Genesis 48 · Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
CHAPTER 48 Ge 48:1-22 . Joseph's Visit to His Sick Father. 1. one told Joseph, Behold, thy father is sick-- Joseph was hastily sent for, and on this occasion he took with him his two sons.
2. Israel strengthened himself, and sat upon the bed-- In the chamber where a good man lies, edifying and spiritual discourse may be expected.
3-4. God Almighty appeared unto me at Luz-- The object of Jacob, in thus reverting to the memorable vision at Beth-el [Ge 28:10-15]--one of the great landmarks in his history--was to point out the splendid promises in reserve for his posterity--to engage Joseph's interest and preserve his continued connection with the people of God, rather than with the Egyptians.
5. thy two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh-- It was the intention of the aged patriarch to adopt Joseph's sons as his own, thus giving him a double portion. The reasons for this procedure are stated ( 1Ch 5:1 , 2 ). are mine-- Though their connections might have attached them to Egypt and opened to them brilliant prospects in the land of their nativity, they willingly accepted the adoption ( He 11:25 ).
9. Bring them, I pray thee, unto me, and I will bless them-- The apostle ( He 11:21 ) selected the blessing of Joseph's son as the chief, because the most comprehensive, instance of the patriarch's faith which his whole history furnishes.
13. Joseph took them both-- The very act of pronouncing the blessing was remarkable, showing that Jacob's bosom was animated by the spirit of prophecy.
21. Israel said unto Joseph, Behold, I die-- The patriarch could speak of death with composure, but he wished to prepare Joseph and the rest of the family for the shock. but God shall be with you-- Jacob, in all probability, was not authorized to speak of their bondage--he dwelt only on the certainty of their restoration to Canaan.