Genesis 50:25Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He, like his father, cared deeply that his bones be taken away. He aimed to uplift the spirit of his brothers and inspire them to return by first predicting their return and then saying, "Bear with me," regarding the exodus of "my bones also." His intentions were not without purpose; he had two key reasons. First, he wanted the Egyptians, who had witnessed many of his kindnesses and were quick to deify mortals, not to use the remains of a righteous man as an excuse for their blasphemy. Second, he sought to assure the Israelites that their return was guaranteed. Had it not been certain, he would not have entrusted them with his bones to carry. It is also remarkable that the one who sustained all of Israel in Egypt was appointed as their leader during the Exodus and guided them into the Promised Land.

Just as I did not abandon you in Egypt, you must not forsake my remains there. I declared a curse upon them. If I am not to share in the promised inheritance alongside you, I will be resurrected with you.

As he was about to enter eternity, he entrusted to his people the message: "I am departing. The Lord will come to you and lead you from this land to the one He has promised you. Upon your relocation, ensure that my bones are taken with you to the promised land." After making this declaration, he rested; his body, preserved from decay, was placed in a coffin, prepared for the commanded journey. For three centuries, the remains of Joseph awaited their transport, which was inherited with unwavering faith. Though he wished to be buried in Egypt, the land of his exile, he entrusted his legacy to his descendants, though he had no children of his own. He urged his kin to forsake the land of Goshen, known for its fertile pastures, suitable only for raising livestock.

The splendor that enveloped Joseph during his time in Egypt did not extinguish the love he held in his heart for the land of his birth, a land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob through their offspring. Although he was uncertain about the timing or manner of these promises manifesting, he had unwavering faith that they would indeed come to pass. It was this faith that prompted him, as stated by the apostle, to invoke the exodus of Israel's children at the time of his death and to ‘bequeath his bones’ (Heb. 11:22).