Exodus 13:19 – “Moses took the bones of Joseph with him because Joseph had made the Israelites swear an oath. He had said, ‘God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up with you from this place.’”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, we see Moses fulfilling a centuries-old promise made to Joseph. Before Joseph died in Egypt, he made the Israelites swear that when God eventually delivered them from Egypt, they would take his bones with them to the Promised Land. Joseph’s request was rooted in his deep faith in God’s promises. He believed that God would fulfill His word to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, bringing their descendants back to the land He had promised them.
By taking Joseph’s bones with them, Moses and the Israelites were honoring Joseph’s faith and his belief in God’s promises. This act of carrying the bones symbolized the continuity of God’s covenant with the patriarchs and the fulfillment of His promises. It was a tangible reminder that God was faithful to His word, and that even in death, the patriarchs were connected to the land God had promised.
Historical Context
Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, had been sold into slavery by his brothers and brought to Egypt. Over time, he rose to a position of great power in Egypt, becoming second only to Pharaoh. Despite his success in Egypt, Joseph never forgot God’s promises to his ancestors. Before his death, he made the Israelites swear to take his bones with them when they left Egypt, a sign of his unwavering belief that God would eventually bring them out of Egypt and back to the Promised Land.
The carrying of Joseph’s bones by Moses is significant because it shows that the Israelites remembered and honored their past, even during the chaos of the Exodus. It also reflects the strong sense of identity and continuity that the Israelites had, despite their years of slavery in a foreign land.
Theological Implications
This verse emphasizes the importance of faith in God’s promises. Joseph’s request was made in faith, trusting that God would keep His word, even though it would be many years before the Israelites left Egypt. His bones being carried to the Promised Land is a powerful symbol of that faith—a faith that looks beyond immediate circumstances and trusts in God’s long-term plan.
The verse also speaks to the idea of God’s faithfulness. The Israelites carrying Joseph’s bones with them is a reminder that God is faithful to His promises, no matter how much time has passed. It shows that God’s covenant with His people is enduring and that He remembers His promises, fulfilling them in His perfect timing.
Literary Analysis
The verse is a poignant reminder of the connection between the past and the present. The act of taking Joseph’s bones along is not just a fulfillment of a promise but also a literary device that ties the Exodus story back to the patriarchal narratives in Genesis. It serves to connect the Exodus to the larger story of God’s covenant with Israel.
The phrase “God will surely come to your aid” is significant. It reflects Joseph’s confidence in God’s intervention, a confidence that the Israelites were now witnessing as they left Egypt. This phrase also adds depth to the narrative, showing that God’s deliverance was not just a random event but part of a long-standing divine plan.
Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 50:24-25 – This passage recounts Joseph’s request to have his bones carried out of Egypt, which Moses fulfills in Exodus 13:19.
- Joshua 24:32 – This verse describes the eventual burial of Joseph’s bones in Shechem, completing the fulfillment of Joseph’s request.
- Hebrews 11:22 – Joseph’s faith is highlighted in the New Testament, where it is mentioned that by faith, Joseph spoke of the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions concerning his bones.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Exodus 13:19 is a reminder of the importance of trusting in God’s promises, even when the fulfillment of those promises seems far off. Joseph’s faith in God’s future deliverance can inspire believers to trust in God’s plans for their lives, even when the way forward is unclear.
This verse also teaches the value of honoring the past and staying connected to the story of God’s work throughout history. Just as the Israelites carried Joseph’s bones as a symbol of God’s faithfulness, Christians are called to remember and celebrate the ways God has been faithful in the past, using those memories to strengthen their faith for the future.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in His faithfulness to His promises. God’s care for His people is seen not just in the present but in His commitment to fulfilling promises made long ago. Joseph’s request and its fulfillment show that God does not forget His promises or His people, even over the span of generations. This steadfast love is a key aspect of God’s character, providing comfort and assurance to His people.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Exodus 13:19 connects to Jesus Christ in the sense that, like Joseph, Jesus made promises to His followers about the future—promises of eternal life, His return, and the ultimate fulfillment of God’s kingdom. Just as Joseph trusted in God’s future deliverance, Christians trust in the future return of Christ and the final establishment of God’s reign.
Moreover, the act of carrying Joseph’s bones to the Promised Land can be seen as a precursor to the resurrection, where, in Christ, all believers will be raised and brought into the eternal Promised Land of God’s kingdom. Just as Joseph’s bones were not left in Egypt but were carried to the Promised Land, so too will God’s people be raised and brought into His eternal kingdom through Jesus.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Joseph’s faith in God’s promises inspire you to trust God’s plan for your life, even when it seems distant?
- In what ways can you stay connected to the history of God’s faithfulness in your own life and in the broader story of the church?
- How does the fulfillment of Joseph’s request encourage you to believe in the fulfillment of Christ’s promises?
- What steps can you take to live in a way that reflects trust in God’s long-term plan, even when the journey is challenging?
Exodus 13:19 challenges believers to trust in God’s promises and to remember His faithfulness throughout history. It encourages a faith that looks beyond immediate circumstances and holds onto the hope of God’s ultimate deliverance, fulfilled in Jesus Christ.