Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Hebrews 11:22

"By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones." — Hebrews 11:22 (ASV)

Joseph’s faith, like that of the others, looked beyond death, though his words referred to nothing more than his burial arrangements. But the charge to carry his bones to Canaan (Genesis 50:24–25; Exodus 13:19; Joshua 24:32) gives evidence of his deep conviction that in due course God would send the people back to that land. Joseph’s wish to be buried in Canaan is all the more striking when we remember that, apart from his first seventeen years, he spent all his life in Egypt. But Canaan was the land for the people of God, so he wanted to be buried there. His speaking about the “exodus” of the Israelites from Egypt and his concern about the proper disposal of his bones reflect his high faith that in due course God would act.