Hebrews 11:22
By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's truly striking here is that Joseph's dying command about his bones wasn't just about a personal burial spot. It was a concrete act of faith, a way to ensure the future exodus from Egypt was remembered and anticipated, even by the dead. His instructions were a tangible expression of his conviction that God's promise of land would be fulfilled, long after he was gone.
As Joseph is nearing his end, he doesn't just think about his own life but looks ahead to God's promises for his people. He reminds his family of the prophecy that God would eventually lead them out of Egypt and into the Promised Land, even giving specific instructions about his bones so they would be carried along with them. This act demonstrates his deep faith that God's future plans would be fulfilled, long after he was gone.
Joseph's last words weren't about his earthly achievements, but about a future God had promised. What does this tell us about living by faith?
The writer of Hebrews highlights Joseph's faith at the very end of his life. Even as he was 'dying,' or 'drawing to his end,' his thoughts were on God's promise to bring Israel out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. This wasn't wishful thinking; it was a deep conviction based on God's faithfulness.
A Hope Beyond the Present
Joseph's command about his bones was a tangible expression of this faith. He believed that God would fulfill the promise made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, even though it was hundreds of years away. His actions demonstrated a perspective that transcended his earthly life and circumstances in Egypt.
Joseph didn't just believe in the future exodus; he acted on it, even commanding his bones to be moved. What can we learn from this tangible expression of faith?
Joseph's faith wasn't passive; it led to specific instructions. His command concerning his bones was a powerful testament to his unwavering belief that God's promise of the Land of Promise would be fulfilled.
A Signpost to God's Promise
By demanding that his remains be taken out of Egypt, Joseph made his faith visible and concrete. This act served as a constant reminder to the Israelites, and later to us, that God's plans are certain and that His people are destined for a promised inheritance. It shows that faith is not just an internal conviction but can manifest in outward actions and directives.
Understand the original words
exodon · Greek Noun
The act of departing or going out, specifically used in the Bible to refer to the miraculous deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery under the leadership of Moses.
Joseph's foresight, detailed in Genesis, shows a profound faith that transcended his immediate Egyptian prosperity, anchoring his hope and instructions to God's promise of the Promised Land.
c. 1700 BC
Joseph Sold into Slavery
Joseph, favored son of Jacob, is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, eventually rising to a position of immense power in Egypt.
c. 1650 BC
Jacob and Family Move to Egypt
A severe famine drives Jacob and his entire family to migrate to Egypt, settling in the land of Goshen under Joseph's protection.
c. 1635 BC— this verse
Joseph's Death
Near the end of his long life in Egypt, Joseph, holding onto the promise of the land of Canaan, instructs his family to carry his bones when they eventually leave Egypt.
c. 1446 BC
The Exodus from Egypt
After 400 years of sojourning and subsequent enslavement, the Israelites, led by Moses, depart from Egypt, carrying Joseph's bones with them as he had commanded.
This is the primary Old Testament account where Joseph, on his deathbed, prophesies that God will bring the Israelites out of Egypt and specifically requests that his bones be carried with them into the Promised Land, directly mirroring the statement in Hebrews.
Exodus 13:19This passage shows the fulfillment of Joseph's dying wish, with Moses taking his bones out of Egypt during the exodus, demonstrating that Joseph's faith-inspired command was taken seriously and enacted by God's people.
Joshua 24:32This verse records the final burial of Joseph's bones in the Promised Land at Shechem, completing the journey Joseph envisioned by faith and signifying the Israelites' arrival and settlement.
Acts 7:15-16Stephen recounts the story of the patriarchs migrating to Egypt and mentions that Joseph and his ancestors were buried in Shechem, echoing Joseph's prophetic command and the fulfillment recorded in Exodus and Joshua.
vincentHebrews 11:22: "By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones."
When he died (τελευτῶν)Comp. Genesis 1:26, lxx. The verb means to finish or close, with life understood. Always in this sense in N.T. See Matthew 2:19; Matthew 9:18; Luke 7:2, etc. Never used by Paul. Rend. "when near his end."Made mention of (περὶ - ἐμνημόνευσεν)See on Hebrews 11:15. A.V. has remembered in marg. Remembered is appropriate here.…
meyerHebrews 11:22: "By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones."
Hebrews 11:22 . The example of Joseph . Comp. Genesis 1:24-25 . Firm faith, that the promise already given to Abraham ( Genesis 15:13-16 ) should be fulfilled, was it that Joseph, when he was near to death, gave direction as to that which should be done with his bones at the time of the accomplishment of that promise. τελευτῶν ] the same as ἀποθνήσκ…
What's truly striking here is that Joseph's dying command about his bones wasn't just about a personal burial spot. It was a concrete act of faith, a way to ensure the future exodus from Egypt was remembered and anticipated, even by the dead. His instructions were a tangible expression of his conviction that God's promise of land would be fulfilled, long after he was gone.
As Joseph is nearing his end, he doesn't just think about his own life but looks ahead to God's promises for his people. He reminds his family of the prophecy that God would eventually lead them out of Egypt and into the Promised Land, even giving specific instructions about his bones so they would be carried along with them. This act demonstrates his deep faith that God's future plans would be fulfilled, long after he was gone.
As Joseph is nearing his end, he doesn't just think about his own life but looks ahead to God's promises for his people. He reminds his family of the prophecy that God would eventually lead them out of Egypt and into the Promised Land, even giving specific instructions about his bones so they would be carried along with them. This act demonstrates his deep faith that God's future plans would be fulfilled, long after he was gone.
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c. 1406 BC
Burial of Joseph's Bones
Upon entering the Promised Land, the Israelites fulfill Joseph's dying wish by burying his bones in Shechem, in the territory allotted to the tribe of Joseph.
"By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones." — What's truly striking here is that Joseph's dying command about his bones wasn't just about a personal burial spot. It was a concrete act of faith, a way to ensure the future exodus from Egypt was re…
