Genesis 50:4 Commentary and Bible Study

When the nation had finished mourning for Jacob – a great man because of his connection with his son, the governor over the land – Joseph spoke to the house of Pharaoh to ask permission for something. Why didn't he go directly to Pharaoh? He was his highest office of state. He was higher than mere officers of state. Pharaoh had put everything into his hands and more or less retired and yet here Joseph, who had constant access to Pharaoh whenever he desired, actually goes through a certain protocol and goes to the offices of Pharaoh and to the subordinate officers of state and asks them permission to bury his father. It is an interesting insight into Joseph’s character. When it is something for himself, when it is something which could be misconstrued as going to take a party out of Egypt into Canaan, he goes through the proper channels. Don't forget that the Egyptians very much looked down upon any nation other than their own. What's going on? So, even though he could have done this, he doesn't take it upon himself, but he most carefully puts his petition through the channels of officers even lower than he was. He sets an example to the offices of state and doesn't take things upon himself, even though he is entirely trusted when the need arises. He cannot ever be accused of taking advantage of his position. He speaks humbly, as one who trusts in God at all times for the events of his life to fall into place.