Genesis 47:27 - Meaning and Application

Notice, first, the comfort Jacob enjoyed (Genesis 47:27, 47:28). While the Egyptians were growing poorer in their own land, Jacob was being provided for in a foreign land. He lived seventeen years after he came to Egypt, far longer than he expected. He had cared for Joseph for seventeen years, since Joseph was seventeen when his brothers sold him (Genesis 37:2), and now Joseph, in return, cared for him for seventeen years.

See how kindly God arranged Jacob’s life. When Jacob was old and least able to handle worry or hard work, he had the least need to bear it. Joseph supported him without Jacob having to plan for it himself. In this way, God looks after the needs and limits of his people.

Second, notice the care Jacob took as he approached death. At last, the time came when Israel had to die (Genesis 47:29). Israel, a prince with God, who had power with the angel and overcame, still had to give way to death. There is no escape from it. It is appointed for all people, so it was appointed for him too. No one can be excused from that battle.

Joseph had provided him with bread so he would not die of famine, but that could not keep him from dying of age or sickness. His life faded gradually. His lamp was not suddenly blown out, but slowly burned down to the end, so that he could see death coming from afar. It is a useful mercy to see death approaching before we feel its grip, so we are stirred to do all the good we can while we can. Yet death is never far from any of us.

Jacob’s concern, as he saw death drawing near, was his burial. He did not care about ceremony or honor, only about the place where he would be laid. He wanted to be buried in Canaan. He chose that, not just because it was the land where he was born, but in faith, because it was the promised land. In asking to rest there, he was, as it were, keeping possession of it until his descendants would inherit it. He also saw it as a picture of heaven, that better country he was looking toward (Hebrews 11:14).

He wanted Joseph to swear that he would carry him there to be buried (Genesis 47:29, 47:31). This would remove doubts and give Joseph a serious duty to honor. It would also bring Jacob comfort in his dying hours. Nothing helps make death easier than the sure hope of rest in Canaan after death.

When this was settled, Israel bowed at the head of the bed, giving himself over to death, as if saying, “Now let it come, and it will be welcome.” Hebrews 11:21 explains this as an act of worship. He gave thanks to God for all his kindness, especially for this mercy, that Joseph was ready not only to close his eyes, but also to promise the burial Jacob desired. So those who are going down to the dust should bow humbly before God, the God of their mercies (Psalm 22:29).