Genesis 50:6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Joseph approached the nobles in Pharaoh's court, requesting them to speak on his behalf to Pharaoh. Following the period of communal mourning for Jacob, Joseph felt compelled to grieve for his father until the time of his burial in the land of Canaan. He remained unkempt, dressed in mourning attire, and refrained from washing, which made it inappropriate for him to personally petition Pharaoh. Given his current state, he chose to communicate through intermediaries for this request. Pharaoh responded through these same intermediaries, granting Joseph permission to transport Jacob's body to Canaan for burial in the family tomb, a resting place that Jacob had previously prepared for himself.