Matthew Henry Commentary Genesis 50:22-26

"And Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he, and his father`s house: and Joseph lived a hundred and ten years. And Joseph saw Ephraim`s children of the third generation: the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were born upon Joseph`s knees. And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die; but God will surely visit you, and bring you up out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence. So Joseph died, being a hundred and ten years old: and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt." — Genesis 50:22-26 (ASV)

Joseph, having honored his father, his days were long in the land which, for the present, God had given him. When he saw his death approaching, he comforted his brothers with the assurance of their return to Canaan in due time. We must comfort others with the same comforts with which we have been comforted by God, and encourage them to rest on the promises which are our support.

For a confession of his own faith, and a confirmation of theirs, he charges them to keep his remains unburied until that glorious day when they would be settled in the land of promise. Thus Joseph, by faith in the doctrine of the resurrection, and the promise of Canaan, gave commandment concerning his bones. This would keep up their expectation of a speedy departure from Egypt, and keep Canaan continually in their minds.

This would also attach Joseph's descendants to their kinsmen. The death, as well as the life of this eminent saint, was truly excellent; both provide us with strong encouragement to persevere in the service of God. How happy to set out early in the heavenly race, to continue steadfastly, and to finish the course with joy! This Joseph did, this we also may do.

Even when the pains of death are upon us, if we have trusted in Him upon whom the patriarchs, prophets, and apostles depended, we need not fear to say, “My flesh and my heart faileth, but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.”