ETB Genesis 50:15-26

Remember Philip, and especially his brother George in prayer. George is having A-fib problems and has been hospitalized twice recently, the last time of which was in South Carolina while traveling for a family event.

Session #13 - p.118 - Revenge?

If we’re honest, we’ve probably said (or thought) something like this: “I won’t get mad; I’ll get even.” After all, when someone offends us or hurts us, settling the score just seems natural. In contrast, Jesus replaced this concept of revenge with His principle of turning the other cheek (Matt. 5:38-42). What’s more, He practiced what He preached. Jesus dealt with unjust treatment not by retaliating, but by forgiving those who wronged Him. [LifeWay Adults (2024). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide, Spring 2024]

Like Christ, Joseph dealt with the injustice and hardship in his life with forgiveness and unwavering faithfulness to God and His sovereignty.

Ask: How does [or will] remembering that God has a plan and a purpose change the way we approach life? (PSG, p. 118)

Understand the Context

With the arrival of Joseph’s family in Egypt, Pharaoh assigned them the land of Goshen (Gen. 47:11). As the severe famine continued, Joseph’s wisdom and insight allowed Pharoah and Egypt as a nation to prosper as he exchange the grain he has stored for silver, land, future crops, and servitude. This business acumen described during the famine helps us understand how Joseph prospered Potiphar when he was in control of that household. The forgiveness that he displays in today’s passage also lets us know how he probably forgave Potiphar and his wife also after he rose to power above them.

Joseph’s father, Jacob, lived the final seventeen years of his life in Egypt. Before he died at 147, he asked Joseph to bury him with his ancestors in Canaan. Prior to his death, Jacob also blessed Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Although Manasseh had been born first, Jacob deliberately bestowed the blessing of the firstborn on Ephraim. Jacob also told Joseph that one day God would bring the family back to Canaan (48:21).

Genesis 49 records Jacob’s final blessings on his twelve sons. He based most of these prophecies on the characteristics of each son’s behavior. Of the various blessings, the one on Judah is perhaps the most significant. Judah is portrayed as a young lion, symbolizing sovereignty, strength, and courage. Although Judah had sinned, he had repented and demonstrated leadership. His tribe was declared the royal tribe through whom King David and the Messiah would come.

When Jacob died, he was embalmed according to Egyptian custom. His family carried his body to Canaan and buried him in the ancestral tomb at Machpelah (49:29-32). Abraham had purchased that burial site located near Hebron from Ephron the Hittite. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

With their father now dead and buried Joseph’s brothers begin thinking about their own mortality and the need to “get their affairs in order” part of which includes reconciling some of the wrongs they have done, especially to Joseph.

Explore the Text

Genesis 50:15–18 ESV

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.”

v.15

When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead

The word used for “saw” is also translated as understanding. It was not the physical dying but the ramifications of the patriarch dying and the family leadership now going to Judah they understand the dynamic with Joseph could also change.

When I first read this I wondered if this “seeing” was maybe before the burial as the trip up and back would have given a lot of time for wondering about and realizing the possibilities. It may be very obvious in the Hebrew but in the English it seems this passage is in chronological order. Verse 14 before our passage of study says “Joseph returned to Egypt” and verse 22 later in our text says “Joseph remained in Egypt” these bookend statements help solidify the timing of this “understanding” that the brothers came to and resolved to take action.

It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back

CSB says “If Joseph is holding a grudge against us”

The common Hebrew verb rendered pay us back basically means “turn” or “return.” Interestingly, it is often used of repentance. However, in the context of Genesis 50:15 it means “to cause to return.” The construction of the phrase in the original language emphasizes the dread of the consequences they knew they deserved. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

We tend to think that others will react or think the way we do.

Human beings tend to evaluate things as good or evil in terms of the pain they are experiencing. From that perspective, the brothers clearly understood their guilt. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

The brothers believe Joseph will hold a grudge because they would have, which shows how little they have matured spiritually compared with Joseph.

