Page 21 - April 2026 - Truth & Tidings

" od will surely visit you” (Gen to Abraham hundreds of years earlier,

and ratified by blood (15:9-21), had never
50:24).
1
G In Genesis 50:24-26, the man
in the same faithful word that motivated
whom Pharaoh officially named the sav- been altered. And they could take courage
iour of the world (41:45) is anticipating Abraham to look for a city. Joseph wanted
his own death. His brethren had grown to remind them that their stay in Egypt
used to him as their leader and provider would be temporary.
while they navigated Egyptian culture. However, the one who was sent before
Their comfort and confidence depended them for suffering and salvation has not
on their proximity to him, the man God only past and present promises to pass
had used to single-handedly preserve along; he also has a commandment for
the entire world from starvation and them to carry out: “Carry up my bones
death. With a man like that next door, from hence” (50:25). Joseph had no inter-
who wouldn’t feel secure? But moving est in his casket becoming a permanent
forward, they would be forced to face the fixture in a society that would eventually
future without Joseph’s commanding, cease to recognize his sacrifice and au-
compassionate presence. thority (Exo 1:8). Nor did he want to see
Joseph knew this. He also knew that his brethren resign themselves to lives of
God’s plans for Israel’s future would not oppression and suffering, forgetting that
end with a coffin in Egypt. According to God had a better future for them. So, he
God’s Word, there was a hope far greater gathered them around himself.
for them than could be found in the best These men had gathered around him
pastures that the River Nile could pro- before. Once, they had left Joseph’s pres-
vide. The sure expectation covenanted ence in disgust after hearing of his dreams
(Gen 37:8). Another time, they encircled
1 Bible quotations in this article are from the him in their hatred, stripped him of his
KJV. coat, threw him into a pit and sold him

117
TruthandTidings.com I April 2026 117