Genesis 48:1

CHAPTER XLVIII

Joseph, hearing that his father was near death, took his two sons,

Ephraim and Manasseh, and went to Goshen, to visit him, 1.

Jacob strengthens himself to receive them, 2.

Gives Joseph an account of God's appearing to him at Luz, and

repeating the promise, 3, 4.

Adopts Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons, 5, 6.

Mentions the death of Rachel at Ephrath, 7.

He blesses Ephraim and Manasseh, preferring the former, who was

the younger, to his elder brother, 8-17.

Joseph, supposing his father had mistaken in giving the right of

primogeniture to the youngest, endeavours to correct him, 18.

Jacob shows that he did it designedly, prophecies much good concerning

both; but sets Ephraim the youngest before Manasseh, 19, 20.

Jacob speaks of his death, and predicts the return of his posterity

from Egypt, 21.

And gives Joseph a portion above his brethren, which he had taken

from the Amorites, 22.

NOTES ON CHAP. XLVIII

Verse Genesis 48:1. One told Joseph, Behold, thy father is sick] He was ill before, and Joseph knew it; but it appears that a messenger had been now despatched to in form Joseph that his father was apparently at the point of death.