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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadPaul Kretzmann Commentary - Genesis 47:27 - 47:31
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Joseph's Promise to Jacob
v. 27. And Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions therein, and grew and multiplied exceedingly. This statement summarizes the history of the children of Israel for the next four hundred years.
v. 28. And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years, so long the Lord permitted him to share the happiness of his children; so the whole age of Jacob was one hundred forty and seven years.
v. 29. And the time drew nigh that Israel must die; and he called his son Joseph and said unto him, if now I have found grace in thy sight, if Joseph was willing to do him a last great favor, put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh, in a gesture accompanying a solemn oath, and deal kindly and truly with me; it would be an act of kindness and of faithfulness. Bury me not, I pray thee, in Egypt;
v. 30. but I will lie with my fathers, and thou shalt carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their burying-place, in the cave in the field of Machpelah, which Abraham had bought after Sarah's death, Gen_23:17-20. And he said, I will do as thou hast said. Joseph solemnly obligated himself to carry out this earnest wish of his father.
v. 31. And he said, Swear unto me. And he sware unto him. And Israel bowed himself upon the bed's head. He was apparently sitting up on his couch and leaning on his staff, Heb_11:21. He now turned to the head of the bed in a prayer of thanksgiving that his last wish was to be fulfilled. Even on his death-bed Jacob did not forget the Land of Promise and the Messianic prophecy. Thus will Christians keep God's Word and promise before their eyes especially at the time when death is near.