Joseph’s spiritual maturity came through trial and suffering, the brothers have had more ease and have grown very little. This pattern is seen throughout the rest of Scripture and even in the world today. Trials deepen faith.

The lesson title in the book is “Revenge” and even though none of the English translations I read use that specific word, that concept of malicious reciprocity is definitely there. Again, they probably think Joseph will want to avenge himself because that how they would act. (Simeon and Levi at Shechem are proof of that pattern.)

v.16-17

they sent a message

We do not have a record of the contents of this message anywhere else in Scripture. We also do not have a record of a conversation between Jacob and his sons while Joseph was not present that may have lead to such a statement.

The content and reasoning from the previous verse however do appear to fit with cultural practices of the period and region.

The Open Bible Chapter 50

The reconciliation is effected in two stages. In true Near Eastern protocol, messengers (v. 16) were sent first; in the event of refusal, a different approach could be made. But the request was met with weeping (v. 17), giving the brothers courage to appear in person (v. 18). Joseph’s indication of forgiveness was his offer: I will provide for you (v. 21).

The word for message and command in this verse are the same Hebrew word which helps understand the impact of the spoken account, as these messages were probably not in written format. Dad told us, and we are telling you. Jacob’s authority over Joseph is being implied.

Your father

Your father .... his God.

This phrase could be another cultural tactic of appeal intentionally not including themselves in the context since they are the one who offended and thereby appealing to another “unoffensive” authority. Another possibility is that their faith or understanding of Yahweh is still very limited and mixed in with the Egyptian religious beliefs of multiple gods. Whether cultural or religious is shows that they did not know their younger brother very well even after living with him nearly 20 more years.

Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin

This phrasing is what leads me to believe that the content of the message was not entirely accurate. When Jacob is pronouncing the blessings upon the 12 sons back in Chapter 49, he lists specific sins and character traits of each son. This very “generic” phrasing is intentionally vague so that whatever sin Joseph is “holding a grudge” about would be the one that comes to his mind first. However, no such sin exists. They do not yet understand his forgiveness and how it removed his animosity long ago.

Transgression . . . sin

These two terms identify two of the three main Hebrew words for sin. The term rendered transgression can also be translated “rebellion.” It expresses deliberate revolt. While often designating rejection of God’s authority, in Genesis 50:17, the word denotes violation of others’ personal and property rights. However, as the Old Testament makes clear, violation of others’ rights is rebellion against God. (For example, see the Ten Commandments in Ex. 20:1-17).

The word for sin means “missing the mark.” While people could sin unintentionally (see Lev. 4:2; Num. 15:27), far too often they missed the right mark or goal by choosing to aim at the wrong target. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

The third main word for sin in Hebrew is one that

Lexham Theological Wordbook עָוֹן

that incurs guilt or punishment due to guilt.

The brothers intentionally avoided using this word as it was what they truly feared.

please forgive the transgression of the servants

Jacob said to forgive us, now we are asking for ourselves as well.

Their title for themselves “servants of the the God of your father” again shows the lack of personal impact of God in the lives and the heritage they will eventually acquire.

Interestingly as there are three main words for sin in Hebrew, there are also 3 corresponding categories of forgiveness.

The first category (“lift up”) occurs both literally and figuratively in the Old Testament. The second category (“carry”) is used especially of bearing the guilt or punishment for sin. The third category (“take away”) stresses the pardon or forgiveness of sin. This latter action of taking away sin appears as one of God’s attributes in Exodus 34:6-7 and Micah 7:18.

God’s gracious nature in forgiving sin is graphically pictured in the Day of Atonement. In that ceremony, Aaron placed his hands on the head of a live goat and confessed all the Israelites’ sins. This “scapegoat” symbolically carried the people’s sins into the wilderness (Lev. 16:20-22). Joseph’s brothers wanted him to demonstrate such grace toward them. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

Joseph wept

14 times a word for weep is used in Genesis, 10 of them revolve around Joseph, the first being when Jacob thought he had died.

