Genesis 49

Genesis 49:1

The Brothers with Pharaoh

Joseph tells Pharaoh about the arrival of his family and the place he assigned them in the land of Goshen. He is not ashamed of them (cf. Hebrews 2:11). Joseph took five of his brothers with him. The names are not mentioned. The emphasis is therefore on the number five. Five is the number of responsibility, what a person does. Pharaoh’s question is: “What is your occupation?” They say they are shepherds. It means caring for what is weak and unable to ward off danger. The Lord Jesus is “the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11; 14), “the Great Shepherd” (Hebrews 13:20) and “the Chief Shepherd” (1 Peter 5:4). He cares for all believers, whom He calls “My sheep” (John 10:27).

The brothers say that they have come to live in the land as sojourners. It is not their intention to settle there, because their actual residence is in Canaan. They want to stay in Egypt as long as the hunger lasts.

Pharaoh tells Joseph that his family can live in the land of Goshen. The consent of Pharaoh is in accordance with Joseph’s wish. Thus the Father grants every request the Son makes with regard to those who belong to Him. The best of the land is for his family. The brothers’ request, to be allowed to live in Goshen, ties in with what Pharaoh has already promised Joseph.. In this way God wants to give us what He has purposed to give us in His counsel on the basis of our prayer.

Pharaoh asked Joseph to ensure that capable shepherds from his family are put in charge of his livestock. The Lord Jesus has given the church “shepherds” (Ephesians 4:11). They have a responsibility to look after the livestock (1 Peter 5:2; Acts 20:28).

Genesis 49:2

The Brothers with Pharaoh

Joseph tells Pharaoh about the arrival of his family and the place he assigned them in the land of Goshen. He is not ashamed of them (cf. Hebrews 2:11). Joseph took five of his brothers with him. The names are not mentioned. The emphasis is therefore on the number five. Five is the number of responsibility, what a person does. Pharaoh’s question is: “What is your occupation?” They say they are shepherds. It means caring for what is weak and unable to ward off danger. The Lord Jesus is “the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11; 14), “the Great Shepherd” (Hebrews 13:20) and “the Chief Shepherd” (1 Peter 5:4). He cares for all believers, whom He calls “My sheep” (John 10:27).

The brothers say that they have come to live in the land as sojourners. It is not their intention to settle there, because their actual residence is in Canaan. They want to stay in Egypt as long as the hunger lasts.

Pharaoh tells Joseph that his family can live in the land of Goshen. The consent of Pharaoh is in accordance with Joseph’s wish. Thus the Father grants every request the Son makes with regard to those who belong to Him. The best of the land is for his family. The brothers’ request, to be allowed to live in Goshen, ties in with what Pharaoh has already promised Joseph.. In this way God wants to give us what He has purposed to give us in His counsel on the basis of our prayer.

Pharaoh asked Joseph to ensure that capable shepherds from his family are put in charge of his livestock. The Lord Jesus has given the church “shepherds” (Ephesians 4:11). They have a responsibility to look after the livestock (1 Peter 5:2; Acts 20:28).

Genesis 49:3

The Brothers with Pharaoh

Joseph tells Pharaoh about the arrival of his family and the place he assigned them in the land of Goshen. He is not ashamed of them (cf. Hebrews 2:11). Joseph took five of his brothers with him. The names are not mentioned. The emphasis is therefore on the number five. Five is the number of responsibility, what a person does. Pharaoh’s question is: “What is your occupation?” They say they are shepherds. It means caring for what is weak and unable to ward off danger. The Lord Jesus is “the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11; 14), “the Great Shepherd” (Hebrews 13:20) and “the Chief Shepherd” (1 Peter 5:4). He cares for all believers, whom He calls “My sheep” (John 10:27).

The brothers say that they have come to live in the land as sojourners. It is not their intention to settle there, because their actual residence is in Canaan. They want to stay in Egypt as long as the hunger lasts.

Pharaoh tells Joseph that his family can live in the land of Goshen. The consent of Pharaoh is in accordance with Joseph’s wish. Thus the Father grants every request the Son makes with regard to those who belong to Him. The best of the land is for his family. The brothers’ request, to be allowed to live in Goshen, ties in with what Pharaoh has already promised Joseph.. In this way God wants to give us what He has purposed to give us in His counsel on the basis of our prayer.

Pharaoh asked Joseph to ensure that capable shepherds from his family are put in charge of his livestock. The Lord Jesus has given the church “shepherds” (Ephesians 4:11). They have a responsibility to look after the livestock (1 Peter 5:2; Acts 20:28).

Genesis 49:4

Jacob with Pharaoh

Joseph introduces not only his brothers to Pharaoh, but also his father Jacob. He is not ashamed of his old, crippled father. This is a lesson for all young people who have risen higher in life than their parents. Jacob may be an old poor greybeard, but he is rich in God.

