Genesis 48:14-15

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 48:14

And Israel stretched out his right hand ,.... Not directly forward, but across, or otherwise it would have been laid on Manasseh, as Joseph designed it should by the position he placed him in: and laid it upon Ephraim's head, who was the younger , the right hand being the strongest and most in use, as it was reckoned most honourable to sit at it, so to have it imposed, as being significative of the greater blessing: and his left hand upon Manasseh's head ; who was the older: ... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 48:15

And he blessed Joseph ,.... In his sons who were reckoned for him, and became the heads of tribes in his room: and said, God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk ; in whom they believed, whom they professed, and whom they feared, served, and worshipped, and with whom they had communion: the God which fed me all my long unto this day ; who had upheld him in life, provided for him all the necessaries of life, food and raiment, and had followed him with his goodness ever... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 48:14

Israel stretched out his right hand, etc. - Laying hands on the head was always used among the Jews in giving blessings, designating men to any office, and in the consecration of solemn sacrifices. This is the first time we find it mentioned; but we often read of it afterwards. See Numbers 27:18 , Numbers 27:23 ; Deuteronomy 34:9 ; Matthew 19:13 , Matthew 19:15 ; Acts 6:6 ; 1 Timothy 4:14 . Jacob laid his right hand on the head of the younger, which we are told he did wittingly... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 48:15

He blessed Joseph - The father first, and then the sons afterwards. And this is an additional proof to what has been adduced under Genesis 48:12 , of Jacob's superiority; for the less is always blessed of the greater. The God which fed me all my life long - Jacob is now standing on the verge of eternity, with his faith strong in God. He sees his life to be a series of mercies; and as he had been affectionately attentive, provident, and kind to his most helpless child, so has God been... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 48:14

Verse 14 14.And Israel stretched out his right hand. Seeing his eyes were dim with age, so that he could not, by looking, discern which was the elder, he yet intentionally placed his hands across. And therefore Moses says that he guided his hands wittingly, because he did not rashly put them forth, nor transfer them from one youth to the other for the sake of feeling them: but using judgment, he purposely directed his right hand to Ephraim who was the younger: but placed his left hand on the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 48:15

Verse 15 15.God before whom. Although Jacob knew that a dispensation of the grace of God was committed to him, in order that he might effectually bless his grandchildren; yet he arrogates nothing to himself, but suppliantly resorts to prayer, lest he should, in the least degree, detract from the glory of God. For as he was the legitimate administrator of the blessing, so it behaved him to acknowledge God as its sole Author. And hence a common rule is to be deduced for all the ministers and... 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 48:14

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

Group of Brands