What does Genesis 50:1 mean?
The previous chapter closed with Jacob's death (Genesis 49:33). Joseph responds with weeping. Though parted for many years, he and Jacob had become close once more after their reunion (Genesis 46:29–30). Hit hard by Jacob's death, Joseph responds in dramatic fashion. Joseph has often cried openly during emotional moments with his family (Genesis 43:30; 45:15).The fact that Joseph was present at his father's death fulfilled God's promise to Jacob. As he left Canaan to move his family to Egypt, God told Jacob, "I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again, and Joseph's hand shall close your eyes" (Genesis 46:4).