Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryGenesis 48

Genesis 48:1-7: Jacob's Last Illness This passage describes the last days of Jacob’s life and his meeting with Joseph and Joseph’s sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. When Jacob hears that Joseph is coming, he gathers his strength to bless his son and grandsons. Jacob remembers God’s promises to him and adopts Joseph’s two sons as his own, giving them a special place in the family and inheritance. Jacob’s actions show his faith in God’s promises and his desire for his grandchildren to stay connected to God’s people, even though they were born in Egypt. The story also reminds us of the lasting impact of family faith and the importance of blessing the next generation.v. 1: When Joseph hears that his father Jacob is sick, he goes to visit him, taking his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim (v. 1 ). This shows respect for his father and a desire for his sons to receive their grandfather’s blessing. Visiting the sick is an important way to show love and learn from their wisdom.

v. 2: Jacob is told that Joseph is coming. Even though he is very weak, Jacob gathers his strength and sits up on the bed to meet his son (v. 2 ). It is good for sick and elderly people to be as strong and cheerful as they can.

v. 3-4: Jacob tells Joseph about how God appeared to him at Luz (Bethel) and promised to make his family large and to give them the land of Canaan as an everlasting possession (v. 3-4 ). Jacob wants these promises to continue with Joseph’s sons. It is important to remember God’s promises for ourselves and our families (Hebrews 11:21 ).

v. 5: Jacob formally adopts Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons, giving them the same status as Reuben and Simeon (v. 5 ). This means that each will become the head of a tribe in Israel, even though they were born in Egypt.

v. 6: Jacob says that if Joseph has more children, they will still belong to Joseph, but they will be part of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh (v. 6 ). This was wise, so that there would be no arguments in the future about the inheritance.

v. 7: Jacob remembers the death of Rachel, Joseph’s mother, and how he buried her near Bethlehem (v. 7; ch. 35:19 ). Thinking about those who have died before us can help us accept our own death and reminds us of the people we have loved.

Genesis 48:8-22: Jacob Blesses the Sons of Joseph; Jacob's Dying Prophecy In this passage, Jacob gives a special blessing to Joseph’s sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, as he nears the end of his life. Even though Jacob’s eyes are dim with age, his faith is strong. He crosses his hands to give the greater blessing to the younger son, Ephraim, showing that God often works in ways we do not expect. Jacob also reminds Joseph of God’s goodness and leaves him with a promise about the future. This moment shows the power of faith, the importance of passing on blessings, and how God’s plans may be different from human traditions.v. 8-10: Jacob (Israel) sees Joseph’s sons, but his eyesight is poor because of old age. Joseph explains that these are his sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, whom God gave him in Egypt. Jacob asks for them to be brought close, and he hugs and kisses them. Grandparents often have special affection for their grandchildren (v. 8-10; Proverbs 17:6 ).

v. 11-12: Jacob tells Joseph that he never thought he would see Joseph again, but now God has let him see Joseph’s children too. Joseph reacts with respect, bowing before his father (v. 11-12 ). This shows gratitude for God’s unexpected blessings.

v. 13-14: Joseph places Manasseh, the older, at Jacob’s right hand and Ephraim, the younger, at his left. But Jacob crosses his hands so that his right hand rests on Ephraim’s head, giving him the greater blessing, even though he is the younger. Jacob does this on purpose, guided by God (v. 13-14 ).

v. 15-16: Jacob blesses Joseph and his sons. He praises God, who cared for him all his life and rescued him from trouble. Jacob asks God to bless the boys and let them grow into a great people, and for his name and the names of Abraham and Isaac to be remembered in them (v. 15-16 ). Jacob’s words show deep faith and trust in God’s promises.

v. 17-18: When Joseph sees his father giving the greater blessing to Ephraim, he is upset and tries to correct Jacob. Joseph thought the older son should receive the higher blessing (v. 17-18 ).

v. 19-20: Jacob refuses to change his hands. He explains that Manasseh will be great, but Ephraim will be even greater, and his descendants will become many nations. Jacob blesses them both, but puts Ephraim first (v. 19-20 ). This shows that God sometimes chooses the least expected for special purposes (1 Samuel 16:7 ).

v. 21: Jacob tells Joseph that he is about to die, but God will be with Joseph and bring his family back to the land of their ancestors one day (v. 21 ). Even in death, Jacob trusts God’s promises for the future.

v. 22: Jacob gives Joseph a special piece of land, which he won from the Amorites. This land will belong to Joseph’s descendants (v. 22; Joshua 24:32 ; John 4:5 ). Jacob wants Joseph’s family to remember their inheritance and God’s faithfulness.