Genesis 50

Written on 05/09/2024

Verses 1-4

  • Notice that the time for grieving Jacob's death came to an end after 70 days, plus an additional 7 days upon his burial. 

    • It is okay to grieve the passing of a loved one, but remember that a time to stop grieving does come. Decide on a number of days that you will focus on mourning and praying, to vent all grief, and then move on when those days have passed (see teaching on Genesis 23).

      • 77 days, here, is the longest mourning time we see in Scripture. 7 days was more common, and 30 days for more prominent people. 

 

Verses 15-21

  • This is the second time that Joseph had to tell his brothers that he had forgiven them. Continual reassurance of forgiveness is important for those who have sinned.

  • If a believer fell into sin, but repented, make sure that you reassure them that they are forgiven, speak kindly, and do good for them (2 Corinthians 2:7-8). This will help them to be comforted and to have peace.

    • Understand that if believers are not reminded that they are forgiven it is easier for them to fall into sorrow that will harm them.

  • Verse 20. Remember that even when people mean to do evil, God is able to bring an outcome that accomplishes necessary good. Believe this, and it will help you to accept suffering and have peace in it (see teaching on Genesis 45). 

 

Overall, this story of Joseph is a picture of the life of Jesus. Jesus was also betrayed into the hands of sinners for an amount of silver (Matthew 26:15,45), became a slave and accused of wrong even though He was innocent (Philippians 2:7, Matthew 27:12, 1 Peter 2:23). He was eventually exalted in resurrection from the dead, and now we bow to Him in worship and loyalty (Philippians 2:9-11).

 

The story of Joseph reminds us that we have greatly sinned against God, but the suffering that our sin brought upon Christ became our salvation, just as Joseph's suffering in being sold into Egypt led to making him the savior of his brothers, to save them from death. God brought the ultimate good out of what we meant for evil. Praise God for His forgiveness in Christ Jesus!