Pharaoh’s Reaction to Jacob’s Death and Burial

The death of Jacob, the patriarch of Israel, marked a significant moment in the history of the Israelites in Egypt. Jacob, also known as Israel, had spent his final years in Egypt, under the protection and favor of his son Joseph, who had risen to prominence as the second-in-command to Pharaoh. The events surrounding Jacob’s death and burial reveal both the political and personal dimensions of Pharaoh’s response, reflecting the respect and recognition he had for Joseph’s family.

1. Pharaoh’s Immediate Response to Jacob’s Death

According to the biblical narrative in Genesis 50:1-2, when Jacob died, Joseph acted promptly, informing his brothers and making arrangements for his father’s burial. Pharaoh’s reaction, as recorded in Genesis 50:2-3, was one of immediate respect and support. Pharaoh granted Joseph permission to take Jacob’s body back to Canaan for burial, demonstrating both his acknowledgment of Jacob’s significance and his trust in Joseph to handle the matter appropriately.

This act was significant for several reasons:

• Political Respect: Pharaoh’s approval indicated that he recognized the importance of maintaining good relations with Joseph, who was an indispensable advisor and administrator. Allowing the burial in Canaan avoided conflict and showed Pharaoh’s understanding of the cultural and familial obligations of the Israelites.

• Personal Courtesy: Pharaoh’s response also reflects personal courtesy and respect toward Joseph and, indirectly, toward Jacob himself, even though Jacob had been an immigrant in Egypt. Granting permission for the burial was a generous gesture that went beyond mere political necessity.

2. Pharaoh’s Provision for the Burial

Pharaoh did not merely grant permission; he also provided tangible support for the funeral procession. Genesis 50:7-9 describes how Joseph received permission to lead a large and honored delegation to Canaan. The Egyptian officials, along with chariots and horsemen, accompanied the procession, showing Pharaoh’s endorsement and respect. This elaborate escort not only ensured the safe transport of Jacob’s body but also symbolized the high regard in which Joseph and his family were held in Egypt.

The provision of chariots and men for the journey carried symbolic significance:

• Demonstration of Status: The escort elevated Jacob’s burial from a private family affair to a public, state-recognized event. It indicated that Pharaoh considered Jacob a person of honor due to Joseph’s influence and the family’s status in Egypt.

• Cultural Diplomacy: By supporting the burial in Canaan, Pharaoh facilitated respect for foreign customs and traditions, avoiding any potential tensions between the Egyptians and the Israelites.

3. Pharaoh’s Respect for Joseph

Pharaoh’s reaction to Jacob’s death cannot be fully understood without recognizing his relationship with Joseph. Pharaoh’s generosity and willingness to support the burial reflected his trust and esteem for Joseph, who had proven his wisdom and administrative skill in managing Egypt during the famine. By granting permission and providing resources, Pharaoh affirmed Joseph’s authority and leadership, reinforcing Joseph’s position both politically and socially.

4. Broader Implications

Pharaoh’s response also had broader implications for the Israelites in Egypt:

• Validation of God’s Providence: The favorable treatment by Pharaoh demonstrated the protective hand over Joseph’s family, consistent with the biblical theme of divine providence.

• Strengthening Family Legacy: The state-sanctioned burial of Jacob in Canaan connected the Israelites to their ancestral land, fulfilling Jacob’s lifelong wish to be buried among his forefathers. Pharaoh’s support enabled this, ensuring that Joseph and his brothers could honor their father’s final request.

Conclusion

Pharaoh’s reaction to Jacob’s death was marked by respect, support, and political prudence. He granted permission for the burial in Canaan, provided an honored escort, and thereby acknowledged the significance of Joseph’s family. This response highlighted Pharaoh’s recognition of Joseph’s influence, respect for family obligations, and the integration of foreign customs into Egyptian governance. Ultimately, Pharaoh’s actions facilitated the fulfillment of Jacob’s burial wishes, leaving a lasting legacy of honor and reverence for the patriarch within both Israelite and Egyptian contexts.

How did Joseph ensure Jacob’s burial according to his wishes?