Genesis 50:10 When they reached the threshing floor of Atad, near the Jordan, they lamented loudly and bitterly; and there Joseph observed a seven-day period of mourning for his father.
Verse 12 says that Jacob’s sons did as he commanded when it came to his burial. Commentary talks about the fact that his sons often disappointed and disobeyed him in life, so it is notable that they honored him according to his wishes in death. I think that’s messed up.
Genesis 50:11 When the Canaanites who lived there saw the mourning at the threshing floor of Atad, they said, “The Egyptians are holding a solemn ceremony of mourning.” That is why that place near the Jordan is called Abel Mizraim.
I try, sincerely, to honor people while they are alive–value and respect them, compliment them, talk with them, share what’s on my heart. Anything I do after they are gone is for me, not for them. I can honor their wishes, but that’s for me, not them.
Genesis 50:12 So Jacob’s sons did as he had commanded them:
Precious Savior, I have said it before: Our culture does not know how to grieve, to show grief, to share grief. We also struggle with honoring our loved ones, especially as they live, not after they are gone. Help me to live, to interact with others, in such a way that I honor them while they are with me. Help me, Jesus. Amen.
Genesis 50:13 They carried him to the land of Canaan and buried him in the cave in the field of Machpelah, near Mamre, which Abraham had bought along with the field as a burial place from Ephron the Hittite.
Have a blessed day.