Genesis 47:29

Ndebele Bible - 2010

Kwathi sekusondele insuku zikaIsrayeli ukuthi afe;

What Does This Mean?

In Genesis 47:29, Jacob (also known as Israel) is nearing the end of his life and asks his son Joseph to promise to take his body back to Canaan for burial, not in Egypt. He makes this request with a gesture of putting his hand under his thigh, which was a way to make a solemn oath.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're getting ready for a big sleep and you ask your mom or dad to promise to take you home to your special bed. That's what Jacob did. He asked his son Joseph to make a big promise to take him back home after he dies, just like you'd want to go back to your cozy bed.

Historical Background

This verse is part of the book of Genesis, traditionally attributed to Moses, written around 1446-1406 BCE. The book was written for the Israelites, to remind them of their ancestors and the promises God made to them. At this time, the Israelites were living in Egypt, where Jacob was nearing the end of his life.

Living It Out Today

Today, we can see this verse as a reminder of the importance of honoring our family's wishes and traditions, especially when it comes to end-of-life decisions. Just like Jacob asked Joseph to take his body back to Canaan, we can think about how we want to be remembered and ensure that our loved ones know our wishes.

Topics

• faith
• promise
• family
• death
• tradition
• honor

Related Verses

• Genesis 25:9
• Genesis 50:13
• Exodus 13:19
• Joshua 24:32
• Hebrews 11:22

Recommended Reading

Commentary Genesis Commentaries → Get This Bible Ndebele Bible - Study Bible →

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jacob want to be buried in Canaan instead of Egypt?

Jacob wanted to be buried in Canaan, his homeland, because it was the land that God had promised to his ancestors and future generations. Returning his body to Canaan symbolized his belief in God's promises and his connection to his roots.

What does the gesture of putting a hand under the thigh signify?

Putting a hand under the thigh was an ancient gesture used to make a solemn oath. It was a way to show sincerity and commitment to the promise being made, similar to how we might cross our heart and hope to die today.

How does Joseph respond to Jacob's request?

Joseph responds positively to Jacob's request. Although the verse in Genesis 47:29 does not explicitly show Joseph's response, later in Genesis 50:5-13, it is clear that Joseph honors his father's wishes and arranges for Jacob's burial in Canaan.

What can we learn about Jacob's character from this verse?

From this verse, we can see that Jacob values his heritage and believes in the promises God made to his ancestors. His request also shows his trust in Joseph and his desire to ensure his wishes are respected even after his death.