Some consider it pseudepigrapha – writings ascribed to biblical figures but not part of the accepted canon. Others see it as a vital window into the beliefs and practices of ancient Judaism, especially during the Second Temple period. It retells the stories of Genesis and Exodus, but with some interesting additions and interpretations. And Chapter 36 gives us Jacob's deathbed scene.
So, picture this: Jacob, old and nearing his end, surrounded by his sons. What are his final thoughts? What wisdom does he impart?
First, he's very specific about his burial. "Bury me near Abraham my father," he instructs, "in the double cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite, where Abraham purchased a sepulchre to bury in; in the sepulchre which I digged for myself, there bury me." He wants to be with his ancestors, in the place Abraham himself had secured. This double cave, the Cave of Machpelah in Hebron, is incredibly significant. It's a place of heritage, a physical link to the covenant God made with Abraham. He is reinforcing that he is a part of this legacy.
But beyond the practical details of burial, Jacob imparts something far more profound: a moral and ethical charge to his sons. "And this I command you, my sons," he says, "that ye practise righteousness and uprightness on the earth, so that the Lord may bring upon you all that the Lord said that he would do to Abraham and to his seed." This isn't just about following rules; it's about living a life of tzedek and mishpat – righteousness and justice. It's about upholding the values of the covenant, ensuring that God's promises to Abraham will extend to their descendants. Their actions determine their destiny, and the destiny of their people.
And then comes the heart of it all: "And love one another, my sons, your brothers as a man who loveth his own soul, and let each seek in what he may benefit his brother, and act together on the earth; and let them love each other as their own souls." He emphasizes unity, brotherly love, and mutual support. It’s a powerful call for them to care for one another as much as they care for themselves. Can you imagine the weight of that instruction? To love your brother as your own soul. It speaks to a profound level of empathy, responsibility, and collective identity. This unity is not just a nice sentiment; it's presented as essential for their survival and success as a people.
So, what do we take away from Jacob's final words? It's not just about where we come from or where we're buried. It's about how we live, how we treat each other, and the legacy we leave behind. His command to his sons echoes through the ages, reminding us that righteousness, justice, and brotherly love are the foundations of a meaningful life and a thriving community. It's a message that resonates just as powerfully today as it did millennia ago. What is the legacy we will choose to leave?