THE BURIAL OF JACOB, AND DEATH OF JOSEPH
2. For the importance attached by the Egyptians to the preservation of
the corpse see on Genesis 40:19. The process, which was so thorough
that mummies of Joseph's time may be seen in our museums in a state of
good preservation, was briefly as follows. The b... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEN THE DAYS OF HIS MOURNING WERE PAST] It could not have been that
cause which prevented Joseph from going personally to Pharaoh. 'More
probably it was not usual to take steps in a matter which personally
concerned the minister, without the mediation of other exalted
personages' (D.).... [ Continue Reading ]
THRESHING FLOOR OF ATAD] unknown. BEYOND JORDAN] i.e. E. of Jordan,
implying that the writer is in Canaan: see on Deuteronomy 1:1.... [ Continue Reading ]
ABEL-MIZRAIM] 'the meadow of Egypt.' 'The name may be historically
explained owing to the long period of Egyptian domination in Palestine
in pre-Mosaic times, as we learn from the Tel-el Amarna letters, but
the narrator connects the name with Ebel, “mourning”' (D.).... [ Continue Reading ]
_Am_ I IN THE PLACE OF GOD?] i.e. to judge or to punish.... [ Continue Reading ]
The selling of Joseph by his brethren had been a sinful action, but
through his coming to Egypt God had brought about a great blessing to
many. So He often brings good out of evil, though evil is not to be
done in order that good may come. Joseph himself here sums up the
great lesson of his career,... [ Continue Reading ]
WERE BROUGHT UP UPON] RV 'were born upon.' Joseph took the newborn
children on his lap and so recognised them as his descendants: see
Genesis 30:3.... [ Continue Reading ]
Cp. Hebrews 11:22,; 'By faith Joseph when he died made mention of the
departure of the children of Israel, and gave commandment concerning
his bones.' Joseph's instructions were carried out at the time of the
exodus (Exodus 13:19) and his body was buried at Shechem: see Joshua
24:32.... [ Continue Reading ]