Daily Devotions
Genesis
"For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it is past, and like a watch in the night." Psalm 90:4
Text: Genesis 50:1-26
A GRAND FUNERAL
Jacob was not incorrect when he felt that he was even more blessed than Abraham and Isaac (Cf. Genesis 49:26), if his funeral was anything to go by. Abraham died quietly at the age of 175, attended to by his two sons, Ishmael and Isaac (Cf. Genesis 25:7-11). Isaac also died quietly at 180. He too was attended by his two sons, Esau and Jacob (Cf. Genesis 35:27-29).
Jacob died at 147 years of age (Cf. Genesis 47:28) with all his twelve sons present. His funeral was unparalleled.
“And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen,
and it was a very great gathering.”
GENESIS 50:9
Another period of mourning was observed. The first period of mourning lasted 70 days according to Egyptian custom. This period of mourning was more personal for Joseph
“He observed seven days of mourning for his father.”
GENESIS 50:10
Those who happened to observe the funeral proceedings had this to say.
“And when the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites,
saw the mourning at the threshing floor of Atad, they said,
‘This is a deep mourning of the Egyptians.’
Therefore its name was called Abel Mizraim…”
GENESIS 50:11
BURYING JACOB IN MACHPELAH
The sons of Jacob paid close attention to all that their father spoke to them.
“So his sons did for him just as he had commanded them.
For his sons carried him to the land of Canaan, and buried him
in the cave of the field of Machpelah, before Mamre, which
Abraham bought with the field from Ephron the Hittite
as property for a burial place.”
GENESIS 50:12-13
Jacob’s decision to be buried in Machpelah, together with his father Isaac, and his grandfather Abraham displayed his faith in God’s promise. The Lord had promised them Canaan as their homeland. The final resting place must therefore be in Canaan, as far as Jacob was concerned!
RETURN TO EGYPT
Joseph had promised the Pharaoh that he would return to his duties in Egypt.
“After he had buried his father, Joseph returned to Egypt,
he and his brothers and all who went up with him to bury
his father.”
GENESIS 50:14