12. So Jacob's sons did exactly as he had commanded them.
13. They carried his body to the land of Canaan. They buried it in the cave in the field of Machpelah near Mamre. Abraham had bought the cave as a place where he could bury his wife's body. He had bought it from Ephron the Hittite, along with the field.
14. After Joseph buried his father, he went back to Egypt. His brothers and all of the others who had gone to help him bury his father went back with him.
15. Now that their father was dead, Joseph's brothers were worried. They said, "Remember all of the bad things we did to Joseph? What if he decides to hold those things against us? What if he pays us back for them?"
16. So they sent a message to Joseph. They said, "Your father gave us directions before he died.
17. He said, 'Here's what you must say to Joseph. Tell him, "I'm asking you to forgive your brothers. Forgive the terrible things they did to you. Forgive them for treating you so badly." ' Now then, please forgive our sins. We serve the God of your father." When their message came to Joseph, he sobbed.
18. Then his brothers came and threw themselves down in front of him. "We are your slaves," they said.
19. But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Do you think I'm God?
20. You planned to harm me. But God planned it for good. He planned to do what is now being done. He wanted to save many lives.
21. "So then, don't be afraid. I'll provide for you and your children." He set them free from their fears. And he spoke in a kind way to them.
22. Joseph stayed in Egypt, along with all of his father's family. He lived 110 years.
23. He lived long enough to see Ephraim's children and grandchildren. When the children of Makir were born, they were placed on Joseph's knees and counted as his own children. Makir was the son of Manasseh.