Bible Commentaries

Genesis 48:2; Genesis 48:4. Israel strengthened himself — The tidings of Joseph’s approach refreshed his spirits, and gave him new strength: and he put forth all the strength he had. God blessed me — And let that blessing be entailed upon them. God had promised him two things, a numerous issue, and Canaan for an inheritance. And Joseph’s sons, pursuant hereunto, should each of them multiply into a tribe, and each of them have a distinct lot in Canaan, equal with Jacob’s own sons. Set how he blessed them by faith in that which God had said to him, Hebrews 11:21.

Genesis 48:4. For an everlasting possession — His natural seed should long inherit Canaan, and his spiritual seed enjoy the heavenly inheritance typified by Canaan, for ever.

Genesis 48:5. Thy two sons are mine — By adoption: I shall own them as if they were my immediate children, and each of them shall have an equal share both in my present property, and in the future inheritance of Canaan with the rest of my children. Thus Jacob transfers the double portion, which was the right of the firstborn, upon Joseph, because Reuben fell from it by transgression; concerning which see Genesis 49:4, and 1 Chronicles 5:1. As Reuben and Simeon — Whom he names as being the eldest, and who, if any, might seem to claim a privilege above the rest.

Genesis 48:6. Thy issue after them — The Scriptures nowhere mention, nor does it appear that Joseph had any more children than these. But Jacob speaks this on supposition that he might, and in case he should have any more. Shall be thine — Shall be reputed as thy children and my grand- children, and shall not have any distinct share of my present and future inheritance, but shall have a part of their brethren’s lot in such manner and proportion as thou shalt think fit.

Genesis 48:7. Rachel died by me — This circumstance he here mentions, partly because the sight of Joseph and his children brought his beloved Rachel, Joseph’s mother, to his remembrance; and partly that he might assign a reason for transferring the right of the firstborn to Joseph, which was not only because Rachel was his first rightful wife by designation and contract, but because by her early death he was cut off from all hopes of having more children by her, and therefore it was but fit that he should supply that defect by adopting Joseph’s children. The removal of dear relations from us is an affliction the remembrance of which cannot but abide with us a great while. Strong affections in the enjoyment of any blessing cause long afflictions in the loss of it.

Genesis 48:11. I had not thought to see thy face — Having many years given him up for lost; and, lo, God hath showed me also thy seed! — See here, how these two good men own God in their comforts. Joseph saith, They are my sons whom God has given me — And to magnify the favour he adds, in this place of my banishment, slavery, and imprisonment. Jacob saith here, God hath showed me thy seed — Our comforts are then doubly sweet to us, when we see them coming from God’s hand.

Genesis 48:12. From between his knees — Not his own, but Jacob’s, between which they stood, while Jacob kissed and embraced them, and from which Joseph removed them, that they might not be burdensome to their aged and weak grandfather, and especially that he might place them in a fit order and a reverent posture to receive the blessing which he earnestly desired. He bowed himself — To testify his reverence for his father, his gratitude for the favour now shown to him and his children, and his humble request for his blessing upon them.

Genesis 48:15. The God who fed me, &c. — As long as we have lived in this world we have had continual experience of God’s goodness to us in providing for the support of our natural life. Our bodies have called for daily food, and we have never wanted food convenient. He that has fed us all our life long will not fail us at last.