As for the years of his life, he is beaten by his fathers, who have all grown older than he: Terah–205; Abraham–175; Isaac–180; Jacob–147. But he is aware of the preserving grace of God in his life. He is also aware that he has been a sojourner all his life and confesses this before Pharaoh (Hebrews 11:13).

Jacob is, by the promises made by God, the superior of Pharaoh. He is aware of this and as such blesses Pharaoh, at the time the most powerful man on earth. “Without any dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater” (Hebrews 7:7). We see the same scene when Paul, a prisoner standing before Festus, addresses King Agrippa (Acts 26:29).

Genesis 49:5

Jacob with Pharaoh

Joseph introduces not only his brothers to Pharaoh, but also his father Jacob. He is not ashamed of his old, crippled father. This is a lesson for all young people who have risen higher in life than their parents. Jacob may be an old poor greybeard, but he is rich in God.

As for the years of his life, he is beaten by his fathers, who have all grown older than he: Terah–205; Abraham–175; Isaac–180; Jacob–147. But he is aware of the preserving grace of God in his life. He is also aware that he has been a sojourner all his life and confesses this before Pharaoh (Hebrews 11:13).

Jacob is, by the promises made by God, the superior of Pharaoh. He is aware of this and as such blesses Pharaoh, at the time the most powerful man on earth. “Without any dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater” (Hebrews 7:7). We see the same scene when Paul, a prisoner standing before Festus, addresses King Agrippa (Acts 26:29).

Genesis 49:6

Jacob with Pharaoh

Joseph introduces not only his brothers to Pharaoh, but also his father Jacob. He is not ashamed of his old, crippled father. This is a lesson for all young people who have risen higher in life than their parents. Jacob may be an old poor greybeard, but he is rich in God.

As for the years of his life, he is beaten by his fathers, who have all grown older than he: Terah–205; Abraham–175; Isaac–180; Jacob–147. But he is aware of the preserving grace of God in his life. He is also aware that he has been a sojourner all his life and confesses this before Pharaoh (Hebrews 11:13).

Jacob is, by the promises made by God, the superior of Pharaoh. He is aware of this and as such blesses Pharaoh, at the time the most powerful man on earth. “Without any dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater” (Hebrews 7:7). We see the same scene when Paul, a prisoner standing before Festus, addresses King Agrippa (Acts 26:29).

Genesis 49:7

Jacob with Pharaoh

Joseph introduces not only his brothers to Pharaoh, but also his father Jacob. He is not ashamed of his old, crippled father. This is a lesson for all young people who have risen higher in life than their parents. Jacob may be an old poor greybeard, but he is rich in God.

As for the years of his life, he is beaten by his fathers, who have all grown older than he: Terah–205; Abraham–175; Isaac–180; Jacob–147. But he is aware of the preserving grace of God in his life. He is also aware that he has been a sojourner all his life and confesses this before Pharaoh (Hebrews 11:13).

Jacob is, by the promises made by God, the superior of Pharaoh. He is aware of this and as such blesses Pharaoh, at the time the most powerful man on earth. “Without any dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater” (Hebrews 7:7). We see the same scene when Paul, a prisoner standing before Festus, addresses King Agrippa (Acts 26:29).

Genesis 49:8

Joseph Takes Care of His Family

Joseph takes care of his father and his brothers. He gives them the best part in the land of Egypt. This is according to the command of Pharaoh. Everything the Lord Jesus does for His own is in perfect accordance with the Father’s will. His care goes out to old and young, great and small, that everyone gets what he needs. No one is forgotten.

Every member of his family experiences the care of Joseph. There is personal attention for each member. This is an important lesson for the care in the church.

Genesis 49:9

Joseph Takes Care of His Family

Joseph takes care of his father and his brothers. He gives them the best part in the land of Egypt. This is according to the command of Pharaoh. Everything the Lord Jesus does for His own is in perfect accordance with the Father’s will. His care goes out to old and young, great and small, that everyone gets what he needs. No one is forgotten.

Every member of his family experiences the care of Joseph. There is personal attention for each member. This is an important lesson for the care in the church.

Genesis 49:10

Joseph Buys Everything for Pharaoh

Joseph uses his position as lord over everything to bring everything into complete subjection to Pharaoh. He does this by subjecting everything to himself: first the money (Genesis 47:15), then the livestock (Genesis 47:16-17), finally the people themselves and their land (Genesis 47:18-20). Thus, everything becomes subservient to Pharaoh. In the same way, the Lord Jesus will soon subject all things to God (1 Corinthians 15:24-28). He bought everything for God (Revelation 5:9; Matthew 13:44; 2 Peter 2:1).

Joseph’s actions are not at the expense of the welfare of the Egyptians, but are in fact for their benefit (Genesis 47:25). The blessing of man lies in fact in handing over himself with everything he has to the Lord Jesus.

