Genesis 50:26Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

His actions were rooted in faith, and through this conviction, he directed that his bones be taken from Egypt. Recall Paul’s words: “By faith Joseph, dying, remembered the descent of the children of Israel,” and he expands on this by stating, “and willed his bones” (Heb. 11:22). Perhaps we are speaking too much today, but forgive us. As we approach the conclusion of this book, we seek to wrap up our discussion today, completing our teachings. Let us add the familiar exhortation to remember what has been shared and emulate the virtues of the ancient righteous: their mercy towards those who offend, their patience with those who grumble, and their profound humility. Through such virtues, this righteous man, Joseph, received great favor from God. If we desire to receive assistance from above, we must focus on virtues. In this manner, we too will draw the grace of the Spirit and navigate our present life with security, ultimately inheriting the blessings of the age to come. May we all be made worthy by the grace and compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory, power, and honor alongside the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and throughout all ages. Amen.

Yet, he entrusted his legacy to his children—even though he had no offspring—he bequeathed it to his people, that they might journey to the promised land and carry his remains with them. I regard my children and my people as the thoughts that emerge in my mind, the emotions that spring from my heart. My children! My people! Depart from the land of Goshen, its lush pastures, fit only for livestock. Flee from Egypt, the realm where flesh and sin dominate, and ascend to Heaven! Allow my body to descend briefly to the earth from which it was taken. But when called forth by the trumpet of resurrection, may it awaken from death's slumber; you—my thoughts and emotions—empowered by the Spirit, will take the resurrected body to Heaven! Heaven is the divine promise for the entirety of humanity: not just the soul but also the body! So, when the appointed time arrives, God will come to humanity, gather the physical body scattered to dust and mingled with the earth, and restore it. If a person's thoughts and emotions are deserving of heaven, sanctified and sealed by the Spirit, then their body will be transformed, glorified, and enlivened, ascending to heaven alongside their soul.

Much like his father Jacob, Joseph found solace in the belief that even in death, his bones would rest in the land where his descendants would thrive, and where Christ would incarnate to fulfill the salvation of all humanity, not just the Israelites but every nation. Joseph’s wishes were faithfully honored; his remains were transported by the Israelites during their departure from Egypt and were eventually laid to rest in Shechem after they settled in Canaan (Ex. 13:19, Hab. 24:32). Like Jacob, Joseph’s body was embalmed and placed within a “frame,” meaning a sycamore wooden box, which his descendants preserved in reverence until the time of their exodus. Over time, Joseph’s embalmed remains essentially became bones encased in skin.