Genesis 48:19

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 48:19

And his father refused ,.... To have any alteration made, and therefore, though Joseph lifted it up from. Ephraim's head and held it over it, Jacob put it on again and went on with the blessing: and said, I know it , my son, I know it ; he knew what he did, and he repeats it to confirm it, as well as to show the vehemency of his mind, and his resolution to abide by what he had done; he knew on whom he laid his right hand, and he knew that Manasseh was the firstborn: so the Targum of... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 48:19

Verse 19 19.He also shall become a people. Jacob does not dispute which of the youths shall be the more worthy; but only pronounces what God had decreed with himself, concerning each, and, what would take place after a long succession of time. He seeks, therefore, no causes elsewhere; but contents himself with this one statement, that Ephraim will be more greatly multiplied than Manasseh. And truly our dignity is hidden in the counsel of God alone, until, by his vocation, he makes it manifest... 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 48:19

And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly (literally, and over against that ; אוּלָם , the strongly adversative particle, signifying that which stands in front of, or opposite to, another thing) his younger brother shall be greater than he (cf. Numbers 1:33 with Numbers 1:35 ; Numbers 2:19 with Numbers 2:21 ), and his seed shall become a multitude of nations —literally, shall be a... 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

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Genesis 48:19

Genesis 48:19. Truly his younger brother shall be greater than he This prophecy was evidently fulfilled in the posterity of these two children: a convincing proof that Jacob spoke by inspiration of God; for who but he can foresee what is to happen in distant ages? About two hundred years after this, when the Israelites were first numbered in the wilderness, the tribe of Ephraim had eight thousand three hundred men more than that of Manasseh, Numbers 1:32; Numbers 1:35. In encamping... 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

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Genesis 48:19

refused. This is Jacob's faith overcoming "the will of man" (Hebrews 11:20 , as Isaac's faith overcame "the will of the flesh", Genesis 27:0 . Hebrews 11:20 . greater. Fulfilled. Compare Numbers 1:32-35 ; Numbers 2:18-20 . Deuteronomy 33:17 . multitude = assembly, or convocation. Hebrew. kohal, to call, or muster. read more

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