Genesis 47:28-31
‘Jacob (or Israel) lived in the land of Egypt, 17 years. So the whole age of Jacob, was 147 years. And the time drew nigh, that Israel must die. And he called his son Joseph, and said to him…: “Please do not bury me in Egypt!…. I wish to lie with my fathers…. You shall carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their burying-place!”… And Israel bowed himself, upon the bed’s head.’ Genesis 47:28-31.
Calvin commented: ” It was no common source of temptation to the holy old man, to be an exile from the land of Canaan for so many years…. However sweet might be the delights of Egypt, yet he was more than miserable to be deprived of the sight of that land which was the lively figure of his celestial county….
“He was more deeply wounded, when he saw his death approaching…. He was leaving his sons…, at least of feeble faith, buried in Egypt — as in a sepulchre…. His example is proposed to us, so that our minds may not languish or become enfeebled by the weariness of a protracted warfare. Yes, the more Satan attempts to depress them to the earth — the more fervently let them look and soar towards Heaven!….
“‘He called his son Joseph’…. He (Jacob), commanding his dead body to be carried back to Canaan, encouraged his sons to hope for deliverance (from Egypt). Thus it happened that he, being dead, animated those who were alive…. For to what purpose was this great care respecting his sepulture — except that the promise of God might be confirmed to his posterity?….
“It was of great importance that his body should be carried to the sepulchre of his fathers…. He knew that this choice of his sepulchre would be by no means gratifying to the Egyptians…. This stranger…, as if he could find no fit place for his body in this splendid and noble country (of Egypt), wishes to be buried in the land of Canaan!…
“‘I will lie with my fathers!’…. ‘I will sleep’ (with them)…. The word ‘sleep’ — whenever it is put for ‘die’ — does not refer to the soul but to the body. For what did it concern him to be buried with his fathers in the double cave (of Machpelah), unless to testify that he was associated with them after death?…. Not even death itself could extinguish the power of their faith! This would seem to utter this voice from the same sepulchre — ‘Now, also, we have a common inheritance!”….
“‘Israel bowed himself upon the bed’s head’…. Jacob esteemed it a singular kindness, that his son (Joseph) should have promised to do what he had required, respecting his burial…. He is said to have worshipped towards the head of his bed…., seeing he was quite unable to rise from the bed on which he lay. He yet composed himself with a solemn air — in the attitude of one who was praying….
“He bowed his head, leaning of the top of his staff…. By this ceremony, he openly manifested the greatness of his joy!” For the time drew near, that Israel must die!
