Hebrews 11:22
By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Joseph died approximately 1805 BC and was embalmed according to Egyptian custom (Genesis 50:26), his body preserved for the eventual exodus. He lived 110 years, the last 80+ years in Egypt, witnessing his family settle in Goshen and multiply. Yet despite assimilation into Egyptian culture and his own tremendous success, Joseph maintained faith in God's promise that Israel's future lay in Canaan, not Egypt. His bones remained in Egypt over 360 years before the Exodus, a constant reminder of God's promised deliverance. Moses personally ensured Joseph's bones were carried out (Exodus 13:19).
Questions for Reflection
- What 'bones'—lasting testimony of faith—will you leave behind for future generations?
- How does Joseph's example challenge you to maintain faith in God's promises even when comfortable circumstances tempt you to settle where you are?
- In what ways should faith in God's future promises shape your present decisions and legacy?
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Analysis & Commentary
By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones. Joseph's deathbed instructions (Genesis 50:24-25) demonstrated faith in God's promises despite contrary circumstances. Though second-in-command of Egypt, honored and prosperous, Joseph believed God would bring Israel out of Egypt to Canaan as promised. He commanded that his bones be carried to the Promised Land, refusing permanent burial in Egypt despite his exalted position there. This testified that his true home was not where he achieved success but where God promised inheritance.
The phrase 'made mention of the departing' (exodus, ἔξοδος in LXX—source of the book's name) shows Joseph prophetically foresaw Israel's deliverance from Egypt, centuries before it occurred. He possessed no political or military means to accomplish this; he simply believed God's word to Abraham. His faith looked beyond immediate reality to divine promises, shaping how he wanted to be remembered after death. Faith doesn't terminate at death but extends into eternity, concerned with God's purposes beyond our lifetimes.
Joseph's bones, carried through the wilderness for forty years and finally buried in Shechem (Joshua 24:32), testified across generations that God fulfills His promises. Every time Israel saw Joseph's coffin, they were reminded of his faith and God's faithfulness. Similarly, believers today should live and die in ways that testify to future generations of God's trustworthy promises, leaving behind not merely material inheritance but spiritual legacy pointing to God's covenant faithfulness.