A few centuries following the death of Joseph, a new king had arisen over Egypt “who did not know Joseph.” This Pharaoh began a program of brutal rule over the Hebrews in Egypt (Ex. 1:8–14). But God in mercy raised up a deliverer: Moses, who would lead the people out of Egypt. Moses then fulfilled the oath that had been made to Joseph centuries before: “Moses took the bones of Joseph with him” (Ex. 13:19; cf. Gen. 50:25).

We must assume that this promise to bring the ancient bones of Joseph out of Egypt had been passed down through each succeeding generation and finally to Moses and his generation. Notwithstanding all the momentous events of the early chapters of Exodus, Moses would not be negligent to the oath made to Joseph. In the midst of all his trials with Pharaoh, and all the details of leading the people out, dealing with such a large and sometimes difficult congregation of people, Moses remembered and made the effort to bring Joseph’s bones with them.

Let us consider this. Are the details of faith important to us? Some requests and commands may seem trivial, or even odd and outdated. But Moses did not look at it that way, and neither should we. He was faithful to the oath made to the beloved patriarch. God honors faithfulness, especially in that which may seem minor or perhaps strange according to human reasoning. But if God is in it we need to follow through, even when it hurts: “He who swears to his own hurt” will abide in God’s presence (Ps. 15:1, 4). A promise is a promise. Moses is our great example here. He did not shirk the task but had respect for what was of God. May we be like-minded!