How Did Joseph Respond to Jacob’s Death?
The death of Jacob—also known as Israel—marks one of the most emotional and significant moments in the Book of Genesis. After decades of separation, hardship, reconciliation, and restoration, Joseph finally lost the father he deeply loved. His response reveals not only family devotion but also faith, leadership, and honor.
Joseph’s actions after Jacob’s death demonstrate grief, respect, responsibility, and covenant loyalty. The narrative in Genesis 50 shows Joseph acting as a faithful son, a wise leader, and a man who remembered God’s promises passed down through generations.
1. Joseph Wept Deeply Over His Father
The moment Jacob died, Scripture says:
“Joseph fell upon his father’s face, wept over him, and kissed him.”
—Genesis 50:1
This shows:
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Genuine and intense grief—Joseph loved his father deeply
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Personal affection—he kissed Jacob’s face, showing tenderness
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Respect for a patriarch—Joseph understood the spiritual significance of Jacob’s life
Despite his power as second-in-command of Egypt, Joseph reacted not as a ruler, but as a son mourning his beloved father.
2. Joseph Ordered His Father’s Body to Be Embalmed
Joseph instructed the physicians in his service to embalm Jacob:
“Joseph commanded his servants the physicians to embalm his father.”
—Genesis 50:2
Important details:
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Embalming was an Egyptian practice, not a Hebrew one
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Joseph chose physicians, not magicians, keeping the process honorable
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Embalming took forty days
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Egypt mourned Jacob for seventy days, a mourning period similar to that given to royalty
This shows:
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Jacob was honored as a kingly figure in Egypt
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Joseph used his authority to ensure a dignified treatment of his father
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Joseph balanced Egyptian customs with Hebrew faithfulness
3. Joseph Gained Pharaoh’s Permission to Bury Jacob in Canaan
Because Jacob had made Joseph swear to bury him in the land of Canaan (Genesis 47:29–31), Joseph sought permission from Pharaoh:
“If I have found favor in your eyes… let me go up and bury my father.”
—Genesis 50:4–5
Pharaoh agreed immediately. This highlights:
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Joseph’s high standing in Egypt
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Pharaoh’s respect for Jacob
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The international importance of the burial procession
Joseph honored the oath he made to his father, showing commitment to covenant promises.
4. Joseph Led a Massive Funeral Procession
Genesis records one of the largest funeral ceremonies in Scripture:
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Joseph traveled with his brothers
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Egyptian elders, officials, chariots, and horsemen accompanied them
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It was described as a “very great company” (Genesis 50:9)
This procession was:
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Diplomatic—representing Egypt at a state-level funeral
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Family-centered—uniting Joseph with his brothers
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Religious—returning Jacob to the promised land
The mourning was so intense that the place was named Abel-mizraim, meaning “mourning of Egypt.”
5. Joseph Buried Jacob in the Cave of Machpelah
The burial took place in the same tomb where:
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Abraham and Sarah
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Isaac and Rebekah
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Leah
had been buried.
This shows Joseph’s commitment to Israel’s heritage:
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He honored Jacob’s request
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He preserved the ancestral burial tradition
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He maintained faith in God’s promise about the land of Canaan
Joseph carried the patriarchal legacy forward.
6. Joseph Returned to Egypt After the Burial
After the burial, Joseph returned to Egypt with his brothers and all who had accompanied him (Genesis 50:14). This shows:
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Joseph still upheld his responsibilities in Egypt
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He remained faithful to Pharaoh
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He continued to care for his family
Joseph balanced his Egyptian position with Hebrew identity.
7. Joseph Reassured His Brothers After Jacob’s Death
After Jacob died, Joseph’s brothers feared he might seek revenge for what they had done to him years earlier.
But Joseph responded with compassion:
“Fear not… you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.”
—Genesis 50:20
Joseph:
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Forgave them again
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Comforted them
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Promised to provide for them and their children
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Chose grace over bitterness
This shows Joseph’s spiritual maturity and trust in God’s sovereignty.
Conclusion: Joseph’s Response Reflected Faith, Love, and Leadership
Joseph’s actions after Jacob’s death reveal:
1. A Grieving Son
He mourned deeply, showing sincere love for his father.
2. A Faithful Son
He kept his oath to bury Jacob in Canaan.
3. A Powerful Leader
He organized a national-level funeral procession.
4. A Devoted Israelite
He upheld covenant tradition by returning Jacob to the promised land.
5. A God-Fearing Man
He forgave his brothers and trusted God’s greater plan.
Joseph’s response to Jacob’s death stands as a beautiful example of honor, faithfulness, and forgiveness—qualities that define his character throughout Scripture.