Most of the patriarchs asked to be buried in the land of Canaan, thus showing their faith in God's promises. He had promised them a literal inheritance of the land - for ever. This meant he would one day raise them from the dead to fulfil his promises (Acts 7:5 with Luke 13:28-30).
Meanwhile, as evidence that their inheritance was FUTURE and not immediate, they were to be "strangers and pilgrims" on the earth, not yet in possession of it (Hebrews 11:13, 39-40). So Abraham BOUGHT a piece of land in which to bury Sarah. Abraham himself was buried there as also were Isaac and Rebekah and Leah (Genesis 49:29-31) and Jacob (Genesis 50:13).
| SUNDAY
Genesis 43 |
Joseph met all of his brethren and they bowed down before him (verse 28). Remember Joseph's dreams? Had Joseph taught his steward about God? (verse 23). Those who know about the God of Israel should tell others. |
| MONDAY
Genesis 44 |
Joseph's brethren were being led to confess their faults (Genesis 42:21; 44:16). Notice that Judah was the first to plead with Joseph. See the chart for Week 6. |
| TUESDAY
Genesis 45 |
Joseph did not seek revenge. He knew that his sufferings had been for his brethren's sake (verses 5-8). In this he was like Jesus. |
| WEDNESDAY
Genesis 46 |
Here is a prophecy of the Exodus of Jacob's descendants from Egypt (verses 3-4). See Exodus 3:8. |
| THURSDAY
Genesis 47 |
Jacob wanted to be buried in the land of promise (verses 29-30), because of his FAITH (Hebrews 11:8-16). |
| FRIDAY
Genesis 49 |
Judah was the chosen tribe from which "Shiloh" would come. The name means: "Whose it is", and refers to Jesus. See Ezekiel 21:27. |
| SATURDAY
Genesis 50 |
Joseph too wanted to be buried in Canaan, because he had the same FAITH (Hebrews 11:22). He died believing the promises (verses 24-25). |