“And he charged them, and said unto them, I am to be gathered unto my people: bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite,”
This verse is part of Jacob’s final blessings and instructions to his sons before his death. Jacob, also known as Israel, is addressing his sons, who are the heads of the twelve tribes of Israel. In this verse, Jacob gives specific instructions regarding his burial.
Context: Before we delve into the verse itself, it is important to understand the context. Jacob, the patriarch of the Israelite people, is nearing the end of his life. He gathers his sons to bestow blessings and prophecies upon them individually. These blessings provide insight into the future of each tribe and their role in the history of Israel.
Jacob’s Charge: In this verse, Jacob charges his sons with a specific request regarding his burial. He tells them that he is about to be gathered unto his people, meaning he is about to die, and instructs them to bury him with his fathers. By “fathers,” Jacob is referring to his ancestors, particularly Abraham, Isaac, and his wife Leah, who were buried in the cave of Machpelah (Genesis 49:31). This cave was located in the field of Ephron the Hittite.
Significance: Jacob’s request to be buried with his fathers in the cave of Machpelah holds symbolic and historical significance. Firstly, it demonstrates Jacob’s desire to be united with his ancestors in death, emphasizing the importance of familial ties and lineage. Secondly, it reaffirms the covenant and promises made by God to Abraham and his descendants, which Jacob recognizes and wants to honor even in his burial.
The Cave of Machpelah: The cave of Machpelah holds great significance throughout the Bible. It was the burial place of Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob’s wife Leah, and eventually Jacob himself (Genesis 49:31). This cave was considered a sacred site and became a symbol of the inheritance and possession of the Promised Land by the Israelite people. It also served as a reminder of the covenant God made with Abraham, assuring the fulfillment of His promises.
In summary, Genesis 49:29 captures Jacob’s charge to his sons, instructing them to bury him with his fathers in the cave that belonged to Ephron the Hittite. This request highlights the importance of honoring ancestral ties and demonstrates Jacob’s faithfulness to the covenant and promises made by God to his forefathers. It also serves as a reminder of the sacredness of the cave of Machpelah, which held great significance in the history of Israel and the fulfillment of God’s covenant.
