Joseph’s death signified the end of his generation (see study notes on 25:7–8; 35:1–29) and of the patriarchal age. From this point forward, God dealt with Israel as a nation. •
Joseph’s body stayed in Egypt as a symbol of hope for slaves awaiting the promised land (see Exodus 13:19; Hebrews 11:39–40). They eventually buried him in Shechem (see Joshua 24:32), where Jacob had originally sent him (Genesis 37:13).