Genesis 49:11

Joseph Buys Everything for Pharaoh

Joseph uses his position as lord over everything to bring everything into complete subjection to Pharaoh. He does this by subjecting everything to himself: first the money (Genesis 47:15), then the livestock (Genesis 47:16-17), finally the people themselves and their land (Genesis 47:18-20). Thus, everything becomes subservient to Pharaoh. In the same way, the Lord Jesus will soon subject all things to God (1 Corinthians 15:24-28). He bought everything for God (Revelation 5:9; Matthew 13:44; 2 Peter 2:1).

Joseph’s actions are not at the expense of the welfare of the Egyptians, but are in fact for their benefit (Genesis 47:25). The blessing of man lies in fact in handing over himself with everything he has to the Lord Jesus.

Genesis 49:12

Joseph Buys Everything for Pharaoh

Joseph uses his position as lord over everything to bring everything into complete subjection to Pharaoh. He does this by subjecting everything to himself: first the money (Genesis 47:15), then the livestock (Genesis 47:16-17), finally the people themselves and their land (Genesis 47:18-20). Thus, everything becomes subservient to Pharaoh. In the same way, the Lord Jesus will soon subject all things to God (1 Corinthians 15:24-28). He bought everything for God (Revelation 5:9; Matthew 13:44; 2 Peter 2:1).

Joseph’s actions are not at the expense of the welfare of the Egyptians, but are in fact for their benefit (Genesis 47:25). The blessing of man lies in fact in handing over himself with everything he has to the Lord Jesus.

Genesis 49:13

Joseph Buys Everything for Pharaoh

Joseph uses his position as lord over everything to bring everything into complete subjection to Pharaoh. He does this by subjecting everything to himself: first the money (Genesis 47:15), then the livestock (Genesis 47:16-17), finally the people themselves and their land (Genesis 47:18-20). Thus, everything becomes subservient to Pharaoh. In the same way, the Lord Jesus will soon subject all things to God (1 Corinthians 15:24-28). He bought everything for God (Revelation 5:9; Matthew 13:44; 2 Peter 2:1).

Joseph’s actions are not at the expense of the welfare of the Egyptians, but are in fact for their benefit (Genesis 47:25). The blessing of man lies in fact in handing over himself with everything he has to the Lord Jesus.

Genesis 49:14

Joseph Buys Everything for Pharaoh

Joseph uses his position as lord over everything to bring everything into complete subjection to Pharaoh. He does this by subjecting everything to himself: first the money (Genesis 47:15), then the livestock (Genesis 47:16-17), finally the people themselves and their land (Genesis 47:18-20). Thus, everything becomes subservient to Pharaoh. In the same way, the Lord Jesus will soon subject all things to God (1 Corinthians 15:24-28). He bought everything for God (Revelation 5:9; Matthew 13:44; 2 Peter 2:1).

Joseph’s actions are not at the expense of the welfare of the Egyptians, but are in fact for their benefit (Genesis 47:25). The blessing of man lies in fact in handing over himself with everything he has to the Lord Jesus.

Genesis 49:15

Joseph Buys Everything for Pharaoh

Joseph uses his position as lord over everything to bring everything into complete subjection to Pharaoh. He does this by subjecting everything to himself: first the money (Genesis 47:15), then the livestock (Genesis 47:16-17), finally the people themselves and their land (Genesis 47:18-20). Thus, everything becomes subservient to Pharaoh. In the same way, the Lord Jesus will soon subject all things to God (1 Corinthians 15:24-28). He bought everything for God (Revelation 5:9; Matthew 13:44; 2 Peter 2:1).

Joseph’s actions are not at the expense of the welfare of the Egyptians, but are in fact for their benefit (Genesis 47:25). The blessing of man lies in fact in handing over himself with everything he has to the Lord Jesus.

Genesis 49:16

Joseph Buys Everything for Pharaoh

Joseph uses his position as lord over everything to bring everything into complete subjection to Pharaoh. He does this by subjecting everything to himself: first the money (Genesis 47:15), then the livestock (Genesis 47:16-17), finally the people themselves and their land (Genesis 47:18-20). Thus, everything becomes subservient to Pharaoh. In the same way, the Lord Jesus will soon subject all things to God (1 Corinthians 15:24-28). He bought everything for God (Revelation 5:9; Matthew 13:44; 2 Peter 2:1).

Joseph’s actions are not at the expense of the welfare of the Egyptians, but are in fact for their benefit (Genesis 47:25). The blessing of man lies in fact in handing over himself with everything he has to the Lord Jesus.

Genesis 49:17

Joseph Buys Everything for Pharaoh

Joseph uses his position as lord over everything to bring everything into complete subjection to Pharaoh. He does this by subjecting everything to himself: first the money (Genesis 47:15), then the livestock (Genesis 47:16-17), finally the people themselves and their land (Genesis 47:18-20). Thus, everything becomes subservient to Pharaoh. In the same way, the Lord Jesus will soon subject all things to God (1 Corinthians 15:24-28). He bought everything for God (Revelation 5:9; Matthew 13:44; 2 Peter 2:1).

