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Commentary on Genesis 48 verses 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, Ecc 12:3. It is folly to walk in the sight of our eyes, and to suffer our hearts to go after them, while we know death will shortly close them, and we do not know but some accident between us and death may darken them. Jacob, like his father before him, when he was old, was dim-sighted. Note, (1.) Those that have the honour of age must therewith be content to take the burden of it. (2.) The eye of faith may be very clear even when the eye of the body is very much clouded.
2.Jacob was very fond of Joseph's sons: He kissed them and embraced them, Gen 48:10. It is common for old people to have a very particular affection for their grand-children, perhaps more than they had for their own children when they were little, which Solomon gives a reason for (Pro 17:6), Children's children are the crown of old men. With what satisfaction does Jacob say here (Gen 48:11), I had not thought to see thy face (having many years given him up for lost), and, lo, God has shown me also thy seed! See here, (1.) How these two good men own God in their comforts. Joseph says (Gen 48:9), 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 says here, God has shown me thy seed. Our comforts are then doubly sweet to us when we see them coming from God's hand. (2.) How often God, in his merciful providences, outdoes our expectations, and thus greatly magnifies his favours. He not only prevents our fears, but exceeds our hopes. We may apply this to the promise which is made to us and to our children. We could not have thought that we should have been taken into covenant with God ourselves, considering how guilty and corrupt we are; and yet, lo, he has shown us our seed also in covenant with him.
3.Before he entails his blessing, he recounts his experiences of God's goodness to him. He had spoken (Gen 48:3) of God's appearing to him. The particular visits of his grace, and the special communion we have sometimes had with him, ought never to be forgotten. But (Gen 48:15, Gen 48:16) he mentions the constant care which the divine Providence had taken of him all his days. (1.) He had fed him all his life long unto this day, Gen 48:15. Note, As long as we have lived in this world we have had continual experience of God's goodness to us, in providing for the support of our natural life. Our bodies have called for daily food, and no little has gone to feed us, yet we have never wanted food convenient. He that has fed us all our life long surely will not fail us at last. (2.) He had by his angel redeemed him from all evil, Gen 48:16. A great deal of hardship he had known in his time, but God had graciously kept him from the evil of his troubles. Now that he was dying he looked upon himself as redeemed from all evil, and bidding an everlasting farewell to sin and sorrow. Christ, the Angel of the covenant, is he that redeems us from all evil, Ti2 4:18. Note, [1.] It becomes the servants of God, when they are old and dying, to witness for our God that they have found him gracious. [2.] Our experiences of God's goodness to us are improvable, both for the encouragement of others to serve God, and for encouragement to us in blessing them and praying for them.
4.When he confers the blessing and name of Abraham and Isaac upon them he recommends the pattern and example of Abraham and Isaac to them, Gen 48:15. He calls God the God before whom his fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, that is, in whom they believed, whom they observed and obeyed, and with whom they kept up communion in instituted ordinances, according to the condition of the covenant. Walk before me, Gen 17:1. Note, (1.) Those that would inherit the blessing of their godly ancestors, and have the benefit of God's covenant with them, must tread in the steps of their piety. (2.) It should recommend religion and the service of God to us that God was the God of our fathers, and that they had satisfaction in walking before him.
