The sound of Genesis comes to an end. Yet it will echo through the sacred texts of Jews and Christians. Jacob fades away and Joseph makes peace with his brothers. Joseph too fades.
The fading away of a person in the British society that I live in is mostly silent. Death is so hidden and often lonely. Jacob’s death and burial however is loud.
they lamented loudly and bitterly;
(Vs10)
Lament at the time of death is a cry, a breath against the fading of breath. To be lamented is to be remembered, to live on in the breath of those who lament.
Joseph is embalmed and placed in a coffin but the our memories of those who pass on remain alive in ourselves.
Genesis, the prehistory of Israel now closes. The overture is done. Ready for raucous sounds of Exodus.