Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

Joseph threw himself on his father's face and wept, then kissed him. He instructed his medical attendants to prepare Israel's body for burial, and they embalmed him.

Forty days passed as the Egyptians mourned for their beloved leader. When that time was over, Joseph spoke with Pharaoh's officials, saying, "If I've found favor in your eyes, please tell Pharaoh to grant me permission to bury my father according to his last wishes." He had promised Israel on his deathbed that he would be buried in the family tomb Abraham had purchased in Canaan. Now, Joseph asked to return and fulfill this promise before coming back to Egypt.

Pharaoh agreed, saying, "Go up and bury your father as you swore to do. I'll provide a grand escort for you." So, Joseph set out, accompanied by all of Pharaoh's servants, the elders of his household, and the leaders of Egypt. His own family joined him: his brothers, their children, and everyone from Israel's household in Goshen stayed behind, leaving only their little ones, flocks, and herds.

A vast procession followed Joseph to the border between Egypt and Canaan. As they approached the threshing floor of Atad, a place beyond the Jordan River, they mourned for seven days. The locals saw the massive funeral procession and assumed it was an Egyptian ritual; so, they named that location Abel Mizraim.

After the burial, Joseph's family followed his instructions to entomb Israel in the cave of Machpelah, which Abraham had purchased from Ephron near Mamre. Then, Joseph returned to Egypt with his brothers and everyone who had accompanied him on this journey.

As soon as Joseph's brothers realized their father was gone, they feared he would now hold a grudge against them for all the harm they had caused. They sent a messenger to Joseph, saying, "Before our father died, he told us to ask you to forgive us and pardon the wrong we did to you." So, they said, "Please forgive us for the evil we committed; we were wrong in what we did against you."

Joseph's brothers went before him, bowing down in respect. They said, "Look at us; we are your servants." Joseph reassured them, saying, "Do not be afraid. I am here to take care of you." He explained that God had turned their evil intentions into good.

Joseph continued, "Now don't be afraid; I will provide for you and your families. Don't worry about the future; I'll make sure everything is taken care of."

Years passed, and Joseph lived in Egypt with his family until he was 110 years old. During this time, he watched over Ephraim's children as they grew up, even teaching Manasseh's grandson, Machir.

As he neared the end of his life, Joseph told his brothers, "I'm dying, but I have faith that God will visit you and bring you out of Egypt to the land He promised our ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob."

Before passing away, Joseph took an oath from all the Israelites. He said, "God will certainly visit you and lead you back to the land He swore to our fathers; take my remains with you when you leave." And so, they agreed to carry his bones out of Egypt when God finally brought them home.

Joseph died at 110 years old, just like his father had lived. The Egyptians embalmed him, placing his body in a coffin in Egypt, where he would rest until the day God fulfilled His promise and brought Israel back to the Promised Land.