’s wishes even in the midst of his high-ranking position and the demands of his responsibilities.
- Pharaoh’s recognition of Joseph’s family ties: Pharaoh acknowledged Joseph’s duty to fulfill his promise to his father. This demonstrates Pharaoh’s esteem for Joseph and his understanding of the importance of familial obligations and responsibilities.
- God’s providence and faithfulness: The events in Joseph’s life, including his rise to power in Egypt, his reunion with his family, and the fulfillment of his promise to his father, are all part of God’s providential plan. God’s faithfulness is evident in Joseph’s life, as he orchestrates events to bring about good from what was initially intended for evil.
Overall, Genesis 50:6 showcases the themes of faithfulness, forgiveness, and the fulfillment of promises. It also reminds us of the importance of honoring family commitments and God’s guiding hand in our lives.
