At last the time drew nigh that Israel must die. Israel, a prince with God, had power over the
Angel, and prevailed, yet must die. Joseph supplied him with bread, that he might not die by famine,
but that did not secure him from dying by age or sickness. He died by degrees; his candle gradually
burnt down to the socket, so that he saw the time drawing nigh. It is an advantage to see the approach
of death, before we feel it, that we may be quickened to do, with all our might, what our hands find
to do. However, death is not far from any of us. Jacob's care, as he saw the day approach, was about
his burial; not the pomp of it, but he would be buried in Canaan, because it was the land of promise.
It was a type of heaven, that better country, which he declared plainly he expected, Heb 11:14.
Nothing will better help to make a death-bed easy, than the certain prospect of rest in the heavenly
Canaan after death. When this was done, Israel bowed himself upon the bed's head, worshipping
God, as it is explained, see Heb 11:21, giving God thanks for all his favours; in feebleness thus
supporting himself, expressing his willingness to leave the world. Even those who lived on Joseph's
provision, and Jacob who was so dear to him, must die. But Christ Jesus gives us the true bread,
that we may eat and live for ever. To Him let us come and yield ourselves, and when we draw near
to death, he who supported us through life, will meet us and assure us of everlasting salvation.
Chapter 48
Chapter Outline
Joseph visits his dying father. (1–7)
Jacob blesses Joseph's sons. (8–22)Verses 1–7
The death-beds of believers, with the prayers and counsels of dying persons, are suited to make
serious impressions upon the young, the gay, and the prosperous: we shall do well to take children
on such occasions, when it can be done properly. If the Lord please, it is very desirable to bear our
dying testimony to his truth, to his faithfulness, and the pleasantness of his ways. And one would
wish so to live, as to give energy and weight to our dying exhortations. All true believers are blessed
at their death, but all do not depart equally full of spiritual consolations. Jacob adopted Joseph's
two sons. Let them not succeed their father, in his power and grandeur in Egypt; but let them succeed
in the inheritance of the promise made to Abraham. Thus the aged dying patriarch teaches these
young persons to take their lot with the people of God. He appoints each of them to be the head of
a tribe. Those are worthy of double honour, who, through God's grace, break through the temptations
of worldly wealth and preferment, to embrace religion in disgrace and poverty. Jacob will have
Ephraim and Manasseh to know, that it is better to be low, and in the church, than high, and out of
it.
Verses 8–22