Because of Joseph's high position in Egypt, his father is given a formal state mourning period due a high dignitary. However, and maybe for the first time, Joseph cannot approach Pharaoh personally with a request, as he is personally still probably in mourning. So he must go through court channels to ask Pharaoh for permission to buty his father in the tomb in Canaan.
He not only got permission, but the contingent which went with him included not only all his brothers but "all Pharaohs officials...the dignitaries of his court and all the dignitaries of Egypt...It was a very large company."
Probably before this pilgrimage, and immediately after their father's death, Joseph's brothers become very nervous thinking Joseph will exact revenge for them selling him as a slave so many years ago. Joseph's response is one that has become famous:
Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.
Not just forgiveness, but provision. I wonder if someday this will be close to what Christ says to those of the Jewish heritage who finally come to him as their Messiah...
The last of Genesis concerns Joseph's death. He died at 110, seeing several generations after him born into his family. His last request is to have his bones finally taken to the land God had promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob -- his great grandfather, grandfather, and father. He also reassures his family that they will be rescued out of Egypt by God.
And so ends Genesis, the book of beginnings.
He not only got permission, but the contingent which went with him included not only all his brothers but "all Pharaohs officials...the dignitaries of his court and all the dignitaries of Egypt...It was a very large company."
Probably before this pilgrimage, and immediately after their father's death, Joseph's brothers become very nervous thinking Joseph will exact revenge for them selling him as a slave so many years ago. Joseph's response is one that has become famous:
Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.
Not just forgiveness, but provision. I wonder if someday this will be close to what Christ says to those of the Jewish heritage who finally come to him as their Messiah...
The last of Genesis concerns Joseph's death. He died at 110, seeing several generations after him born into his family. His last request is to have his bones finally taken to the land God had promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob -- his great grandfather, grandfather, and father. He also reassures his family that they will be rescued out of Egypt by God.
And so ends Genesis, the book of beginnings.