And Joseph brought them out from between his knees (literally, from near his knees, i.e. the knees of his father, who while in the act of embracing had drawn them into that position), and he (viz. Joseph) bowed himself with his face to the earth . The reading "and they bowed themselves," i.e. Ephraim and Manasseh (Samaritan, Michaelis), and the rendering καὶ προσκύνησαν αὐτῴ ( LXX .), are incorrect. read more
And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel's left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel's right hand, and brought them near unto him. Joseph naturally expected that Jacob's right hand would fall upon the head of Manasseh, as the firstborn, although with regard to even this a doubt might have been suggested if he had remembered how Isaac had been preferred to Ishmael, and Jacob to Esau. read more
And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim's head ,—the first instance of the imposition of hands being used as a symbol of blessing. Though not necessarily connected with the form of benediction, it is not without a natural fitness to suggest the transmission of spiritual benefit. Accordingly it afterwards became the recognized mode of conveying to another some supernatural power or gift, and was employed in the Old Testament Church in the dedication of priests ( ... read more
- Joseph Visits His Sick FatherThe right of primogeniture has been forfeited by Reuben. The double portion in the inheritance is now transferred to Joseph. He is the first-born of her who was intended by Jacob to be his first and only wife. He has also been the means of saving all his father’s house, even after he had been sold into slavery by his brethren. He has therefore, undeniable claims to this part of the first-born’s rights.Genesis 48:1-7After these things. - After the arrangements... read more
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. read more
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... read more
Words for Joseph and his sons (47:27-48:22)By insisting that Joseph bury him at Machpelah, Jacob showed his faith in God’s promises. He knew that Canaan would become the land of his people (27-31; cf. 23:17-20; 35:12; 46:4).Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, were by now about twenty years old (see 41:50; 45:6; 47:28), and Joseph wanted his father to bless them before he died. This blessing was more than an expression of good wishes; it was an announcement believed to carry with it the... read more
God. Hebrew. Elohim. with art. = God Himself. read more
he bowed himself, i.e. Jacob worshipped; and, as we know from the Divine addition in Hebrews 11:21 , he leaned on his staff = sitting on the (Egyptian) bed (Genesis 48:2 ). read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 48:11
And Israel said unto Joseph, I had not thought to see thy face: and, lo, God (Elohim) hath showed me also thy seed . The first half of Israel's utterance is rendered by the LXX . "Ιδοὺ τοῦ προσώπου σου οὐκ ἐστερήθην" read more