Jacob made Joseph promise that he would be buried in the land of Promise.
His burial was a form of “down-payment” that his decedents would return.
A Funeral for the Past
One of the clearest pictures of Christ in the O.T. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brethren, yet he ended up delivering them from certain death. His forgiveness was already accomplished.
Jesus was sentenced to be crucified by his “brethren”. Yet, he was “wounded for their transgressions, and bruised for their iniquities.” They meant it for evil, but God planned it for good the salvation of many.
A Funeral in Anticipation
Joseph antcipated the fulfillment of God’s promises.
“God will surely come to your aid...” He will bring help.
“…and bring you up from this land...” He will deliver.
“…to the land he swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”
Joseph was embalmed in anticipation that he would be moved to the land of Promise one day.
Joshua 24:32 ESV
32As for the bones of Joseph, which the people of Israel brought up from Egypt, they buried them at Shechem, in the piece of land that Jacob bought from the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for a hundred pieces of money. It became an inheritance of the descendants of Joseph.