5.In blessing them, he crossed hands. Joseph placed them so as that Jacob's right hand should be put on the head of Manasseh the elder, Gen 48:12, Gen 48:13. But Jacob would put it on the head of Ephraim the younger, Gen 48:14. This displeased Joseph, who was willing to support the reputation of his first-born, and would therefore have removed his father's hands, Gen 48:17, Gen 48:18. But Jacob gave him to understand that he know what he did, and that he did it not by mistake, nor in a humour, nor from a partial affection to one more than the other, but from a spirit of prophecy, and in compliance with the divine counsels. Manasseh should be great, but truly Ephraim should be greater. When the tribes were mustered in the wilderness, Ephraim was more numerous than Manasseh, and had the standard of that squadron (Num 1:32, Num 1:33, Num 1:35; Num 2:18, Num 2:20), and is named first, Psa 80:2. Joshua was of that tribe, so was Jeroboam. The tribe of Manasseh was divided, one half on one side Jordan, the other half on the other side, which made it the less powerful and considerable. In the foresight of this, Jacob crossed hands. Note. (1.) God, in bestowing his blessings upon his people, gives more to some than to others, more gifts, graces, and comforts, and more of the good things of this life. (2.) He often gives most to those that are least likely. He chooses the weak things of the world; raises the poor out of the dust. Grace observes not the order of nature, nor does God prefer those whom we think fittest to be preferred, but as it pleases him. It is observable how often God, by the distinguishing favours of his covenant, advanced the younger above the elder, Abel above Cain, Shem above Japheth, Abraham above Nahor and Haran, Isaac above Ishmael, Jacob above Esau; Judah and Joseph were preferred before Reuben, Moses before Aaron, David and Solomon before their elder brethren. See Sa1 16:7. He tied the Jews to observe the birthright (Deu 21:17), but he never tied himself to observe it. Some make this typical of the preference given to the Gentiles above the Jews; the Gentile converts were much more numerous than those of the Jews. See Gal 4:27. Thus free grace becomes more illustrious.
II. The particular tokens of his favour to Joseph. 1. He left with him the promise of their return out of Egypt, as a sacred trust: I die, but God shall be with you, and bring you again, Gen 48:21. Accordingly, Joseph, when he died, left it with his brethren, Gen 50:24. This assurance was given them, and carefully preserved among them, that they might neither love Egypt too much when it favoured them, nor fear it too much when it frowned upon them. These words of Jacob furnish us with comfort in reference to the death of our friends: They die; but God shall be with us, and his gracious presence is sufficient to make up the loss: they leave us, but he will never fail us. Further, He will bring us to the land of our fathers, the heavenly Canaan, whither our godly fathers have gone before us. If God be with us while we stay behind in this world, and will receive us shortly to be with those that have gone before to a better world, we ought not to sorrow as those that have no hope. 2. He bestowed one portion upon him above his brethren, Gen 48:22. The lands bequeathed are described to be those which he took out of the hand of the Amorite with his sword, and with his bow. He purchased them first (Jos 24:32), and, it seems, was afterwards disseized of them by the Amorites, but retook them by the sword, repelling force by force, and recovering his right by violence when he could not otherwise recover it. These lands he settled upon Joseph; mention is made of this grant, Joh 4:5. Pursuant to it, this parcel of ground was given to the tribe of Ephraim as their right, and the lot was never cast upon it; and in it Joseph's bones were buried, which perhaps Jacob had an eye to as much as to any thing in this settlement. Note, It may sometimes be both just and prudent to give some children portions above the rest; but a grave is that which we can most count upon as our own in this earth.
See how he also taught his sons from the very beginning to show due respect for the old man. Joseph brought them along according to seniority, the text says, and presented Manasseh and then Ephraim. At this point notice, I ask you, how the good man’s bodily eyes were by this time weak through old age (“His eyes had faded with age,” remember, “and he could not see”), but the eyes of his mind were strengthened, and by faith Jacob already saw what was going to happen. I mean, instead of heeding Joseph, Jacob crossed his hands over in blessing them and gave precedence to the younger, putting Ephraim ahead of Manasseh.
