- Scripture: Genesis 47:27–48:22
- The Anchor: “And Jacob said to Joseph, ‘God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed me, and said to me, “Behold, I will make you fruitful and multiply you, and I will make of you a company of peoples and will give this land to your offspring after you for an everlasting possession.”‘” – Genesis 48:3–4 (ESV)
In today’s passage, Jacob is nearing the end of his life. After 17 years of living in Goshen, his family multiplied significantly and they were fruitful in the lands. Jacob called Joseph in and made him swear an oath to bury him with his fathers in the Cave of Machpelah instead of in Egypt. Jacob then bowed himself upon the head of his bed. After this happened, Jacob fell ill and Joseph came in with his sons Manasseh and Ephraim. When Jacob was told that Joseph had come, he sat up and started talking to them. He said that God appeared to him at Luz in Canaan and blessed him, saying that He would give Canaan to Jacob’s offspring. Then, Jacob takes Ephraim and Manasseh as his own children. After this, he mourns the loss of Rachel, his beloved wife, who he buried on the way to Ephrath.
I don’t know if this is the right interpretation or not, but I think Genesis 47:31 is the fulfillment of Joseph’s second dream, where his father ultimately bows down to him. It says that Jacob bowed his head upon the head of his bed, so this may or may not be the case. I also found the oath interesting. In Genesis 24:2-3, Abraham makes his servant make an oath by putting his hand under Abraham’s thigh. This same oath is found in Genesis 47, as Joseph puts his hand under Jacob’s thigh to signify the strong oath. Additionally, the Cave of Machpelah was where Jacob’s ancestors were buried, so it is fitting for him to be buried there as well, even though it is far far away.
God’s prophecy to Jacob that his offspring would dwell in Canaan comes true in Joshua, when Joshua brings them over to Canaan after 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. God is a God of kept promises, and we know of His truth because His prophecies came true more than just that one time.
It’s interesting how Jacob takes Joseph’s children to be his own. He even compares them to Reuben and Simeon, which are his firstborn and second born. It’s also really odd how Jacob says “the children you fathered after them” in verse 6. Does this imply that Joseph had other children beside Ephraim and Manasseh? I don’t know and I don’t want to assume things. However, I do know that 12 (original 12 sons) – 1 (Joseph) + 2 (Ephraim and Manasseh) = 13, and 13 doesn’t equal 12 like the 12 tribes of Israel. I think this will be explained in the next few days, but something happens with the Levites, which makes 12 tribes. Back in those times, the eldest son always got a double portion compared to the other siblings, but since Reuben transgressed against his father by sleeping with his concubine, the inheritance went to Joseph. He received this double portion in today’s passage by having both of his children honored as sons of Jacob. However, this double portion doesn’t equate to ancestral line, since Judah is the one who passes down the Messianic line. That’s really interesting but it’s cool.
Reflection
- You noted that Jacob’s final act was securing his burial back in the promised land, showing his ultimate faith in God’s future promise over his present comfort in Egypt. As you look at your life, what “long-term promises” from God are you currently prioritizing, even when the present moment (like Egypt for Jacob) seems easier?
- You identified that Joseph received the “double portion” through his sons, while Judah retained the Messianic line. How does this distinction help you see that God distributes different roles, gifts, and responsibilities within His family to accomplish His singular, sovereign purpose?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for being a God of kept promises. You promised to make Jacob’s family into a great nation, and You were faithful even through famine, distance, and years of waiting. Help me to trust Your timeline for my own life as deeply as Jacob trusted You to bring his bones back to the place of the promise. Give me the wisdom to see how You are working out Your plan through everyone around me. Amen.