Genesis 47:28-31

Jacob’s request to be buried in Canaan 47:28-31

Jacob lived 17 years in the care of Joseph who, ironically, had spent the first 17 years of his life in Jacob’s care (Genesis 37:2). As Jacob’s death seemed to be approaching, he called for Joseph and made him swear to bury him in the Promised Land rather than in Egypt (cf. Genesis 24:2-3). As the father of such a person as Joseph, Jacob could have had a very fine burial in Egypt. Notwithstanding, his request demonstrated his preference for the promise of God rather than the acclaim of the world (cf. Moses, Hebrews 11:24-25).

Placing the hand under the "thigh" was a ritual connected with making a solemn promise (cf. Genesis 24:2-3). Jacob worshipped God for granting his wish. He evidently prostrated himself on his bed in thanksgiving to Yahweh and or out of respect for Joseph (cf. Genesis 37:9-10). He may have been too weak to bow down on the ground (cf. Genesis 48:12; 1 Kings 1:47).

"Jacob, in life too often the cunning schemer who trusted his own wiliness to achieve his ends, now in the face of death shows that his ultimate hope is the promise of God." [Note: Wenham, Genesis 16-50, p. 452.]