What is the context?
After addressing the tribes' future, Jacob gives his sons instructions about his burial. He is to be placed with his fathers in the cave at Machpelah, near Mamre in Canaan. He identifies the land as the field Abraham purchased from Ephron, recalling the family burial place established in Genesis 23.
He names those already buried there: Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, and Leah. The notice about Leah adds a detail not previously supplied about her death and burial. Rachel remains buried beside the road near Bethlehem, as the earlier account records.
Jacob's instruction to all the sons confirms the request Joseph has already sworn to carry out. When he finishes, he draws his feet into the bed and dies, described as being gathered to his people. The chapter closes his life with the family around him and a clear charge for what they must do next.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christians commonly understand the burial instructions as a final expression of Jacob's attachment to God's promise and the family history in Canaan. Wesley's notes on Genesis 49:29, 33 read his death in the hope of belonging with the faithful who have gone before him. The following chapter records the sons' carrying out his charge.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.
Where can I study this further?
No deeper study linked yet.