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Youth Worship 11th February 2023 : “Please do not bury me in Egypt”

Text: Genesis 46:1-4; 47:27-31
11 February 2023

INTRODUCTION

1. Decision to go down to Egypt

a) It took a lot before Jacob could decide to go down to Egypt
b) The LORD assured him of His presence in Egypt Genesis 46:1-4

2. Sojourn in Egypt

a) In the land of Goshen
b) Donated by the Pharaoh

THE LENGTH OF STAY IN EGYPT

1. Jacob lived through the severe famine in Egypt

2. Joseph provided for the whole family

3. Jacob lived for 17 years in Egypt Genesis 47:28a

A STATEMENT OF HOW THE FAMILY OF JACOB FARED IN GOSHEN

So Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions there and grew and multiplied exceedingly.

Genesis 47:27

1. Israel prospered in Egypt

2. They had possessions in Goshen

3. The family grew and multiplied exceedingly

4. This is to be attributed to the LORD’s promise of blessing

So He said, “I am God, the God of your father; do not fear to go down to Egypt, for
I will make of you a great nation there.

Genesis 46:3

a) God will make Jacob’s family “a great nation”
b) The beginning of Israel as a nation began in Egypt

DRAWING NEAR TO DEATH

29 When the time drew near that Israel must die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, “Now if I have found favour in your sight, please put your hand under my thigh,
and deal kindly and truly with me. Please do not bury me in Egypt,

30 but let me lie with my fathers; you shall carry me out of Egypt and bury me in their burial place.”

And he said, “I will do as you have said.”

Genesis 47:29-30

1. Israel sensed that he would die soon

a) He was already 147 years old Genesis 47:28
b) He had seen Joseph
c) He knew that his family was doing very well

2. Israel called Joseph and had an important conversation with him

a) He speaks tenderly to Joseph
b) He spoke with great deference too
i) Respect for Joseph
ii) Recognition that Joseph was not just his son but a high official
c) His words are to be noted
i) “Now if I have found favour in your sight” Genesis 47:29b
These are not the usual words that a father would use with a son
ii) “Please put your hand under my thigh” Genesis 47:29c
This reminds us of Abraham speaking
to his trusted servant Genesis 24:2
iii) “And deal kindly and truly with me” Genesis 47:29d

3. The request of Israel

a) “Please do not bury me in Egypt” Genesis 47:29e
b) “But let me lie with my fathers” Genesis 47:30a
c) “You shall carry me out of Egypt” Genesis 47:30b
d) “And bury me in their burial place” Genesis 47:30c

4. What is the significance of this request from Israel?

a) It reflects his understanding of God’s promise to inherit Canaan
b) It also reflects his sense of identification with his forebears
c) It further reflects his faith in the LORD

THE APPROPRIATE RESPONSE OF JOSEPH

1. These were the words of his honoured father

2. He would fulfil whatever Israel requested of him

“And he said, “I will do as you have said.”

Genesis 47:30d

a) Joseph promised to do all his father has requested
b) He understood what and why this request had been made
c) What this request was not:
i) It was not an angry request of Israel
ii) It was not just a sentimental request
c) What this request was
i) A revived faith

ii) A sense of connection to the land of Canaan

3. Israel wanted more than just a word from Joseph

a) He wanted Joseph to swear an oath
Then he said, “Swear to me.”
Genesis 47:31a
b) And he swore to him Genesis 47:31b
c) So Israel bowed himself on the head of the bed Genesis 47:31c
i) He appreciated Joseph’s response
ii) Humbly, he bowed to Joseph

CONCLUSION

1. The thoughts and words of the elderly
Pay attention to them

2. The deeper meaning

a) This has to be sought
b) This is to be appreciated deeply

3. Fulfilment of last requests
This is a moving experience!