Joseph’s actions are not at the expense of the welfare of the Egyptians, but are in fact for their benefit (Genesis 47:25). The blessing of man lies in fact in handing over himself with everything he has to the Lord Jesus.

Genesis 49:18

Joseph Buys Everything for Pharaoh

Joseph uses his position as lord over everything to bring everything into complete subjection to Pharaoh. He does this by subjecting everything to himself: first the money (Genesis 47:15), then the livestock (Genesis 47:16-17), finally the people themselves and their land (Genesis 47:18-20). Thus, everything becomes subservient to Pharaoh. In the same way, the Lord Jesus will soon subject all things to God (1 Corinthians 15:24-28). He bought everything for God (Revelation 5:9; Matthew 13:44; 2 Peter 2:1).

Joseph’s actions are not at the expense of the welfare of the Egyptians, but are in fact for their benefit (Genesis 47:25). The blessing of man lies in fact in handing over himself with everything he has to the Lord Jesus.

Genesis 49:19

The Priests

There is a group of people who are not subjected to Joseph: the priests. That reminds us of the believers of the church now. They are priests (1 Peter 2:5). When soon everything will be subjected to the Lord Jesus, the church will be excluded. The church may reign with Him: “And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church” (Ephesians 1:10-11; 22-23).

Genesis 49:20

The Part for Pharaoh

Following the salvation that Joseph worked on and through which their lives were saved, he now gives the people what they need to stay alive. Thus is the Lord Jesus also for all who belong to Him. He not only saves, but gives everything needed to live for Him. “His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3).

We have been given life and everything necessary to live for God. To this end He has given us seed, which is the Word of God, which we may sow and which means nourishment for us. First the part for Pharaoh must be set aside. We must always be aware that God has the first rights to everything (Proverbs 3:9).

Genesis 49:21

The Part for Pharaoh

Following the salvation that Joseph worked on and through which their lives were saved, he now gives the people what they need to stay alive. Thus is the Lord Jesus also for all who belong to Him. He not only saves, but gives everything needed to live for Him. “His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3).

We have been given life and everything necessary to live for God. To this end He has given us seed, which is the Word of God, which we may sow and which means nourishment for us. First the part for Pharaoh must be set aside. We must always be aware that God has the first rights to everything (Proverbs 3:9).

Genesis 49:22

The Part for Pharaoh

Following the salvation that Joseph worked on and through which their lives were saved, he now gives the people what they need to stay alive. Thus is the Lord Jesus also for all who belong to Him. He not only saves, but gives everything needed to live for Him. “His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3).

We have been given life and everything necessary to live for God. To this end He has given us seed, which is the Word of God, which we may sow and which means nourishment for us. First the part for Pharaoh must be set aside. We must always be aware that God has the first rights to everything (Proverbs 3:9).

Genesis 49:23

The Part for Pharaoh

Following the salvation that Joseph worked on and through which their lives were saved, he now gives the people what they need to stay alive. Thus is the Lord Jesus also for all who belong to Him. He not only saves, but gives everything needed to live for Him. “His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3).

We have been given life and everything necessary to live for God. To this end He has given us seed, which is the Word of God, which we may sow and which means nourishment for us. First the part for Pharaoh must be set aside. We must always be aware that God has the first rights to everything (Proverbs 3:9).

Genesis 49:24

Jacob’s Last Years of Life

Jacob said of the first one hundred and thirty years of his life to Pharaoh: “Few and unpleasant have been the years of my life” (Genesis 47:9). That is because he had not accepted the guidance of the LORD, but had gone his own way. For this reason, his life years have not “attained the years that my fathers lived during the days of their sojourning”.

Isaac has not left the land and, as far as Scripture tells us, has had no particular difficulties. Abraham’s life was for the most part in the favor of and fellowship with God. Jacob did not understand that God wanted to lead him in love and did not experience that leadership. He did not trust God, but thought he had to take care of himself to get what God promised him. So he came to Egypt after one hundred and thirty years.

However, in the last seventeen years of his life, years he spent with Joseph in Egypt, he grew toward an end that was more glorious than that of his fathers. In the way of faith he stays behind with Abraham and Isaac, but his end is better. We have no record of the deathbed of Abraham or Isaac. We read extensively about the deathbed of Jacob. That is to show how ultimately the grace of God triumphs over this man. It is the culmination of God’s patient work of discipline.

“When the time for Israel to die drew near” (Genesis 47:29). The end of his walk is nearby (cf. Hebrews 13:7). He calls Joseph and tells him to lay his hand under his thigh. At his thigh he is touched at Penuel (Genesis 32:25) and since then he is limping on his thigh (Genesis 32:31). He is constantly reminded in his walk of his struggle with God. Now he is where God wants him to be.

Jacob makes Joseph swear that he will be buried in the land. He wants to be buried with a view to the resurrection and to all the vows made by God in connection with the land of promise. The Lord Jesus also answers the question of the resurrection by referring to God as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He adds: “He is not God of the dead but of the living” (Matthew 22:31-32). By this He says that the patriarchs live for God although they have died and that they will live in the resurrection and inherit the promises.