When he recieved the message, it brings verbal sorrow to Joseph once more.

There on two main reasons for his weeping and they are exclusive to each other. He either believed the message’s contents we actually from Jacob, he was holding a grudge, and these words brought about conviction or he knew the message was a vain attempt by his faithless brothers to protect themselves from perceived danger from him.

Which do you think it is?

v.18

brothers also came and fell down before him

Joseph’s second dream was fulfilled first as the sun, moon, and stars “came down” from Canaan to be at Joseph’s “feet” in Goshen. The last time they bowed down before him, they did not know who he really was, and Benjamin was not with them. This is the first time it is recorded of the eleven brothers bowed to him with full knowledge of who they were submitting to. So as the story of Joseph started with his dreams, it now draws to a close with his first dream being fulfilled completely.

Ask: From what we have seen in this family as we have studied them, what impact does guilt have on our ability to relate to others? (PSG, p. 122)

Transition: After sending the message, Joseph’s brothers came to him in person. This gave him the chance to reinforce what he had been telling them all along.

Genesis 50:19–21 ESV

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 people should 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.

Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?

CSB Study Bible: Notes Chapter 50

Joseph refused their offer. They were slaves of God, not of him, and he would not put himself in the place of God to make them his slaves.

This was not only a calming statement but a subtle rebuke as well. Joseph is letting them know that even if the culture would accept his revenge, which they had done, to take another’s life or to judge another is to elevate yourself equally or above God. That is pride and idolatry and its pinnacle. What the brothers had considered was not an option in Joseph’s mind and heart. His focus is and was on God’s sovereignty in all things - good and bad. He reiterates this in his next statement to them.

you meant evil against me, but God meant

Your plans were not God’s plans and His prevailed. You had planned evil against me but God overruled and used it all for His good. Joseph is reminding them of how God was in control of his life when they plotted against him and now encourages them to have the same faith that God’s plans for them will continue to guide and provide even if Joseph was a revengeful person.

Ask: How does staying focused on God’s faithfulness help us demonstrate faithfulness to others?(PSG, p. 123)

do not fear;

Second time he tells them not to fear.

God tells us this around 365 times in Scripture. Next to anger it is probably the most mentioned emotion in the Bible and it is powerful enough to cause men to forget the rest of God’s command and sin.

Joseph understand this about his brothers and continues to show them a better way, like Christ, and like Paul wrote.

Fear of dying from starvation drove them into Egypt so it could drive them out also. Joseph attempts to appease these emotions with promises of provision not only for the brothers but the “little ones” which implies not just children, but grand children, and those yet born.

The two parts of Joseph’s statement parallel one another, which heightens the contrast between humans’ evil intentions and God’s good purposes. This theme of the contrast between good and evil appears throughout Genesis and makes its final appearance in Joseph’s interpretation of his experiences. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

he comforted them and spoke kindly to them

This phrasing implies there were more words not recorded exchanged but we have the effects of those words noted. He was called the “father of Pharaoh” in last week’s lesson passage and now he has inherited the “fatherly role” for the remaining family and brothers. They don’t understand and are not spiritually mature enough, so he does what he can to comfort and appease their fears with his words since 20 years of actions did not seem to make an impact.

For the brothers who feared they had permanently alienated themselves from Joseph, his expression of comfort served as an exile-ending pronouncement. He had taken the initiative to restore the broken relationship. Human beings can comfort one another (Isa. 66:13). Even more wonderfully, God comforts His people (49:13; 52:9). [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

Transition: Once they finally embraced Joseph’s mercy and forgiveness, his brothers and their families were able to settle peacefully in Egypt. But while Joseph was busy taking care of the present, he also had an eye toward the future—and God’s ultimate fulfillment of his promises.

Genesis 50:22–26 ESV

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.

v.22-23

Joseph lived 110 years

Some of the scholars say this was a cultural statement about the importance and fulness of Joseph’s life. Since Moses is writing this down many years later under the inspiration of God, like he did the Chapter 5 of the same book, then if Methuselah lived a literal 969 years, then Joseph lived a literal 110 years.

