The last words you remember -- or say
Exodus 13:19 and Genesis 50:24-25
The conflict between Moses, who wanted the Israelites released, and Pharaoh, whose heart was hardened to Moses’ request, continued to escalate with various plagues visited upon Egypt. Then God killed the Egyptians’ firstborn, both man and animals. At that point, Pharaoh relented, “for there was not a house where someone was not dead.” (Ex: 12:30)
As the Israelites were preparing to leave, Moses remembered the last words of Joseph:
Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for Joseph had made the sons of Israel solemnly swear, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones with you from here.” (Exodus 13:19)
Recall Joseph’s story in Genesis: Thrown in a pit by his brothers, sold into Egyptian slavery, then held in prison, he used his skills as an interpreter of dreams to finally rise to a prominent position with Pharaoh. His family traveled to Egypt during a famine, and right before he died, here is what Joseph said:
And Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will visit you and bring you up out of this land to the land that he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here.” (Genesis 50:24-25)
Moses did not forget those dying words, the promise offered by Joseph and the promise expected by him, too.
Last words have an important place in our culture. We quote “famous” last words. We offer dying inmates a chance to say them. In some legal cases they can be admissible. We routinely, perhaps even without thinking, offer words of love and care just in case those are the last words a loved one hears. For family members who are angry and speak harshly to one another, who didn’t know their difficult words would in fact be last words, the regret of what was said can be palpable, causing deep anguish and remorse.
Do you remember a conversation with a family member or close friend near the end of their life, or the last time you saw them before they died? Are there words you need to make sure others hear before you, or they, are gone?1
Dr. Ira Byock, in his book The Four Things That Matter Most, suggests the most important things to say before you die include “Please forgive me,” “I forgive you,” “Thank you,” and “I love you.”