Joseph declares with an oath that he will fulfill his father’s wish. Here too Joseph is a picture of the Lord Jesus, for through Him all the promises of God will be fulfilled.

“Then Israel bowed [in worship] at the head of the bed” (Genesis 47:31). He pledged Joseph at his word. This gives him peace and he can worship. This verse is quoted in Hebrews 11. There it is translated with: “And worshiped, [leaning] on the top of his staff” (Hebrews 11:21). The staff speaks of the support he needed on his way of life. He did not want to accept this support at first. He wanted to do everything himself. Since God struck him at the thigh, the staff has been an indispensable part of his life. Here he acknowledges that God has been his support and that leads him to worship.

His death is marked by worship of God and the distribution of blessing to his descendants. The latter we see in the following chapters. Is there a better ending imaginable?

Genesis 49:25

Jacob’s Last Years of Life

Jacob said of the first one hundred and thirty years of his life to Pharaoh: “Few and unpleasant have been the years of my life” (Genesis 47:9). That is because he had not accepted the guidance of the LORD, but had gone his own way. For this reason, his life years have not “attained the years that my fathers lived during the days of their sojourning”.

Isaac has not left the land and, as far as Scripture tells us, has had no particular difficulties. Abraham’s life was for the most part in the favor of and fellowship with God. Jacob did not understand that God wanted to lead him in love and did not experience that leadership. He did not trust God, but thought he had to take care of himself to get what God promised him. So he came to Egypt after one hundred and thirty years.

However, in the last seventeen years of his life, years he spent with Joseph in Egypt, he grew toward an end that was more glorious than that of his fathers. In the way of faith he stays behind with Abraham and Isaac, but his end is better. We have no record of the deathbed of Abraham or Isaac. We read extensively about the deathbed of Jacob. That is to show how ultimately the grace of God triumphs over this man. It is the culmination of God’s patient work of discipline.

“When the time for Israel to die drew near” (Genesis 47:29). The end of his walk is nearby (cf. Hebrews 13:7). He calls Joseph and tells him to lay his hand under his thigh. At his thigh he is touched at Penuel (Genesis 32:25) and since then he is limping on his thigh (Genesis 32:31). He is constantly reminded in his walk of his struggle with God. Now he is where God wants him to be.

Jacob makes Joseph swear that he will be buried in the land. He wants to be buried with a view to the resurrection and to all the vows made by God in connection with the land of promise. The Lord Jesus also answers the question of the resurrection by referring to God as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He adds: “He is not God of the dead but of the living” (Matthew 22:31-32). By this He says that the patriarchs live for God although they have died and that they will live in the resurrection and inherit the promises.

Joseph declares with an oath that he will fulfill his father’s wish. Here too Joseph is a picture of the Lord Jesus, for through Him all the promises of God will be fulfilled.

“Then Israel bowed [in worship] at the head of the bed” (Genesis 47:31). He pledged Joseph at his word. This gives him peace and he can worship. This verse is quoted in Hebrews 11. There it is translated with: “And worshiped, [leaning] on the top of his staff” (Hebrews 11:21). The staff speaks of the support he needed on his way of life. He did not want to accept this support at first. He wanted to do everything himself. Since God struck him at the thigh, the staff has been an indispensable part of his life. Here he acknowledges that God has been his support and that leads him to worship.

His death is marked by worship of God and the distribution of blessing to his descendants. The latter we see in the following chapters. Is there a better ending imaginable?

Genesis 49:26

Jacob’s Last Years of Life

Jacob said of the first one hundred and thirty years of his life to Pharaoh: “Few and unpleasant have been the years of my life” (Genesis 47:9). That is because he had not accepted the guidance of the LORD, but had gone his own way. For this reason, his life years have not “attained the years that my fathers lived during the days of their sojourning”.

Isaac has not left the land and, as far as Scripture tells us, has had no particular difficulties. Abraham’s life was for the most part in the favor of and fellowship with God. Jacob did not understand that God wanted to lead him in love and did not experience that leadership. He did not trust God, but thought he had to take care of himself to get what God promised him. So he came to Egypt after one hundred and thirty years.

However, in the last seventeen years of his life, years he spent with Joseph in Egypt, he grew toward an end that was more glorious than that of his fathers. In the way of faith he stays behind with Abraham and Isaac, but his end is better. We have no record of the deathbed of Abraham or Isaac. We read extensively about the deathbed of Jacob. That is to show how ultimately the grace of God triumphs over this man. It is the culmination of God’s patient work of discipline.

“When the time for Israel to die drew near” (Genesis 47:29). The end of his walk is nearby (cf. Hebrews 13:7). He calls Joseph and tells him to lay his hand under his thigh. At his thigh he is touched at Penuel (Genesis 32:25) and since then he is limping on his thigh (Genesis 32:31). He is constantly reminded in his walk of his struggle with God. Now he is where God wants him to be.