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SUMMARY
Genesis 48:12 vividly portrays a moment of profound reverence and familial piety as Joseph carefully positions his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, before his aged and ailing father, Jacob. Joseph's subsequent act of prostrating himself with his face to the earth underscores his deep respect for Jacob's patriarchal authority and the spiritual gravity of the blessing about to be bestowed, a pivotal event in the unfolding narrative of God's covenant with Israel.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. Symbolism is prominent in Joseph's actions: the act of moving the sons from "between his knees" symbolizes a transition from intimate familial adoption to a formal presentation for a sacred rite. The phrase itself might also allude to the concept of lineage and birthright, emphasizing the boys' new status as Jacob's direct descendants. Joseph's prostration, "with his face to the earth," is a powerful act of non-verbal communication, visually conveying profound humility, respect, and submission. This hyperbole of humility, given Joseph's own high status, underscores the immense spiritual authority he recognized in his aged father. The verse's concise phrasing also contributes to its impact, creating a sense of solemnity and anticipation for the momentous blessing that is to follow.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 48:12 is a powerful testament to the enduring significance of patriarchal authority and the profound respect due to those who bear God's covenant promises. Joseph's actions highlight that even the most powerful individuals are called to humility and honor before spiritual authority and the channels through which God chooses to work. This scene underscores the belief that blessings from a patriarch were not mere well-wishes but divinely sanctioned pronouncements carrying real spiritual weight and shaping future destinies. It also reinforces the theme of God working through human lineage and specific individuals to advance His redemptive plan, ensuring the continuity of the covenant promises given to Abraham and Isaac.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joseph's actions in Genesis 48:12 offer a timeless model for believers regarding humility, respect, and the proper posture before spiritual authority. Despite his immense power and prestige as the Viceroy of Egypt, Joseph did not hesitate to humble himself completely before his aging father. This reminds us that true greatness in God's kingdom is often characterized by a spirit of submission and honor, especially towards those who carry spiritual anointing or represent a divine legacy. We are called to approach sacred moments—whether receiving spiritual guidance, participating in worship, or engaging with God's word—with a similar attitude of reverence and humility. This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts: Do we honor our elders, spiritual leaders, and the divine channels God uses with the respect they are due? Do we recognize the spiritual weight of blessings and divine pronouncements in our lives, and do we position ourselves to receive them with humility? Joseph's example encourages us to cultivate a heart that prioritizes spiritual honor over worldly status.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of Joseph bowing to Jacob?
Answer: Joseph's act of bowing "with his face to the earth" (Hebrew: shâchâh) signifies profound respect, humility, and submission. It was the highest form of homage in the ancient Near East, typically reserved for kings, deities, or highly revered patriarchs. In this context, it acknowledges Jacob's unique position as the family patriarch, the bearer of God's covenant promises, and the channel through whom divine blessings and prophetic words would flow. It underscores Joseph's deep veneration for Jacob's spiritual authority, despite Joseph's own elevated worldly status as the Viceroy of Egypt, reflecting the cultural emphasis on filial piety and the sacredness of patriarchal blessings. This act is consistent with the reverence shown to figures of authority throughout the biblical narrative, as seen in Ruth 2:10.
What does "brought them out from between his knees" imply?
Answer: This phrase suggests that Joseph's sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, were initially in a position of very close proximity to Jacob, perhaps sitting near or on his lap, or embraced by him. This intimate position likely symbolized Jacob's adoption of them as his own sons, placing them on par with Reuben and Simeon, as described in Genesis 48:5. Joseph's action of moving them from this intimate position was a deliberate and formal preparation for the sacred act of blessing. It marked a transition from a personal, affectionate embrace to a more formal, reverent posture, ensuring they were properly presented and positioned to receive the solemn and binding prophetic pronouncement that was to follow from the patriarch.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound reverence and humble submission displayed by Joseph in Genesis 48:12 find their ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Joseph, the powerful ruler, humbled himself before his father to receive and facilitate a blessing that would shape the future of Israel, so Christ, though He was in the form of God, humbled Himself, taking the form of a servant, and became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Through His perfect obedience and ultimate sacrifice, Christ secured an eternal blessing for all who believe, far surpassing any earthly inheritance. He is the true and ultimate Patriarch, the source of all spiritual blessings, through whom we receive adoption as sons and daughters into God's family and an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. Every blessing bestowed upon the sons of Israel through Jacob's lineage points forward to the spiritual blessings and new covenant established by Christ, who fulfills all the promises of God, making us heirs according to the promise through faith in Him.