Joseph saw Ephraim’s children of the third generation

This would be 4 total generations as Ephraim would be the first after Joseph. Since Joseph had Ephraim in his 20’s, and he lived another 90 years, this is well within the possibilities of time recorded.

We have one picture with Laura’s grandmother, her mom, and her holding Rose - four generations in one photo. I don’t think I have ever seen 5, but Joseph could have had 6.

v.24-25

Joseph said to his brothers

Except for Benjamin, Joseph was the youngest so it is unlikely that he is speaking to his “literal” brothers. Just like Josephs’s grand and great-grand children were “counted as his own” in the previous verse, these “brothers” were likely the children of his actual brothers, or we at least “counted” that way.

God will visit you and bring you up

In the original Hebrew, the statement more literally reads: “God will certainly aid you.” The Old Testament records that God came to His people with both blessings and judgments. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

As was his pattern, Joseph continue to direct people, and especially his family, to trust in God. He assured them that they will leave and it will be God’s doing. Moses is probably writing this down with Joseph’s coffin close by. Joseph knew God would eventually keep the promise of the land in Caanan being theirs. This truth may have been part of the reason he had no doubts about calling for them to move down into Egypt for he already believed they would be returning. He was so sure, that he gave them some instructions for when it happened.

Opening Up Genesis Jacob’s Last Words

Westerners are often very concerned to have all the practical details of a funeral worked out—the casket, the burial plot, the funeral home—but spend very little time thinking about how this funeral service can speak for the Lord. Christians (and their believing families) ought to be different. We ought to labor to make funerals an opportunity for the preaching of the gospel and worshiping of the Lord. That was what Jacob was thinking on his deathbed: “How can my death point my family to God?”

you shall carry up my bones

In addition to any cultural reasons for embalming and placing in a coffin, this request makes it necessary for Joseph’s body to be “transportable” back to Caanan. Do not bury me here, put me in a box so you can take me to my real home.

The Moody Bible Commentary g. Joseph Believes God to the End (50:1–26)

The key words here are “visit” (the verb yiphqod, from the root p-q-d, when used of God, implies an active interest on behalf of His people, plus the infinitive absolute here, paqod yiphqod [twice in vv. 24–25], is the strongest way to say that the action will occur, “God will surely visit / take care of you”) and “carry up” (veha‘alitem, a verb from the root ‘-l-h, when used directionally, refers to movement toward the promised land, and when used within the promised land, to Jerusalem, and when in Jerusalem, to the temple; hence, “to go up” is to move closer to the presence of the Lord). Joseph faithfully trusted that God would indeed return the people of Israel to the promised land, and he wanted to participate when God finally brought it to pass.

Transition: Joseph’s narrative closes the book of Genesis and the story of the patriarchs. Times have changed since Joseph lived, but, as believers, we serve the same God. And we are called to faithfully remember His plans and purposes for His people.

Courson’s Application Commentary, Old Testament Volume 1 (Genesis–Job) Genesis 50:26

Thus ends Genesis. The book that began with creation ends with a coffin. The book that began in glory, ends in a grave. The book that began with the living God, ends with a dead man. The book that began with the brightness of heaven, ends with bones in Egypt.

Why?

It’s the Holy Spirit’s commentary on

the condition of man,

the repercussions of sin,

the need for a Savior.

Apply the Text

Joseph was a “type” of Christ, meaning that his life exhibited Christ in such a way that it was unmistakably God’s work.

Point 2 from Apply the Text on p.126

· Believers can faithfully exhibit God’s character to others.

That means that we too should be a “type” of Christ as much as Joseph was. Do the things you do and say remind other of Jesus? Since none of us in the room are glorified, we have plenty of room for improvement in this area. Make is a habit of prayer and confession to change more into His likeness.

Pray: Thank you God for Your many blessings. Help us to accept forgiveness, exhibit Your character, and assure others of Your eternal faithfulness.