Jacob makes Joseph swear that he will be buried in the land. He wants to be buried with a view to the resurrection and to all the vows made by God in connection with the land of promise. The Lord Jesus also answers the question of the resurrection by referring to God as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He adds: “He is not God of the dead but of the living” (Matthew 22:31-32). By this He says that the patriarchs live for God although they have died and that they will live in the resurrection and inherit the promises.

Joseph declares with an oath that he will fulfill his father’s wish. Here too Joseph is a picture of the Lord Jesus, for through Him all the promises of God will be fulfilled.

“Then Israel bowed [in worship] at the head of the bed” (Genesis 47:31). He pledged Joseph at his word. This gives him peace and he can worship. This verse is quoted in Hebrews 11. There it is translated with: “And worshiped, [leaning] on the top of his staff” (Hebrews 11:21). The staff speaks of the support he needed on his way of life. He did not want to accept this support at first. He wanted to do everything himself. Since God struck him at the thigh, the staff has been an indispensable part of his life. Here he acknowledges that God has been his support and that leads him to worship.

His death is marked by worship of God and the distribution of blessing to his descendants. The latter we see in the following chapters. Is there a better ending imaginable?

Genesis 49:27

Jacob’s Last Years of Life

Jacob said of the first one hundred and thirty years of his life to Pharaoh: “Few and unpleasant have been the years of my life” (Genesis 47:9). That is because he had not accepted the guidance of the LORD, but had gone his own way. For this reason, his life years have not “attained the years that my fathers lived during the days of their sojourning”.

Isaac has not left the land and, as far as Scripture tells us, has had no particular difficulties. Abraham’s life was for the most part in the favor of and fellowship with God. Jacob did not understand that God wanted to lead him in love and did not experience that leadership. He did not trust God, but thought he had to take care of himself to get what God promised him. So he came to Egypt after one hundred and thirty years.

However, in the last seventeen years of his life, years he spent with Joseph in Egypt, he grew toward an end that was more glorious than that of his fathers. In the way of faith he stays behind with Abraham and Isaac, but his end is better. We have no record of the deathbed of Abraham or Isaac. We read extensively about the deathbed of Jacob. That is to show how ultimately the grace of God triumphs over this man. It is the culmination of God’s patient work of discipline.

“When the time for Israel to die drew near” (Genesis 47:29). The end of his walk is nearby (cf. Hebrews 13:7). He calls Joseph and tells him to lay his hand under his thigh. At his thigh he is touched at Penuel (Genesis 32:25) and since then he is limping on his thigh (Genesis 32:31). He is constantly reminded in his walk of his struggle with God. Now he is where God wants him to be.

Jacob makes Joseph swear that he will be buried in the land. He wants to be buried with a view to the resurrection and to all the vows made by God in connection with the land of promise. The Lord Jesus also answers the question of the resurrection by referring to God as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He adds: “He is not God of the dead but of the living” (Matthew 22:31-32). By this He says that the patriarchs live for God although they have died and that they will live in the resurrection and inherit the promises.

Joseph declares with an oath that he will fulfill his father’s wish. Here too Joseph is a picture of the Lord Jesus, for through Him all the promises of God will be fulfilled.

“Then Israel bowed [in worship] at the head of the bed” (Genesis 47:31). He pledged Joseph at his word. This gives him peace and he can worship. This verse is quoted in Hebrews 11. There it is translated with: “And worshiped, [leaning] on the top of his staff” (Hebrews 11:21). The staff speaks of the support he needed on his way of life. He did not want to accept this support at first. He wanted to do everything himself. Since God struck him at the thigh, the staff has been an indispensable part of his life. Here he acknowledges that God has been his support and that leads him to worship.

His death is marked by worship of God and the distribution of blessing to his descendants. The latter we see in the following chapters. Is there a better ending imaginable?

Genesis 49:28

Jacob’s Last Years of Life

Jacob said of the first one hundred and thirty years of his life to Pharaoh: “Few and unpleasant have been the years of my life” (Genesis 47:9). That is because he had not accepted the guidance of the LORD, but had gone his own way. For this reason, his life years have not “attained the years that my fathers lived during the days of their sojourning”.

Isaac has not left the land and, as far as Scripture tells us, has had no particular difficulties. Abraham’s life was for the most part in the favor of and fellowship with God. Jacob did not understand that God wanted to lead him in love and did not experience that leadership. He did not trust God, but thought he had to take care of himself to get what God promised him. So he came to Egypt after one hundred and thirty years.

However, in the last seventeen years of his life, years he spent with Joseph in Egypt, he grew toward an end that was more glorious than that of his fathers. In the way of faith he stays behind with Abraham and Isaac, but his end is better. We have no record of the deathbed of Abraham or Isaac. We read extensively about the deathbed of Jacob. That is to show how ultimately the grace of God triumphs over this man. It is the culmination of God’s patient work of discipline.

