The journey to bring Jacob to his final resting place in Canaan grew far beyond a simple family funeral, becoming a massive military and spiritual convoy. The primary approach among commentators is that Joseph actively organized and led this vast assembly of Egyptian officials and armed forces [רשב״ם, חזקוני, הכתב והקבלה, העמק דבר]. Another perspective suggests that Joseph simply led the way, and the military naturally followed him [ביאור יש״ר].
The procession included a formidable military escort, complete with chariots pulled by teams of four horses and cavalrymen spurring their mounts onward [אבן עזרא, מחוקקי יהודה]. The necessity of such a heavy military presence prompts several explanations. One view sees it as a profound display of honor. The soldiers joined the journey because they admired Joseph as a great man of valor [ספורנו, ביאור יש״ר].
A second approach suggests the troops were necessary for actual security. Rather than taking the entire Egyptian army, Joseph selected a specific unit to protect the vulnerable mourners from dangers along the road. He was particularly concerned that the family of Esau might attack and challenge their right to bury Jacob in the Cave of Machpelah [העמק דבר, הכתב והקבלה]. Ancient traditions record that this exact fear materialized when Esau's grandson, Zepho, ambushed the procession. A battle ensued, ending with Joseph defeating and capturing the attacker [רבנו בחיי, הכתב והקבלה].
A third perspective reveals a more calculated political motive from the Egyptians. Pharaoh dispatched the military to keep a close watch on the Israelites, ensuring they would not use the funeral as an opportunity to flee. The troops were there to guarantee their return to Egypt, setting the stage for their eventual enslavement [ביאור שטיינזלץ, שפתי כהן].
The sheer size of the gathering made it an overwhelmingly large camp [ביאור יש״ר]. However, the weight of the procession also reflected the profound sadness of the Egyptians. They understood that with Jacob's passing, the unique blessing that had shielded their land was departing with him [שפתי כהן].
Beyond the physical crowds and soldiers, a deeper spiritual reality accompanied the mourners. The Divine Presence joined the journey, alongside a heavenly entourage of angels and chariots of fire. They descended to pay their final respects and to protect Jacob after his death, just as they had guarded him throughout his life [רבנו בחיי, צאינה וראינה, חומת אנך].