²⁹ When the time drew near for Israel^(A) to die,^(B) he called for his son Joseph and said to him, “If I have found favor in your eyes,^(C) put your hand under my thigh^(D) and promise that you will show me kindness^(E) and faithfulness.^(F) Do not bury me in Egypt, ³⁰ but when I rest with my fathers,^(G) carry me out of Egypt and bury me where they are buried.”^(H)

“I will do as you say,” he said.

³¹ “Swear to me,”^(I) he said. Then Joseph swore to him,^(J) and Israel^(K) worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.^[a](L)

Joseph Reassures His Brothers

¹⁵ When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge^(A) against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?”^{(B) 16} So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions^(C) before he died: ¹⁷ ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins^(D) and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’^(E) Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.^(F)” When their message came to him, Joseph wept.^(G)

¹⁸ His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him.^(H) “We are your slaves,”^(I) they said.

¹⁹ But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God?^{(J) 20} You intended to harm me,^(K) but God intended^(L) it for good^(M) to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.^{(N) 21} So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.^(O)” And he reassured them and spoke kindly^(P) to them.