“When the time for Israel to die drew near” (Genesis 47:29). The end of his walk is nearby (cf. Hebrews 13:7). He calls Joseph and tells him to lay his hand under his thigh. At his thigh he is touched at Penuel (Genesis 32:25) and since then he is limping on his thigh (Genesis 32:31). He is constantly reminded in his walk of his struggle with God. Now he is where God wants him to be.

Jacob makes Joseph swear that he will be buried in the land. He wants to be buried with a view to the resurrection and to all the vows made by God in connection with the land of promise. The Lord Jesus also answers the question of the resurrection by referring to God as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He adds: “He is not God of the dead but of the living” (Matthew 22:31-32). By this He says that the patriarchs live for God although they have died and that they will live in the resurrection and inherit the promises.

Joseph declares with an oath that he will fulfill his father’s wish. Here too Joseph is a picture of the Lord Jesus, for through Him all the promises of God will be fulfilled.

“Then Israel bowed [in worship] at the head of the bed” (Genesis 47:31). He pledged Joseph at his word. This gives him peace and he can worship. This verse is quoted in Hebrews 11. There it is translated with: “And worshiped, [leaning] on the top of his staff” (Hebrews 11:21). The staff speaks of the support he needed on his way of life. He did not want to accept this support at first. He wanted to do everything himself. Since God struck him at the thigh, the staff has been an indispensable part of his life. Here he acknowledges that God has been his support and that leads him to worship.

His death is marked by worship of God and the distribution of blessing to his descendants. The latter we see in the following chapters. Is there a better ending imaginable?

Genesis 49:30

Joseph and His Sons with His Father

Joseph is informed that his father is sick. He understands that this sickness will lead to death. He takes both his sons to his sick father, expecting them to receive the blessing of their dying grandfather. Joseph, more than any of his brothers, was full of love for his father. Therefore he has reason to expect special favor from him.

It is a privilege for young people who are just starting their career in the world to be in contact or to come into contact with their grandparents who have lived with the Lord and are about to leave the world. Old believers can testify to the goodness of God and of His ways He has gone with them in His wisdom. That will be a great encouragement for the upcoming generation.

When Israel (Genesis 48:2b) hears that Joseph is coming, he collects his strength and sits up in bed. Hearing the name of Joseph gives him strength. As Jacob (Genesis 48:3) he begins to tell about the blessing God has given him and the promises made to him. He now wants to pass on the blessing he has received to his offspring.

Jacob deprives Reuben and Simeon of the blessing of the birthright and gives that blessing to Joseph’s sons. For this he adopts both of Joseph’s sons, who were given to him by a heathen woman, to be his own sons (1 Chronicles 5:1). Reuben has lost the birthright; Jacob himself has bought it and appropriated it for himself with deceit, by pretending to be Esau (Genesis 25:31-33; Genesis 27:19). The Lord Jesus is also called the Firstborn, because He is worth the title, while the first Adam forfeited it. Jacob first mentions Ephraim.

Jacob is reminded by Joseph’s sons of the death of Rachel, his favorite wife. In her death he learned – in picture – that everything the flesh relies on must be taken away. God has taken Rachel from him, Rachel whom he wanted to spare at all costs. God also took Joseph and Benjamin from him. But God gives him back Joseph and Benjamin and he even sees Joseph’s sons.

A burial also speaks of new life. The death of Rachel was accompanied by the birth of Benjamin. Bethlehem is the turning point in the life of Jacob, Bethlehem is also the turning point in the history of the people of Israel, because the Lord Jesus, their Messiah, was born there: “But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, [too] little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity” (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1). They don’t see it yet, but they will see it.

Genesis 49:31

Joseph and His Sons with His Father

Joseph is informed that his father is sick. He understands that this sickness will lead to death. He takes both his sons to his sick father, expecting them to receive the blessing of their dying grandfather. Joseph, more than any of his brothers, was full of love for his father. Therefore he has reason to expect special favor from him.

It is a privilege for young people who are just starting their career in the world to be in contact or to come into contact with their grandparents who have lived with the Lord and are about to leave the world. Old believers can testify to the goodness of God and of His ways He has gone with them in His wisdom. That will be a great encouragement for the upcoming generation.

When Israel (Genesis 48:2b) hears that Joseph is coming, he collects his strength and sits up in bed. Hearing the name of Joseph gives him strength. As Jacob (Genesis 48:3) he begins to tell about the blessing God has given him and the promises made to him. He now wants to pass on the blessing he has received to his offspring.

Jacob deprives Reuben and Simeon of the blessing of the birthright and gives that blessing to Joseph’s sons. For this he adopts both of Joseph’s sons, who were given to him by a heathen woman, to be his own sons (1 Chronicles 5:1). Reuben has lost the birthright; Jacob himself has bought it and appropriated it for himself with deceit, by pretending to be Esau (Genesis 25:31-33; Genesis 27:19). The Lord Jesus is also called the Firstborn, because He is worth the title, while the first Adam forfeited it. Jacob first mentions Ephraim.

