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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 48:13

And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel's left hand ,.... He took Ephraim his youngest son in his right hand, and led him up to his father, by which means he would stand in a right position to have his grandfather's left hand put upon him: and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel's right hand ; Manasseh his eldest son he took in his left hand, and brought him to his father, and so was in a proper position to have his right hand laid upon him, as seniority of... 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 48:13

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

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 48:12-14

"And Joseph brought them out from between his knees; and he bowed himself with his face to the earth. 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 to him. And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn.""From between his knees ..." The... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Genesis 48:13

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. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Genesis 48:12-20

Jacob’s blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh 48:12-20Ephraim and Manasseh had been standing close to Jacob, between his knees, so he could see and touch them (Genesis 48:12). Ancient Near Eastern adoption ritual included placing the adopted child on the knees of the adopting parent to symbolize giving him birth in place of the birth mother. [Note: See I. Mendelsohn, "A Ugaritic Parallel to the Adoption of Ephraim and Manasseh," Israel Exploration Journal (1959):180-83.] Now Joseph took them back to... read more

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