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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.
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SUMMARY
In a poignant moment near the end of his life, Jacob bestows a profound blessing upon Joseph, invoking the faithful covenant God who had intimately guided and sustained his forefathers, Abraham and Isaac, and who had personally shepherded Jacob through every season of his own arduous yet blessed life. This blessing serves as a powerful testament to God's enduring care, His unwavering covenant faithfulness across generations, and His comprehensive provision for His people.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 48:15 records Jacob's profound blessing upon Joseph, a testament to God's enduring character and faithfulness across generations. The verse states: "And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day,"
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. Testimony is central, as Jacob offers a personal account of God's faithfulness, drawing on his own life experience and that of his forefathers. This personal witness lends weight and authenticity to the blessing. The phrase "did walk" functions as a profound Metaphor for a life lived in intimate relationship, obedience, and conscious awareness of God's presence, extending beyond mere physical movement to encompass spiritual alignment. Similarly, the verb "fed" serves as a rich Metaphor for God's comprehensive and holistic provision, evoking the imagery of a shepherd's diligent care for his flock, encompassing guidance, protection, and sustenance, not just physical nourishment. This also brings forth Symbolism, where the shepherd symbolizes God's tender and vigilant care. Finally, the structure of the blessing emphasizes Continuity and Legacy, linking the present blessing directly to the historical faithfulness of God to past generations, thereby establishing a foundation of hope for the future.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jacob's blessing in Genesis 48:15 is a profound theological statement, anchoring the future of Joseph's lineage in the unwavering character of God. It underscores the concept of God as a covenant-keeping God, whose faithfulness transcends generations, providing a secure foundation for His people's hope. The imagery of God "feeding" or "shepherding" speaks to His intimate and comprehensive providence, demonstrating His active involvement in every detail of His children's lives, from physical sustenance to spiritual guidance. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that our God is not distant or uninvolved, but intimately present and meticulously caring, a truth that should inspire deep trust and reliance in believers today.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jacob's final blessing offers profound lessons for believers today, encouraging us to reflect on God's consistent provision and guidance throughout our own lives, even through difficult seasons, thereby building trust and strengthening our faith for the future. Like Jacob, we are called to acknowledge God as our faithful Shepherd, who has sustained us "all our life long," recognizing His hand in every triumph and trial. This passage challenges us to cultivate a deep, personal testimony of God's faithfulness, remembering His past mercies as a foundation for future hope. Furthermore, it emphasizes the critical importance of passing on a spiritual legacy, teaching future generations about God's unchanging character, His covenant promises, and His active providence. We are challenged to live a life of profound dependence, "walking before God" in His presence, seeking His will, and trusting in His providential care, just as the patriarchs did, recognizing Him as our ultimate source of sustenance and guidance in all things.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does it mean that Abraham and Isaac "walked before God"?
Answer: To "walk before God" (Hebrew: halak lifnei Elohim) signifies a life lived in conscious awareness of God's presence, characterized by obedience, fellowship, and a consistent alignment with His will. It implies a personal, active, and intimate relationship with the Almighty, marked by devotion and trust, rather than merely a physical act. This concept is foundational to the covenant relationship, as seen in God's command to Abraham in Genesis 17:1 to "walk before me, and be thou perfect." It is a call to a life of integrity and continuous communion with the Divine.
How did God "feed" Jacob all his life long?
Answer: The Hebrew word for "fed" (ra'ah) is rich with meaning, often translated as "shepherded" or "pastured." This conveys a holistic sense of God's provision, not just physical nourishment. It means God provided for all of Jacob's needs—guidance, protection, sustenance, and comfort—throughout his entire life, acting as a faithful shepherd who cares completely for his flock through all circumstances. This includes God's provision during Jacob's flight from Esau (Genesis 28:15), His protection from Laban's deceit (Genesis 31:42), and His ultimate reunion with Joseph and the family's settlement in Egypt during the famine (Genesis 47:11-12). It is a profound testimony to God's comprehensive and meticulous providence.
Why is Jacob's blessing on Joseph significant for the future of Israel?
Answer: Jacob's blessing on Joseph is profoundly significant for the future of Israel for several reasons. By invoking the God of Abraham and Isaac, Jacob connects Joseph and his descendants directly to the Abrahamic covenant, ensuring the continuity of God's promises of land, nationhood, and blessing through this lineage. Furthermore, by adopting Joseph's two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, as his own (Genesis 48:5), Jacob effectively grants Joseph a "double portion" of the inheritance, signifying Joseph's preeminence among his brothers. This act ensures that two tribes, not one, would descend from Joseph, thus greatly impacting the tribal distribution and strength of the future nation of Israel. This preeminence is later seen in the prominence of the tribe of Ephraim in the northern kingdom.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jacob's heartfelt testimony in Genesis 48:15 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk" is revealed most completely in Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's presence, the Word made flesh (John 1:14), and the one through whom true fellowship with God is not merely restored but perfected. Jesus is the ultimate "Good Shepherd" (John 10:11) who not only "feeds" and sustains His people in every aspect of life—spiritually, emotionally, and physically—but also lays down His life for His sheep, offering eternal life and abundant provision (John 10:10). Through Christ, the covenant promises made to Abraham are fully realized, as He is the "seed" through whom all nations are blessed (Galatians 3:16). Moreover, by His Spirit, believers are empowered to genuinely "walk before God" in newness of life (Romans 6:4), in intimate obedience and unwavering relationship, a walk that was only partially realized by the patriarchs. He is the faithful God who shepherds us "all our life long unto this day," and into eternity.