The account of Joseph’s death and burial is found in Genesis 50:24–26:
“And Joseph said to his brethren, ‘I am dying; but God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land to the land of which He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.’ Then Joseph took an oath from the children of Israel, saying, ‘God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here.’ So Joseph died, being one hundred and ten years old; and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.”
Joseph’s embalming reflected Egyptian customs, not Hebrew practice. As a high official in Egypt, his body was preserved according to Egyptian burial traditions. However, the greater significance lies in his instructions regarding his bones. Joseph believed God’s promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and was confident that God would one day bring Israel back to the land of Canaan. His command, repeated in Exodus 13:19 and fulfilled in Joshua 24:32, shows Joseph’s faith in God’s covenant:
“By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones.” (Hebrews 11:22)
This act served as a testimony to future generations that Egypt was not their permanent home. Joseph’s coffin stood as a silent reminder of the promised land and the certainty of God’s word. His embalming and burial in Egypt underscore the temporary nature of Israel’s stay there and point forward to God’s plan of redemption and deliverance.
