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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 48:8-22

Here is, I. The blessing with which Jacob blessed the two sons of Joseph, which is the more remarkable because the apostle makes such particular mention of it (Heb. 11:21), while he says nothing of the blessing which Jacob pronounced on the rest of his sons, though that also was done in faith. Observe here, 1. Jacob was blind for age, Gen. 48:10. It is one of the common infirmities of old age. Those that look out at the windows are darkened, Eccl. 12:3. It is folly to walk in the sight of our... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 48:10

Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age ,.... Or "heavy" F16 כבדו "graves erant", Pagninus, Montanus, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, &c.; , that he could not lift them up easily and see clearly; his eyebrows hung over, his eyes were sunk in his head, and the humours pressed them through old age, that it was with difficulty he could perceive an object, at least not distinctly: so that he could not see ; very plainly, otherwise he did see the sons of Joseph, though he... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 48:1-22

Jacob's dying utterances. I. AN OLD MAN 'S SICK - BED . "It came to pass after these things, that one told Joseph, Behold, thy father is sick." In this the venerable patriarch— 1. Suffered an experience that is common to all . For nearly three half-centuries had this weather-beaten pilgrim been able to maintain himself erect amid the numberless vicissitudes of life. Strong, healthy, vigorous, and active too, he appears to have been until now, notwithstanding the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 48:1-22

We are admitted into the inner chamber of the patriarch's departing life, and we see there the presence of Jehovah with him. He is— 1. The subject of inspiration . 2. The mediator of the Divine promises . He is under the control of purposes which have been swaying him all his life. 3. A witness to Divine faithfulness . The grandfather blessing the grandchildren. The blessing passes on to the third and fourth generation. Yet the human blessing is only the type of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 48:10

Now (literally, and) the eyes of Israel were dim (literally, heavy ) for age , so that he could not see. This explains why he did not earlier recognize his grandchildren, and why he asked them to be set close by his bed. And he (their father) brought them near unto him; and he (their old grandfather) kissed them, and embraced them (cf. Isaac's blessing of Jacob, Genesis 27:26 , Genesis 27:27 ). read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Genesis 48:1-22

- 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

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Genesis 48:1-22

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

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Genesis 48:8-11

"And Israel beheld Joseph's sons, and said, Who are these? And Joseph said unto his father, They are my sons, whom God hath given me here. Bring them, he said, unto me, and I will bless them. Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, so that he could not see. And he brought them near unto him; and he kissed them, and embraced them. And Israel said unto Joseph, I had not thought to see thy face: and, lo, God hath let me see thy seed also."It is simply outrageous that any commentator could... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Genesis 48:10

Genesis 48:10. The eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he could not see— The dimness of Jacob's sight well accounts for his not distinguishing these children of Joseph; but, as soon as they were known to him, he embraced them with all imaginable tenderness; and the feeling heart may easily conceive the satisfaction which the good old patriarch must have had, in beholding not only a son whom he had given over for lost, but that son in an honourable state, and blessed with a posterity. His... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Genesis 48:1-11

Jacob’s adoption of Joseph’s sons 48:1-11The events recorded in the last three chapters of Genesis deal with the last days of Jacob and Joseph. In these last chapters there are many other references to earlier episodes in the book."This constant harking back to earlier episodes and promises is totally in place in a book whose theme is the fulfillment of promises, a book that regularly uses analogy between episodes as a narrative technique. And at the close of a book it is particuarly [sic]... read more

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