Genesis 50: Joseph’s Final Acts and God’s Sovereignty

Key Verse: Genesis 50:20"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today."

Genesis 50 marks the conclusion of the book of Genesis, but it is not just an ending—it is the beginning of something greater. This chapter brings closure to Jacob’s life, reconciliation among Joseph and his brothers, and a final declaration of God’s sovereignty.

Despite all the hardship, betrayals, and trials, Joseph never lost sight of God’s plan. His final words in this chapter remind us that even when people intend harm, God is always working for good.

Jacob’s Death and Burial

After living 17 years in Egypt, Jacob dies at the age of 147 (Genesis 50:1-14). Before his death, he had made Joseph promise to bury him in Canaan, in the cave of Machpelah, where Abraham and Isaac were buried.

Joseph honors his father’s request, leading an enormous funeral procession to Canaan. Even Pharaoh’s officials accompany them, showing how much respect Joseph and his family had earned in Egypt.

Jacob’s burial reminds us of something important:

• Egypt was never their true home. Though they were blessed in Egypt, their future was in the land God had promised to Abraham.

• Like Jacob, we too are pilgrims. No matter how comfortable life may seem here, our true home is with God.

Joseph’s Brothers Fear Retribution

After Jacob’s death, Joseph’s brothers become fearful. They worry that without their father, Joseph will finally take revenge for what they did to him years ago. So, they send a message to Joseph, pleading for mercy.

But Joseph’s response is full of grace:"Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good." (Genesis 50:19-20)

This verse is one of the most powerful statements of God’s sovereignty in all of Scripture.

• What others intend for evil, God can use for good.

• Even suffering, betrayal, and injustice are not outside of God’s control.

• Joseph does not take revenge because he trusts that God is the true Judge.

How often do we struggle with forgiving those who have wronged us? Joseph had every reason to be bitter, but he chose to see God’s hand in everything. When we surrender our pain to God, He can turn it into something far greater than we could imagine.

Joseph’s Death and a Future Hope

Joseph lives to be 110 years old, seeing his great-grandchildren. Before he dies, he makes an important request:

"God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here." (Genesis 50:24-25)

Joseph believes in God’s promise that one day, the Israelites will leave Egypt and return to the Promised Land. He does not want to be buried in Egypt but in Canaan. This shows his unshakable faith that God will fulfill His word.

Many years later, in Exodus 13:19, Moses carries Joseph’s bones out of Egypt, fulfilling his dying wish. And even later, in Joshua 24:32, Joseph’s bones are finally buried in the Promised Land.

Joseph’s request teaches us something vital:

• This world is not our final destination. Like Joseph, we must live with the hope of something greater—God’s eternal kingdom.

• Faith is believing in what we cannot yet see. Joseph trusted that God’s promise would come true, even if it took generations.

Final Thought: God’s Sovereignty Over Everything

Genesis 50 brings us full circle. What started with creation and blessing in Genesis 1 seemed to spiral into sin, suffering, and separation from God—but God was always in control.

• Sin entered through Adam, but God planned redemption.

• Joseph was betrayed, but God used it for salvation.

• The Israelites entered Egypt, but God would one day bring them out.

Joseph’s life is a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ.

• Both were betrayed by their own people.

• Both suffered greatly but brought salvation.

• Both forgave those who wronged them.

And just as Joseph’s brothers bowed before him, one day every knee will bow before Jesus, the true Savior of the world.

Genesis ends with Joseph’s death, but God’s story is far from over. The next book, Exodus, will reveal the next chapter of God’s plan—leading His people to freedom.

Like Joseph, may we trust that even in the hardest moments, God is working for good. What others mean for harm, God can redeem. What seems like an ending is often just the beginning.

Because in God’s story, the best is always yet to come.