Genesis 47:29 – “When the time drew near for Israel to die, he called for his son Joseph and said to him, ‘If I have found favor in your eyes, put your hand under my thigh and promise that you will show me kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt,'”

Extended Explanation

In Genesis 47:29, we find Jacob, also known as Israel, nearing the end of his life. Aware of his approaching death, Jacob calls his son Joseph, who held a position of power in Egypt, and asks him to make a solemn promise. The phrase “put your hand under my thigh” was a customary way to make a serious oath in that cultural context, signifying the deep importance of the request. Jacob’s request is straightforward: he asks Joseph to show him kindness and faithfulness by ensuring that he is not buried in Egypt but in the land of his ancestors. This request reflects Jacob’s deep connection to the land God had promised to his family, showing that even in his final moments, his heart was set on the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Historical Context

This verse occurs toward the end of Jacob’s life, after he and his family have settled in Egypt during a severe famine. Joseph, one of Jacob’s sons, had been sold into slavery by his brothers but had risen to a position of great power in Egypt, eventually reuniting with his family. The famine led Jacob and his entire household to move to Egypt, where they were provided for under Joseph’s care. As Jacob nears death, he expresses his desire to be buried in the land of Canaan, the land God had promised to his grandfather Abraham, his father Isaac, and to him. Jacob’s request to be buried in his homeland reflects the importance of God’s covenant promises and his identification with the land that was central to those promises.

Theological Implications

Theologically, Genesis 47:29 highlights themes of covenant, faithfulness, and the hope of resurrection. Jacob’s insistence on being buried in the land of Canaan underscores his deep faith in God’s promises. He wanted to be laid to rest in the land that God had sworn to give to his descendants, demonstrating his trust that God would fulfill His covenant. This act of faith also points to the broader biblical theme of the resurrection and the hope that death is not the end. By requesting to be buried in Canaan, Jacob was affirming his belief that God’s promises would continue beyond his lifetime, ultimately leading to the establishment of Israel in the Promised Land.

Literary Analysis

Literarily, this verse is part of a larger narrative that transitions from Jacob’s life in Egypt to his death and the subsequent events that lead to the Exodus. The specific request Jacob makes to Joseph is significant because it sets the stage for the eventual return of the Israelites to Canaan. The use of the phrase “put your hand under my thigh” adds a solemn tone to the request, indicating the seriousness and sacredness of the promise Jacob is asking Joseph to make. This verse also highlights the close relationship between Jacob and Joseph, as Jacob entrusts this important task to the son who had been separated from him for many years.

Biblical Cross-References

Several cross-references are relevant to Genesis 47:29:

• Genesis 50:5-6 – Joseph fulfilling Jacob’s request by asking Pharaoh for permission to bury his father in Canaan, demonstrating the importance of the oath.
• Genesis 23:19-20 – The burial of Abraham and Sarah in the cave of Machpelah in Canaan, showing the significance of this burial place for the patriarchs.
• Hebrews 11:21 – A New Testament reflection on Jacob’s faith as he blessed his sons and worshiped God, leaning on his staff, pointing to his trust in God’s promises even in his final days.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For today’s Christian, Genesis 47:29 serves as a reminder of the importance of faith in God’s promises, even at the end of life. Jacob’s request to be buried in Canaan reflects a deep trust in God’s covenant and the belief that His promises extend beyond this life. This verse encourages believers to hold onto God’s promises, knowing that they are faithful and true, regardless of the circumstances they face. It also challenges Christians to consider their own legacy of faith—how they can pass on a strong trust in God to the next generation, as Jacob did with Joseph.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse relates to God’s love in the way it shows His faithfulness to His people, even in the face of death. Jacob’s desire to be buried in the Promised Land is rooted in his understanding of God’s steadfast love and faithfulness to His covenant promises. God’s love is seen in the way He honors the faith of His people, ensuring that His promises are fulfilled. Jacob’s request is a testimony to his trust in God’s loving and unchanging nature, knowing that even in death, God’s plans and purposes remain steadfast.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Genesis 47:29 connects to Jesus Christ through the theme of trust in God’s promises and the hope of resurrection. Just as Jacob wanted to be buried in the land of promise, Christians have the hope of eternal life through Jesus, who is the fulfillment of all God’s promises. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead assures believers that death is not the end and that God’s promises will be fulfilled in the new creation. Jacob’s faith in being buried in Canaan points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s covenant in Jesus, who brings life and immortality to light through the gospel (2 Timothy 1:10).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does Jacob’s request in Genesis 47:29 challenge you to think about your own trust in God’s promises, especially as you consider the end of life?
2. In what ways can you pass on a legacy of faith to the next generation, as Jacob did with Joseph?
3. How does this verse encourage you to reflect on the importance of the hope of resurrection and the belief that God’s promises extend beyond this life?
4. What does this verse teach us about the significance of trusting in God’s faithfulness, even in the face of death?
5. How does the connection between Jacob’s faith in God’s promises and the fulfillment of those promises in Jesus deepen your understanding of God’s love and the hope of eternal life?

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith in God’s promises, the hope of resurrection, and the call to trust in God’s loving faithfulness, pointing ultimately to the fulfillment of all His promises in Jesus Christ.