Exodus 13:19
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 13:19
19 And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you.
Chapter Context
Exodus 13 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, obedience, covenant. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 13:19
19 And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you.
Analysis
Moses taking Joseph's bones fulfills the oath Joseph extracted in Genesis 50:25. The phrase 'Ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you' shows Joseph's faith that God would fulfill His promise to bring Israel to Canaan. Carrying these bones throughout forty wilderness years testified to covenant faithfulness—both God's (bringing Israel out) and Joseph's (trusting God's promise despite dying in Egypt).
Historical Context
Joseph died in Egypt (Genesis 50:26) and was embalmed. His bones were transported through wilderness wanderings and eventually buried at Shechem (Joshua 24:32), fulfilling the oath after 400+ years.
Reflection
- How does Joseph's faith expressed through his burial request teach about confident hope in God's promises?
- What does carrying Joseph's bones throughout the wilderness teach about honoring past saints' faith?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Genesis 48:21
- References Israel: Joshua 24:32
- Parallel theme: Acts 7:16