God’s sovereignty does not excuse evil, but it transforms its outcome

Jacob’s burial in the cave of the field of Machpelah

The Cave of Machpelah is located near Mamre (Hebron), in the land of Canaan, south of Jerusalem. On a biblical map, Machpelah sits in the hill country of Judah, a strategic and fertile region. This site later became one of the most sacred ancestral landmarks in Israel’s history.

For his sons carried him to the land of Canaan, and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, before Mamre, which Abraham bought with the field from Ephron the Hittite as property for a burial place (Genesis 50:13).

We trace the journey from Egypt → Canaan → Hebron (Machpelah). It highlight that Jacob’s burial marks a symbolic return to the Promised Land, even before national possession.

 

Machpelah was the only piece of land Abraham legally owned in Canaan [Genesis 23:17]. Purchased publicly from Ephron the Hittite, establishing a legitimate title deed. Though Abraham lived as a sojourner, this purchase was a statement of faith in God’s promise. Faith often begins with small, tangible acts that point to much larger divine promises. Machpelah served as the burial place of, Sarah [Genesis 23:19], Abraham [Genesis 25:9], Isaac and Rebekah, Leah [Genesis 49:31], and Jacob [Genesis 50:13]. This created a physical genealogy of faith, rooted in one sacred place.

 

Burial in Canaan expressed hope in God’s covenant, not Egypt’s power or prosperity. The sons of Israel honored the covenant by fulfilling Jacob’s final request. By burying Jacob in Machpelah, the sons of Israel reaffirmed allegiance to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Israel’s devotion would be challenged over centuries, by idolatry, exile, and foreign rule, yet the covenant endured. Sacred places reinforced national and spiritual identity. God’s promises may outlive those who first receive them, but they are sustained through faithful remembrance and obedience. Machpelah teaches that hope is anchored in God’s word, not immediate possession. Spiritual inheritance is preserved through intentional acts of faith, even in uncertain times.  The burial of Jacob at Machpelah was more than a funeral, it was a declaration of covenant faith, a geographic anchor of promise, and a reminder that God’s purposes endure across generations.

 

 

Vengeance belongs to God

After Jacob’s death, Joseph’s brothers feared retaliation, assuming Joseph would now seek revenge. Their fear echoes Esau’s vow to kill Jacob after Isaac’s death [Genesis 27:41]. In both cases, the death of a patriarch raised anxiety that restrained anger would finally be unleashed. Human guilt often expects judgment, even when forgiveness has already been given. Joseph categorically rejected the role of divine judge. Rather than exacting retribution, he acknowledged God’s sovereign hand over human actions.

But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them (Genesis 50:20).

Joseph recognized that ultimate justice and purpose belong to God, not to human agents. He understood that God can work through, even override, human evil to accomplish redemptive outcomes. God’s sovereignty does not excuse evil, but it transforms its outcome. What his brothers intended for harm, God used to, preserve life, save nations from famine, and establish Israel in Egypt for future multiplication. Joseph’s suffering became the means of salvation for many, prefiguring a core biblical theme: God brings life out of affliction.

 

Joseph’s forgiveness was not merely verbal, it was practical and sacrificial. He comforted his brothers and spoke kindly to them, demonstrating that genuine forgiveness is confirmed by continued care and responsibility. Forgiveness is authenticated by love in action, not merely by words. This passage reminds us that, God remains faithful regardless of human evil, our lives are not controlled by people, but by God, and trust in God liberates us from bitterness and fear [Romans 8:28].

 

This truth frees believers to, release vengeance, walk in peace, and love others boldly. Joseph’s response reveals a mature faith that trusts God’s character and promises. His life teaches that victory is found not in revenge, but in trusting God and loving others, even those who once caused great harm. To forgive as Joseph did is to declare, God is who He says He is, and He will do what He says He will do.

  God will surely visit you

Joseph was blessed to see his sons’ children to the third generation, a sign of divine favor and continuity of God’s covenant promises. Yet his greatest legacy was not longevity, but faith. Joseph believed, without doubt, that God would not abandon Israel in Egypt. Though he died in a foreign land, his hope was anchored in God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. By faith, Joseph spoke concerning the future exodus of Israel and gave instructions about his bones [Hebrews 11:22]. He declared with confidence that even in his absence God would surely visit the Israelites, and bring them out of Egypt.

And Joseph said to his brethren, “I am dying; but God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land to the land of which He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” (Genesis 50:24).

Joseph’s coffin was not buried but remained above ground for over four hundred years, a silent yet powerful testimony. It stood as a visible reminder that Egypt was not Israel’s home and that God’s promise was still alive. When the time of deliverance finally came, Moses ensured that Joseph’s bones were carried out of Egypt [Exodus 13:19], and they were ultimately buried in Shechem, in the land of promise [Joshua 24:32]. Joseph’s faith reached beyond his lifetime. Though dead, he still spoke, calling each generation to trust in God’s timing, to live as pilgrims, and to believe that God will surely visit His people and fulfill His word.

George G. Ruheni, PhD.