GENESIS 50
15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.” 16 So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died: 17 ‘Say to Joseph, “Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18 His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” 19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? 20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many peopleshould be kept alive, as they are today. 21 So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. 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 50:15-26
GENESIS 50 JOSEPH’S LIFE AFTER JACOB’S DEATH
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
After burying his father, Joseph returned to Egypt with everyone
His brothers were afraid that he would punish them for their past sins
But Joseph reassured them that he will take care of them all
After 110 years, Joseph died, was embalmed and buried in Egypt.
Not much details were spoken of Joseph’s life after his father’s death. His brothers were apprehensive after their father’s death, but Joseph was faithful to provide for them all and his father’s household. Joseph’s life was a fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham and his leadership in Egypt was a clear manifestation of God’s faithfulness.
REFLECTION
- What was the most significant role of Joseph in the lives of the people of God?
