Genesis 47:27-31

Genesis 47:27-31

Now the Israelites settled in Egypt in the region of Goshen. They acquired property there and were fruitful and increased greatly in number. Jacob lived in Egypt seventeen years, and the years of his life were a hundred and forty-seven. When the time drew near for Israel to die, he called for his son Joseph and said to him, “If I have found favor in your eyes, put your hand under my thigh and promise that you will show me kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt, but when I rest with my fathers, carry me out of Egypt and bury me where they are buried.” “I will do as you say,” he said. “Swear to me,” he said. Then Joseph swore to him, and Israel worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.

Message:

Jacob despite the comfort that he experienced in Egypt remained faithful about his vow to God. This faithfulness was demonstrated as he asked Joseph to bring him back to Canaan and be buried in the Promised Land after his death. Also, the “put your hand under my thigh” oath enlightened me on the significance of the act to people as it was to Abraham and Jacob. In Genesis 24:2 Abraham let his servant, whom he commissioned to find a wife for Isaac, do it. Then, in this chapter Jacob made Joseph do it as well.  Al Maxey (2014) in Reflections explains that in Hebrew culture a vow is considered sacred and that when a person makes an oath, he has to do it holding the symbol of sacredness. Circumcision the covenant between God and Abraham was a symbol of sacredness (to Abraham and Jacob) and that which is circumcised is man’s genital organ which is under his thigh (euphemism for man’s genital organ,The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, vol. 4, p. 478 as cited in Maxey, 2014). Now, I understand why witnesses in courts swear upon the bible before giving their testimonies and I am reminded that when I make a vow, I must see to it that I fulfill it.

Application:

I will see to it that I fulfill every promise I make.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for making me understand that promises are not made to be broken, rather to be fulfilled. Lord, had I done otherwise, forgive me. Father, as I’m trying to keep my promise to You Lord, guide me. Bestow upon me spiritual strength that I may not be engaged in activities that will cause ruin on my vow to You Lord and to my fellows. Let me reflect Your wisdom Father that I may provide my fellows words of encouragement and friendliness. I pray for everyone in the institution Lord. Touch their hearts Lord that each of them may be able to see the importance of forgiveness, peace and their oath of service. It’s You whom we serve Father and not anyone else. Reign in our minds and hearts Lord. This I pray in Jesus’ name, amen.