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. What's going on? Joseph was Pharaoh's right-hand man. He was his highest officer of state, higher than all the other officers. Pharaoh had handed all power to him and made him ‘ruler over the land’ (Genesis 41:43). So why didn't he go directly to Pharaoh, who he had constant access to Pharaoh whenever he desired? He 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. He goes to the cabinet, and says, asks for me leave of absence, that I shall go and leave the capital and go for the burial of my 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. He sets an example to the offices of state and doesn't take things upon himself. 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.