2 Then Joseph directed the physicians in his service to embalm his father Israel. So the physicians embalmed him,
2 And Joseph commanded his servants the physicians to embalm his father: and the physicians embalmed Israel.
2 And Joseph commanded his servants the physicians to embalm his father. So the physicians embalmed Israel.
2 Joseph then instructed the physicians in his employ to embalm his father. The physicians embalmed Israel.
2 And Joseph commanded his servants the physicians to embalm his father. So the physicians embalmed Israel.
2 Then Joseph told the physicians who served him to embalm his father's body; so Jacob was embalmed.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 50:2
Commentary on Genesis 50:1-6
(Read Genesis 50:1-6)
Though pious relatives and friends have lived to a good old age, and we are confident they are gone to glory, yet we may regret our own loss, and pay respect to their memory by lamenting them. Grace does not destroy, but it purifies, moderates, and regulates natural affection. The departed soul is out of the reach of any tokens of our affection; but it is proper to show respect to the body, of which we look for a glorious and joyful resurrection, whatever may become of its remains in this world. Thus Joseph showed his faith in God, and love to his father. He ordered the body to be embalmed, or wrapped up with spices, to preserve it. See how vile our bodies are, when the soul has forsaken them; they will in a very little time become noisome, and offensive.