Bible Commentaries

Here we have a strange and wonderful sight. Jacob was buried with Egyptian pomp, yet in the land of promise. Thus, at last, after a career checkered from the beginning, Jacob entered into his rest. The study of his life reveals little to his own credit, but much to the strength of the grace of God. Nevertheless the activity of that principle of faith which is ever the basis of divine operation was revealed throughout. Well for us if from the story we learn to avoid his mistakes.

Jacob being dead and buried, Joseph's brethren were afraid. How little they knew their brother's heart. Again, with splendid magnanimity, he triumphed over their fear when he said to them, 'Ye meant evil against me; but God meant it for good." It is always the prerogative of one whose life is lived in close relationship with God to be magnanimous toward those who, while attempting to harm him, do, nevertheless, carry out the divine intention of blessing.

At length, Joseph came to his last hour, declaring his confidence that his people would ultimately return to the God-appointed land, and charging them that in the day of their going they should take his bones with them.

Thus ends the Book of Genesis. It is a story of beginnings and not of completions. That which commenced with the majestic phrase, "In the beginning God," ends with the equally suggestive phrase, "a coffin in Egypt." Genesis demands a way out of Egypt for that coffin or else the faith of the man whose bones rest therein was of no effect. The name of the next Book is in itself an answer-Exodus.