Jacob is reminded by Joseph’s sons of the death of Rachel, his favorite wife. In her death he learned – in picture – that everything the flesh relies on must be taken away. God has taken Rachel from him, Rachel whom he wanted to spare at all costs. God also took Joseph and Benjamin from him. But God gives him back Joseph and Benjamin and he even sees Joseph’s sons.

A burial also speaks of new life. The death of Rachel was accompanied by the birth of Benjamin. Bethlehem is the turning point in the life of Jacob, Bethlehem is also the turning point in the history of the people of Israel, because the Lord Jesus, their Messiah, was born there: “But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, [too] little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity” (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1). They don’t see it yet, but they will see it.

Genesis 49:32

Joseph and His Sons with His Father

Joseph is informed that his father is sick. He understands that this sickness will lead to death. He takes both his sons to his sick father, expecting them to receive the blessing of their dying grandfather. Joseph, more than any of his brothers, was full of love for his father. Therefore he has reason to expect special favor from him.

It is a privilege for young people who are just starting their career in the world to be in contact or to come into contact with their grandparents who have lived with the Lord and are about to leave the world. Old believers can testify to the goodness of God and of His ways He has gone with them in His wisdom. That will be a great encouragement for the upcoming generation.

When Israel (Genesis 48:2b) hears that Joseph is coming, he collects his strength and sits up in bed. Hearing the name of Joseph gives him strength. As Jacob (Genesis 48:3) he begins to tell about the blessing God has given him and the promises made to him. He now wants to pass on the blessing he has received to his offspring.

Jacob deprives Reuben and Simeon of the blessing of the birthright and gives that blessing to Joseph’s sons. For this he adopts both of Joseph’s sons, who were given to him by a heathen woman, to be his own sons (1 Chronicles 5:1). Reuben has lost the birthright; Jacob himself has bought it and appropriated it for himself with deceit, by pretending to be Esau (Genesis 25:31-33; Genesis 27:19). The Lord Jesus is also called the Firstborn, because He is worth the title, while the first Adam forfeited it. Jacob first mentions Ephraim.

Jacob is reminded by Joseph’s sons of the death of Rachel, his favorite wife. In her death he learned – in picture – that everything the flesh relies on must be taken away. God has taken Rachel from him, Rachel whom he wanted to spare at all costs. God also took Joseph and Benjamin from him. But God gives him back Joseph and Benjamin and he even sees Joseph’s sons.

A burial also speaks of new life. The death of Rachel was accompanied by the birth of Benjamin. Bethlehem is the turning point in the life of Jacob, Bethlehem is also the turning point in the history of the people of Israel, because the Lord Jesus, their Messiah, was born there: “But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, [too] little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity” (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1). They don’t see it yet, but they will see it.

Genesis 49:33

Joseph and His Sons with His Father

Joseph is informed that his father is sick. He understands that this sickness will lead to death. He takes both his sons to his sick father, expecting them to receive the blessing of their dying grandfather. Joseph, more than any of his brothers, was full of love for his father. Therefore he has reason to expect special favor from him.

It is a privilege for young people who are just starting their career in the world to be in contact or to come into contact with their grandparents who have lived with the Lord and are about to leave the world. Old believers can testify to the goodness of God and of His ways He has gone with them in His wisdom. That will be a great encouragement for the upcoming generation.

When Israel (Genesis 48:2b) hears that Joseph is coming, he collects his strength and sits up in bed. Hearing the name of Joseph gives him strength. As Jacob (Genesis 48:3) he begins to tell about the blessing God has given him and the promises made to him. He now wants to pass on the blessing he has received to his offspring.

Jacob deprives Reuben and Simeon of the blessing of the birthright and gives that blessing to Joseph’s sons. For this he adopts both of Joseph’s sons, who were given to him by a heathen woman, to be his own sons (1 Chronicles 5:1). Reuben has lost the birthright; Jacob himself has bought it and appropriated it for himself with deceit, by pretending to be Esau (Genesis 25:31-33; Genesis 27:19). The Lord Jesus is also called the Firstborn, because He is worth the title, while the first Adam forfeited it. Jacob first mentions Ephraim.

Jacob is reminded by Joseph’s sons of the death of Rachel, his favorite wife. In her death he learned – in picture – that everything the flesh relies on must be taken away. God has taken Rachel from him, Rachel whom he wanted to spare at all costs. God also took Joseph and Benjamin from him. But God gives him back Joseph and Benjamin and he even sees Joseph’s sons.

A burial also speaks of new life. The death of Rachel was accompanied by the birth of Benjamin. Bethlehem is the turning point in the life of Jacob, Bethlehem is also the turning point in the history of the people of Israel, because the Lord Jesus, their Messiah, was born there: “But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, [too] little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity” (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1). They don’t see it yet, but they will see it.