Exodus 13:19
And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you.
Exodus 13:19 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse 'And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you.' from the book of Exodus carries a significant symbolic meaning in the narrative of the Israelites' journey. Joseph had made the Israelites promise to take his bones with them when God would visit them and lead them out of Egypt. By fulfilling Joseph's request, the Israelites were honoring their commitment to their ancestor and symbolically carrying with them the reminder of God's faithfulness. It also served as a connection to their past and a reminder of the fulfillment of God's promises. Moses' act of taking Joseph's bones with them exemplifies the Israelites' obedience and faith in God's plan for their deliverance, highlighting the importance of honoring promises, acknowledging their history, and trusting in God's promises for the future.
Theological Overview
One interesting theological interpretation of this verse is the significance of carrying Joseph's bones with the Israelites as they leave Egypt. The act of taking Joseph's bones symbolizes the Israelites' faith in God's promise to visit them and bring them out of Egypt. By bringing Joseph's bones, they are showing their belief that God will fulfill His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This act also signifies the Israelites' connection to their ancestors and the importance of honoring their heritage. Additionally, the mention of carrying Joseph's bones serves as a reminder of the Israelites' ultimate destination - the Promised Land. This act of faith and obedience to God's promise is a powerful testament to the Israelites' trust in God's plan for their future.
Exodus 13:19 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you.
World English Bible
Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for he had made the children of Israel swear, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones away from here with you.”
Douay-Rheims
And Moses took Joseph's bones with him: because he had adjured the children of Israel, saying: God shall visit you, carry out my bones from hence with you.
Geneva Bible (1599)
(And Moses tooke the bones of Ioseph with him: for he had made the children of Israel sweare, saying, God will surely visite you, and ye shall take my bones away hence with you)