Genesis 50

February 20, Year 1

[10] When they came to the threshing floor of Atad, which is beyond the Jordan….

• Threshing floors are mentioned several times in scripture.

• They represent judgment, discernment—a liminal space—separating wheat from chaff.

• This one points to the body of Jacob separated from his spirit, in death.

  • Especially as he has left the underworld of Egypt.

  • Especially as he has crossed the Jordan.

  • Especially as he is to be buried in the homeland, awaiting the resurrection of the body.

• Atad means “thorn-bush.”

  • Practically, it may point to the foliage of the area.

  • Or perhaps to a hedge around the threshing floor, planted as a defense against theft.

  • But since this is the sole mention of it in the Bible, let’s think it might mean more:

• “Few and evil have been the days of the years of my life,” Jacob told Pharaoh.

“… cursed is the ground because of you…

“… thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you….”

• So ends our story. Still waiting.