Early Jewish History, Genesis 12—50 

Jacob and Joseph Die Well

1. Jacob’s Final Words (Genesis 49:28—50:3)​

2. Jacob’s Burial (Genesis 50:4-14)​

3. Joseph Reassures His Brothers (Genesis 50:15-26)

Central Truth: ​God enables His children to finish life well.

INTRODUCTION

     This lesson moves from the family’s settlement in Egypt to Jacob’s last days. The promises of blessing, descendants, and land continue to govern these last chapters as Jacob blesses Joseph’s children, Ephraim and Manasseh (48:1-22), and his twelve sons—the twelve tribes of Israel (49:1-28). The blessings signify God’s gifts of favor and well-being to the recipients. Interestingly, when Jacob blesses Joseph’s children, he elevates the status of the younger son, Ephraim, over Manasseh. The blessing of Ephraim is reminiscent of Jacob’s own blessing, which he won through deception. The blessing of Ephraim also reminds us God’s ways often subvert human tradition. Jacob’s blessing of each of his twelve sons gives us a glimpse of the distinctive future of each tribe of Israel. ​

1. JACOB’S FINAL WORDS​

A. Jacob Blesses and Instructs His Sons (Genesis 49:28-33)

B. Egypt Mourns Joseph’s Loss (Genesis 50:1-3)

• Why is it critically important today for fathers to bless their children, and how can they do so? 

Anticipating Life in Heaven​

     In 2 Timothy 4, Paul realizes he has come to the end of his life. He is confident he has remained steadfast to the call of God (vv. 6-7). Therefore, Paul does not despair as death draws near, but rather eagerly awaits the blessed hope of eternal life. The end of his earthly life meant receiving a heavenly reward (v. 8).

2. JACOB’S BURIAL​

A. Journey to Canaan (Genesis 50:4-9)

B. Return to Egypt (Genesis 50:12-14)

• Why was it significant for Jacob to be buried in Canaan?

Fathering Is a Marathon​

     I like to compare the job of a father to that of a long-distance runner. Fathering is a marathon—a long and often trying journey—and we must be disciplined if we hope to finish successfully.—Ken R. Canfield   

3. JOSEPH REASSURES HIS BROTHERS​

A. Joseph Lifts Up God’s Sovereignty (Genesis 50:15-21)

B. Joseph Prophesies About Israel’s Future (Genesis 50:22-26)

God’s Sovereignty​

    Absolutely everything that needs to be done to bring about His purposes, God sees to it that it happens.—John Piper

FACING DEATH​

      The deaths of Jacob and Joseph frame the last chapter of Genesis, and their deaths offer a paradigm of how we should face death. Their deaths evoked memory, were mourned by the community, and even looked forward to the future. Therefore, the last chapter of Genesis is not the end, but only the beginning for God’s people. Indeed, Jacob’s and Joseph’s deaths were mourned, but the lamentations were not hopeless. ​

    Both Jacob and Joseph exemplified faith in God’s word to the end of their lives. Accordingly, Joseph’s last words explicitly looked forward to the salvation and deliverance of God.

Adopted from the Evangelical Sunday School Lesson Commentary 2023-2024.