How Does Genesis 50:9 Reveal the Significance of Large Funerals in the Ancient World?

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Genesis 50:9 states: “Chariots and horsemen also went up with him, and it was a very large camp.” This passage describes the funeral procession of Jacob as it traveled from Egypt to Canaan for his burial. The size and grandeur of this funeral reveal much about the cultural and historical significance of large funerals in the ancient world.

Why Was Jacob’s Funeral So Large?

Honoring a Patriarch of High Status
Jacob was not only the father of Joseph, the second-in-command of Egypt (Genesis 41:41–43), but he was also the patriarch of a significant and growing people. In ancient cultures, funerals were a reflection of a person’s status. The greater the honor and respect an individual commanded in life, the larger and more elaborate their funeral would be.

This principle is seen in other historical contexts. The funerals of Egyptian pharaohs involved massive processions and rituals, emphasizing their importance. Likewise, Jacob’s funeral included Egyptian officials, reflecting both his personal significance and Joseph’s influence.
Egyptian Burial Customs and Royal Participation
The presence of chariots and horsemen suggests that Pharaoh provided an official escort for the procession. This aligns with Egyptian customs, where the funerals of high-ranking individuals included military displays and state involvement. The inclusion of chariots and horsemen indicates a royal-level recognition, signifying that Jacob was being treated with the honor typically reserved for nobility.

Egyptian tomb inscriptions often depict elaborate funeral processions with officials, servants, and soldiers in attendance. Jacob’s funeral followed a similar pattern, demonstrating how Joseph’s high position in Egypt influenced the treatment of his father’s remains.
Symbolism of Chariots and Horsemen
Chariots and horsemen were the hallmark of Egyptian military power. Their presence at Jacob’s funeral suggests two possibilities:
- A military honor guard was included to show respect for Joseph, ensuring a secure and dignified passage to Canaan.
- The funeral procession was given official Egyptian state protection, allowing safe passage through foreign territories.
Given that Egypt had enemies and controlled trade routes leading to Canaan, this show of force would have served a practical purpose in addition to its symbolic significance.

How Did Large Funerals Reflect Ancient Worldviews?

A Belief in the Afterlife
Many ancient civilizations, including Egypt, believed in an afterlife where the dead required proper burial and elaborate mourning rites to ensure a favorable existence beyond death. While Jacob did not follow Egyptian religious customs, the grandeur of his funeral reflected the honor due to him as a man of God. His burial in Canaan rather than Egypt symbolized his faith in JHVH’s promise to Abraham, Isaac, and himself regarding the land (Genesis 28:13–15).
Public Mourning and Communal Grief
In the ancient world, large funerals served as a public demonstration of grief and respect. Genesis 50:10 states: “They came to the threshing floor of Atad, which is in the region of the Jordan, and they wailed there loudly and bitterly, and he carried out mourning rites for his father for seven days.” This extended mourning period was customary, particularly for figures of great importance.

Historical accounts from various cultures describe large-scale mourning, sometimes lasting weeks or even months. In Mesopotamian and Egyptian traditions, professional mourners were often hired to wail and lament publicly. The scale of Jacob’s funeral indicates that his passing was seen as a significant loss, not just for his family but for those in Egypt who had benefited from Joseph’s leadership.

Why Was Jacob Buried in Canaan Instead of Egypt?

Fulfilling the Patriarchal Covenant
Jacob’s burial in Canaan was not a mere preference but a statement of faith. JHVH had promised the land of Canaan to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 15:18–21). By insisting that he be buried in Canaan, Jacob reaffirmed his belief in JHVH’s covenant and ensured that his descendants would not settle permanently in Egypt.
Separation from Egyptian Religious Beliefs
Egypt practiced elaborate mummification and burial rituals that were deeply tied to their religious beliefs about the afterlife. Jacob’s choice to be buried in Canaan emphasized the distinction between his faith in JHVH and the idolatrous practices of Egypt.
Continuity with the Patriarchs
The burial site in Canaan, the Cave of Machpelah, was significant because Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, and Leah were buried there (Genesis 49:29–32). By being buried there, Jacob ensured that the promise of the land remained central to his family’s identity.

How Did Pharaoh’s Approval of the Funeral Reflect Joseph’s Standing?

Genesis 50:6 records Pharaoh’s response: “Go and bury your father, just as he made you swear.” The fact that Pharaoh permitted Joseph to leave Egypt temporarily to bury Jacob indicates the immense respect Joseph had earned. In many ancient kingdoms, even high-ranking officials could not leave without royal permission. Pharaoh’s immediate approval suggests:

Pharaoh viewed Joseph as indispensable and trusted that he would return.
Pharaoh recognized the importance of honoring vows, particularly in the case of such a significant patriarch.
Joseph had maintained strong political influence, ensuring that his personal requests were granted without hesitation.

Conclusion

Genesis 50:9 presents a remarkable picture of how large funerals were significant in the ancient world. Jacob’s funeral procession, involving chariots, horsemen, and a vast company, underscores his prominence and the respect he commanded, not only among his own family but also within the Egyptian court. The grandeur of the funeral reflects ancient customs of honoring the deceased, the Egyptian influence on Joseph’s life, and the distinctiveness of Jacob’s faith in JHVH’s promises.

Jacob’s burial in Canaan rather than Egypt was a powerful act of faith, emphasizing the covenant with JHVH and separating his family from Egyptian religious customs. The mourning and public grief surrounding his funeral highlight the communal nature of loss in the ancient world. Ultimately, Pharaoh’s approval of Joseph’s request demonstrates the high regard in which Joseph was held, further solidifying his authority and trust within Egypt.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).