Genesis 50:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Once everything that had been established was fulfilled, Joseph informed Pharaoh and his companions about his father's wishes and stated...

Joseph approached the officials of Pharaoh. He refrained from meeting the king, as he had not yet set aside the expression of grief.

Joseph instructed Pharaoh's nobles to communicate with Pharaoh on his behalf. After the period of mourning for Jacob, Joseph felt compelled to grieve for his father until he was laid to rest in Canaan, appearing disheveled and dressed in mourning attire. He believed it inappropriate to present himself personally to Pharaoh in such a state to request permission to transport Jacob's body to Canaan. Thus, Joseph communicated through intermediaries, and Pharaoh similarly responded through others, granting Joseph permission to carry Jacob's remains to Canaan for interment in the family tomb that Jacob had previously designated for himself.