A.M. 2315. B.C. 1689. Here is, (1,) The preparation for Jacob’s funeral, 1-6. (2,) The funeral itself, 7-14. (3,) The settling of a good understanding between Joseph and his brethren, after the death of Jacob, 15-21. (4,) The age and death of Joseph, 22-26. read more
Genesis 50:1. Joseph fell upon his father’s face Having first, no doubt, closed his eyes, according as God had promised that he should; and wept upon him, and kissed His pale and cold lips, thus manifesting his love to and his sorrow for the loss of him. Probably the rest of Jacob’s sons did the same, much moved, no doubt, with his dying words. read more
Genesis 50:2. He ordered the body to be embalmed, not only because he died in Egypt, and that was the manner of the Egyptians, but because he was to be carried to Canaan, which would be a work of time. “Embalming is the opening of a dead body, taking out the intestines, and filling the place with odoriferous and desiccative drugs and spices, to prevent its putrifying. The Egyptians excelled all other nations in the art of preserving bodies from corruption; for some, that they embalmed upward... read more
Genesis 50:3. Forty days were fulfilled for him That is, for embalming him, this time being, at the least, requisite to go through the process. But according to Herodotus, the body often remained at the embalmer’s seventy days. The Egyptians mourned for him threescore and ten days Thirty days according to the custom of the Hebrews, Numbers 20:29, Deuteronomy 34:8, over and above the forty employed in embalming, which also was a time of mourning. During all which time they either confined... read more
Genesis 50:4-5 . Joseph spake unto the house of Pharaoh Either it was not customary for mourners to enter the royal presence, or Joseph wished to make his request to the king with all possible humility and respect. He therefore made application to Pharaoh, not directly, but through the intervention of some of his courtiers. Let me go up, I pray thee It was a piece of necessary respect to Pharaoh, that he would not go without leave; for we may suppose, though his charge about the corn was... read more
Genesis 50:10. They mourned with a very great and sore lamentation “This,” says Sir John Chardin, quoted by Harmer, (vol. 2. p. 136,) “is exactly the genius of the people of Asia, especially of the women. Their sentiments of joy or grief are properly transports; and their transports are ungoverned, excessive, and truly outrageous. When any one returns from a long journey, or dies, his family bursts into cries that may be heard twenty doors off; and this is renewed at different times, and... read more
Genesis 50:15-16 . Joseph will peradventure hate us While their father lived, they thought themselves safe under his shadow; but now he was dead, they feared the worst. A guilty conscience exposeth men to continual frights; those that would be fearless must keep themselves guiltless. Thy father did command Thus, in humbling ourselves to Christ by faith and repentance, we may plead that it is the command of his Father and our Father we should do so. read more
Genesis 50:17. Forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father Not only children of the same Jacob, but worshippers of the same Jehovah. Though we must be ready to forgive all that injure us, yet we must especially take heed of bearing malice toward any that are the servants of the God of our father; those we should always treat with a peculiar tenderness, for we and they have the same Master. He wept when they spake to him These were tears of sorrow for their suspicion... read more
Genesis 50:19. Am I in the place of God? Dare I usurp the prerogative of God, to whom it belongs to take vengeance? Or, can I do what I please with you, without God’s leave? Fear him rather than me, and upon your experience of his wonderful care of and kindness to you, be persuaded he will still befriend you, and therefore I will. Or, perhaps, in his great humility, he thought they showed him too much respect, and saith to them, in effect, as Peter to Cornelius, “Stand up; I myself also am... read more
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Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Genesis 50:1-26
- The Burial of Jacob10. אטד 'āṭâd Atad, “the buck-thorn.”11. מצרים אבל 'ābêl-mı̂tsrayı̂m, Abel-Mitsraim, “mourning of Mizraim,” or meadow of Mizraim.This chapter records the burial of Jacob and the death of Joseph, and so completes the history of the chosen family, and the third bible for the instruction of man.Genesis 50:1-3After the natural outburst of sorrow for his deceased parent, Joseph gave orders to embalm the body, according to the custom of Egypt. “His servants, the physicians.”... read more