Day 101 – Genesis 47:27-31
Bury Me Not in Egypt
Scripture Reading – Genesis 47:27-31
And Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions therein, and grew, and multiplied exceedingly.
Genesis 47:27 KJV
And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years: so the whole age of Jacob was an hundred forty and seven years.
Genesis 47:28 KJV
And the time drew nigh that Israel must die: and he called his son Joseph, and said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me; bury me not, I pray thee, in Egypt:
Genesis 47:29 KJV
But I will lie with my fathers, and thou shalt carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their buryingplace. And he said, I will do as thou hast said.
Genesis 47:30 KJV
And he said, Swear unto me. And he sware unto him. And Israel bowed himself upon the bed’s head.
Genesis 47:31 KJV
Scripture Review
Israel dwells in Goshen, gains possessions, becomes fruitful, and multiplies. Jacob lives seventeen years in Egypt and reaches one hundred forty-seven. As death approaches, he makes Joseph swear not to bury him in Egypt but to carry him to the fathers’ burying place. Joseph agrees, and Israel bows himself upon the bed’s head.
Prosperity in Egypt does not erase the promise of Canaan. Jacob can be grateful for seventeen nourished years and still refuse to make Egypt his final testimony. His burial request is an act of faith pointing the family beyond present comfort. The bed of weakness becomes a place of worship because the promise remains stronger than death.
Joseph meant to honor his father’s burial request, and Jacob meant for his body to testify that the family’s lasting hope was not rooted in Egypt.
God meant to multiply Israel in Goshen while preserving faith in the promised future beyond Egypt and beyond Jacob’s death.
What this asks of me
Comfort can quietly become a substitute for promise. I should enjoy provision with gratitude while remembering that this world is not my final home. Faith should shape practical choices, including the legacy I leave. Even when strength fades, I can worship and point those after me toward what God has said.
Consider
- Has present comfort weakened my sense that I am a pilgrim?
- What practical testimony will point my family toward God’s promise after I am gone?