Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 48:2
And [one] told Jacob, and said, Behold, thy son Joseph cometh unto thee: and Israel strengthened himself, and sat upon the bed.
Verse 2. Israel strengthened himself, and sat upon the bed.] He had been confined to his bed before, (see Ge 47:31), and now, hearing that Joseph was come to see him, he made what efforts his little remaining strength would admit, to sit up in bed to receive his son. This verse proves that a bed, not a staff, is intended in the preceding chapter, Ge 47:31.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
He got new strength, his spirits being quickened and refreshed by the tidings of Josephs approach, and he put forth all the strength which he had.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
2. Israel strengthened himself, andsat upon the bedIn the chamber where a good man lies, edifyingand spiritual discourse may be expected.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And [one] told Jacob,…. The same that came from Jacob to Joseph might be sent back by him to, his father, to let him know that he was coming to see him, or some other messenger sent on purpose; for it can hardly be thought that this was an accidental thing on either side:
and said, behold, thy son Joseph cometh unto thee; to pay him a visit, and which no doubt gave him a pleasure, he being his beloved son, as well as he was great and honourable:
and Israel strengthened himself, and sat upon his bed; his spirits revived, his strength renewed, he got fresh vigour on hearing his son Joseph was coming; and he exerted all his strength, and raised himself up by the help of his staff, and sat upon his bed to receive his son’s visit; for now it was when he blessed the sons of Joseph, that he leaned upon the top of his staff and worshipped, as the apostle says,
Heb 11:21.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(2) Strengthened himself.Jacob thus prepared himself, not merely because he wished to receive Joseph in a maimer suitable to his rank, but chiefly because he was about himself to perform a sacred act, under the influence of the Divine Spirit.
Sat upon the bed.We learn that he left his bed, and placed himself upon it in a sitting posture, from what is recorded in Gen. 48:12.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
2. Strengthened himself “Gathered up his energies for the last interview, and sat upon the bed. If Jacob leaned upon the top of his staff (Heb 11:21, and Gen 47:31, in the Sept . ,) the bed must have been elevated upon a divan, or a bedstead . Bedsteads were not common among the Hebrews, but are represented in the Egyptian monuments, according to Wilkinson, elevated and richly sculptured.” Newhall.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘And someone told Jacob, “Behold your son Joseph is coming to you.” And Israel strengthened himself and sat on the bed.’
At the news of his son’s coming Jacob prepares himself for what he is about to do.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Gen 48:2 And [one] told Jacob, and said, Behold, thy son Joseph cometh unto thee: and Israel strengthened himself, and sat upon the bed.
Ver. 2. And Israel strengthened himself. ] Ipse aspectus viri boni delectat, saith Seneca; sure it is that the sight of a dear friend reviveth the sick. One man, for comfort and counsel, may be an angel to another; nay, as God himself. Such was Nathan to David; Bishop Ridley to King Edward VI; and that poor priest to Edward III, who, when all the king’s friends and favourites forsook him in his last agony, leaving his chamber quite empty, called upon him to remember his Saviour, and to ask mercy for his sins. This none before him would do, every one putting him still in hope of life, though they knew death was upon him. But now, stirred up by the voice of this priest, he showed all signs of contrition; and, at his last breath, expresses the name of Jesus. a
a Dan., Hist. of Engl., 255.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Jacob . . . Israel. See note on use of these names, Gen 32:28; Gen 43:8; Gen 45:26, Gen 45:28. sat upon the bed. This is neither leaning on it nor worshipping. Compare Gen 48:12.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
strengthened: Deu 3:28, 1Sa 23:16, Neh 2:18, Psa 41:3, Pro 23:15, Eph 6:10
Reciprocal: Gen 47:31 – And Israel bowed 1Ch 28:2 – stood up
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Gen 48:2; Gen 48:4. Israel strengthened himself The tidings of Josephs approach refreshed his spirits, and gave him new strength: and he put forth all the strength he had. God blessed me And let that blessing be entailed upon them. God had promised him two things, a numerous issue, and Canaan for an inheritance. And Josephs sons, pursuant hereunto, should each of them multiply into a tribe, and each of them have a distinct lot in Canaan, equal with Jacobs own sons. Set how he blessed them by faith in that which God had said to him, Heb 11:21.