22 “So Joseph remained in Egypt, he and his father’s house. Joseph lived 110 years. 23 And Joseph saw Ephraim’s children of the third generation. The children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were counted as Joseph’s own. 24 And Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will visit you and bring you up out of this land to the land that he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” 25 Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here.” 26 So Joseph died, being 110 years old. They embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.” (Genesis 50:22–26 (ESV)
Having returned to Egypt following the burial of his father, Jacob, Joseph remained in Egypt. So also did his extended family including his eleven brothers. Joseph would live until the age of 110.
Joseph’s life was full of the LORD’s blessings. For example, he lived to see the birth of his great-great grandchildren by Ephraim. He also lived to see his grandchildren by Manasseh. Joseph experienced the joy of being a grandfather (Prov. 17:6).
When Joseph’s death drew near, he prophesied that the LORD would bring Jacob’s family, Israel, out of the land of Egypt. The LORD would return them to the land He promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Ex.3:1-8).
Joseph then asked his brothers to return his body to Canaan, following his death, when the appropriate time arrived (Ex. 13:19). This request was based upon the assurance of the previous prophecy.
Joseph’s life in many ways parallels are own as believers in Christ. Trails may come in a variety of ways and circumstances (James 1:1-5), but the LORD knows what is best for each of us. Therefore, we trust Him (Prov. 3:5-6) for He is trustworthy (Psalm 119:138).
One author explains, “Joseph died before seeing the Lord consummate His redemption, as today’s passage indicates. Jacob’s favorite son certainly led a favored life, for he ruled over Egypt (Gen. 41:39–43) and fathered two tribes of Israel (48:1–6). Furthermore, Joseph enjoyed a great blessing in seeing many of his grandchildren, some of whom he adopted as his own (50:23; Ps. 128; Prov. 17:6). He also lived to age 110, the ideal lifespan according to the ancient Egyptians. Still, Joseph died outside of the Promised Land (Gen. 50:26), the place where our Father pledged an abundant and secure life to all who kept the covenant (Gen. 15; 17:1–14; 22:15–18; 35:9–15). Joseph realized the Lord saves all who believe and follow His word, even if salvation’s greatest reward is not received until after death (see 2 Tim. 4:6–8).”
John 11:25–26 (ESV) records Jesus saying, “25I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” Do you?
Soli deo Gloria!
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