Yaakov said to Yosef “If I may find favor in your eyes, place your hand under my thigh, and do with me this favor – do not bury me in Egypt” Rashi explains that he was asking for Yosef to swear that he would not bury him in Egypt, rather in Eretz Yisrael. Surprisingly, however, Yosef merely said “I will do as you ask” He did not swear.
Yaakov then repeated to Yosef “Swear to me”, Yosef swore, and Yaakov bowed upon the head of his bed. Why did Yosef not swear when he was first asked to? (See Malbim)
The children suggested various things; perhaps it was indeed very difficult to promise such a thing, for the Egyptians, with their cult of worshipping the dead, would not let him leave. Only after being forced to was Yosef prepared to swear.
Perhaps too this way he can say to Pharoh later on “My father forced me into swearing”. This way Pharoh would not be angered at him for swearing so quickly.
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