Genesis Chapter 50 Bible Study: Joseph’s Forgiveness and God’s Sovereign Plan

Jacob’s Burial in Canaan

Genesis 50 opens with Joseph mourning his father Jacob’s death. Following Egyptian customs, Jacob’s body is embalmed (a 40-day process), and a 70-day period of mourning is observed (vv. 1-3). Joseph then secures Pharaoh’s permission to bury Jacob in Canaan, fulfilling his father’s final request (Genesis 49:29-32).

A grand funeral procession takes place, including Egyptian officials and Jacob’s family (vv. 7-9). The Canaanites witness this mourning at the threshing floor of Atad, calling the place Abel-mizraim (“mourning of Egypt,” v. 11). Finally, Jacob is buried in the cave of Machpelah, where Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, and Leah were buried (v. 13). This act reinforces the family’s connection to God’s promised land, foreshadowing Israel’s future return (Exodus 13:19).

Joseph Reassures His Brothers

After Jacob’s death, Joseph’s brothers fear retaliation for their past betrayal (vv. 15-18). They send a message, falsely claiming Jacob had instructed Joseph to forgive them. Joseph, however, had already forgiven them (Genesis 45:5-8) and weeps at their fear. He responds with one of the Bible’s most profound theological statements:

“You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” (Genesis 50:20)

This verse encapsulates the theme of divine sovereignty over human evil—God used their sin to accomplish His redemptive plan (Romans 8:28). Joseph’s forgiveness mirrors God’s grace (Ephesians 4:32) and prefigures Christ’s forgiveness of those who wronged Him (Luke 23:34).

Joseph’s Final Days and Death

Joseph lives to 110 years (v. 22), seeing his descendants to the third generation (Ephraim’s “children of the third generation,” v. 23). Like Jacob, Joseph gives a prophetic word before death, telling his brothers:

“God will surely visit you and bring you up out of this land to the land that He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” (v. 24)

He makes them swear to carry his bones back to Canaan when God delivers them (v. 25). This act of faith is later fulfilled when Moses takes Joseph’s bones during the Exodus (Exodus 13:19), and they are buried at Shechem (Joshua 24:32).

Key Theological Themes

1. God’s Sovereignty Over Human Evil

Joseph’s story shows that no human sin can thwart God’s plan. What was meant for evil, God used for salvation (Acts 2:23-24).

2. The Power of Forgiveness

Joseph’s mercy toward his brothers models Christ-like forgiveness (Colossians 3:13). True reconciliation requires releasing bitterness (Hebrews 12:15).

3. Faith in God’s Promises

Both Jacob and Joseph die in faith, believing in God’s covenant (Hebrews 11:22). Their burial requests declare hope in the future fulfillment of God’s word.

Practical Lessons

✔ Trust God’s sovereignty—Even in suffering, He is working for good.
✔ Forgive completely—Holding grudges distorts our spiritual vision.
✔ Live with eternity in mind—Like Joseph, we should fix our hope on God’s promises.

Genesis 50 concludes the patriarchal narratives, setting the stage for Exodus. It reassures believers that God’s purposes cannot be derailed, and His faithfulness extends beyond the grave.