“By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.”– Hebrews 11:22 (KJV)
“It was by faith that Joseph, when he was about to die, confidently spoke of God’s bringing the people of Israel out of Egypt. He commanded them to take his bones with them when they left.”– Hebrews 11:22 (NLT)
“By an act of faith, Joseph, while dying, prophesied the Exodus and made arrangements for his own burial. He instructed them to take his bones with them when they leave.”– Hebrews 11:22 (MSG)
What Does Hebrews 11:22 Mean?
This verse from Hebrews outlines a significant moment in the life of Joseph, the son of Jacob, as he approaches the end of his life. It’s a profound statement of faith that reflects how Joseph remained steadfast in God’s promises even during his dying moments. Joseph’s request to carry his bones out of Egypt was not some mere logistical request, but it was deeply symbolic and a testament to his unwavering belief in God’s future plans for his people.
Joseph knew, through prophetic insight, that his family would someday leave Egypt and return to the land that God had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It shows that even in death, he held onto the hope of God’s deliverance and the fulfillment of His covenant. Joseph’s desire for his bones to be moved was an expression that he didn’t see Egypt as his final home; instead, he was looking forward to his people, Israel, inheriting the promised land.
Hebrews 11:22 Explanation and Commentary
The significance of Joseph’s actions as described in this verse goes beyond mere historical recounting; it is a vivid illustration of faith. Joseph is recognized in the Bible as a model of patience and perseverance. His early life was filled with betrayal, wrongful imprisonment, and yet he never lost sight of God’s plan for him and his family. Even as he rose to power in Egypt, he held onto the belief that God’s promises were still alive.
Joseph’s commandment concerning his bones carries deep spiritual implications. The act of requesting that his bones be taken from Egypt was an acknowledgment that he believed in a future resurrection and return to the land of Canaan. This belief aligns with the idea that God will deliver His people, not just in the physical sense, but spiritually as well. By instructing his brothers to take his bones, Joseph was saying, “I believe we will leave this land of captivity, and I want to be a part of that future.” It serves as a powerful exhortation for us to trust in God’s promises, despite the circumstances surrounding us.
This profound act teaches us about the importance of legacy and the faith that carries generations. Joseph wasn’t just thinking of himself; he was considering the future of his family and their faith. He knew that the Israelites would eventually leave Egypt, and he wanted to be associated with that moment, which speaks to the importance of our own faith journey and the impact it has on those who come after us.
Additionally, Joseph’s life reminds us of the importance of being prepared and open to God’s work in our lives, leading us toward a promise that might not be visible to us now but is definitely secured in God’s eternal plan. As we reflect on Joseph’s act, let’s think about how we can be faithful stewards of the hope that Christ provides, even in our own lives. It illustrates that we are part of something bigger than ourselves, part of God’s ongoing story of redemption.
Context of Hebrews 11:22
In the context of Hebrews 11, we see a grand narrative of faith throughout biblical history. This chapter is often called the “Hall of Faith” as it recounts numerous individuals who exemplified what it means to have faith in God. Each of these figures had their struggles, yet they all held on to the hope and promises given by the Lord. The mention of Joseph is significant because it bridges the story of the patriarchs and the upcoming deliverance from Egypt.
By referencing Joseph, the author of Hebrews links him directly to the greater promise made to Abraham concerning the land promised to his descendants. This context enriches our understanding of Joseph’s faith, as it wasn’t merely about himself but connected to God’s promise concerning the entirety of Israel. The author used this example effectively to inspire the readers of Hebrews, encouraging them to exercise their faith amid trials.
Moreover, it can help us understand how important it is to look at our faith within the broader context of God’s promises. We are part of a much larger story, one that has been unfolding for generations. This perspective reminds us that individual actions of faith can contribute to a much more significant move of God in history.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Hebrews 11:22
At its core, Hebrews 11:22 is about actions that stem from faith. Let’s break it down into smaller segments to understand it better. The phrase “By faith” implies that Joseph’s request was not based on fear or doubt but a convinced belief in God’s presence and future promises.
The mention of Joseph “when he died” emphasizes the finality of his earthly journey. In our lives, we all face endings, but in Christ, these endings are merely transitions to something greater. Joseph’s death is not the end of his story; it is a continuation of God’s redemptive plan.
When Joseph made “mention of the departing of the children of Israel,” he was not just spouting empty words. It reflects a prophetic awareness that he had, ensuring his descendants would remember his faith and commitment to God’s promises long after he was gone.
Joseph’s instruction to “take my bones” with them highlights the physical representation of faith. It signifies his desire to be part of God’s promise actively. This was not a simple burial request; it was a demand steeped in faith. Joseph wanted to ensure that he would not only be remembered but also connected to the Exodus, the pivotal moment of freedom for the Israelites.
Lessons to Learn From Hebrews 11:22
There are several lessons we can take from Hebrews 11:22 that we can incorporate into our daily lives. One of the key lessons is to have confidence in God’s promises. Joseph exhibited unwavering faith in God’s promise despite not witnessing its fulfillment during his lifetime. We can draw inspiration from that; we should continue to trust in God’s plans even when they seem distant.
This verse also reminds us of the importance of intergenerational faith. Joseph’s act was not just a personal declaration of faith but also an encouragement for future generations. It shows the burden we carry to pass on our beliefs to those who follow us. We should strive to build a legacy of faith in our families, instilling hope and love for God in future generations.
We also learn that faith often requires action. Joseph didn’t just tell his brothers about his faith; he took steps to ensure his beliefs were carried out after his death. Similarly, we are called to live out our faith actively in our day-to-day lives. We must be willing to take steps that reflect our beliefs, whether that be through our choices, our words, or our actions.
Finally, Hebrews 11:22 encourages us to remember that our circumstances do not define our God. Joseph spent a significant part of his life in Egypt, a place of suffering and slavery for his people, yet he held onto the promise of deliverance. It is a powerful reminder that no matter our current situation, God is always working towards our liberation and fulfillment of His promise.
Final Thoughts
Hebrews 11:22 is a profound statement of faith that encourages us to reflect on our beliefs and the legacy we will leave behind. Joseph’s story offers rich insights for our lives today, reminding us that faith is both personal and intergenerational. His unwavering confidence in God’s promise illuminates the hope we can cling to in our own lives.
As we think about the future, let’s remember to keep the faith alive within our hearts and the hearts of those around us. We can be catalysts for change and examples of unwavering trust in God’s plan. Let us encourage one another as we walk through our unique paths, planting seeds of faith along the way.
For those eager to discover more about biblical characters and their journeys, explore our topics on 1 Samuel chapter 20 or 1 Samuel chapter 2. Each story offers lessons that can enrich our understanding and give us strength in our faith journey.