Genesis 47:27 Commentary - Dr Peter Masters

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Genesis 47:27

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God brought Jacob to this time of peace at the end of his life after so many troubles. Matthew Henry notes that as he cared for Joseph as a child for 17 years, so now Joseph cares for him as an aged parent for 17 years. He spoke to Pharoah of his life as short at the age of 130 but he was granted another 17 years to watch God’s promise coming to pass as the family grew in its new temporary home.But Jacob knew that Egypt was not his true home. His mind went back to the land of promise and the place where Abraham and Sarah, and Isaac and Rebekah were buried, and where he had also buried Leah – ‘the cave of the field of Machpelah east of Mamre (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan’ (Genesis 23:19). Jacob sensed that he was drawing near to death, and he greatly wanted to be buried with his believing parents and grandparents. This was his strong desire, and his burial there would also be a strong message to his descendants living in Egypt that they did not belong there forever. They too must desire to be brought back to Canaan and expect God to do this. They must desire it, conscious that they were a special nation that belonged to God. A time would come when God would bring the nation back to Canaan – ‘I will also surely bring thee up again’ (Genesis 46:4), and Jacob would go ahead of them to be buried in the land. The children of Israel would understand that all three of the patriarchs had linked themselves to the promised land in their deaths, as an act of faith.Jacob remembers God’s word to him before he left Canaan – ‘Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes’ (Genesis 46:4) – and calls for Joseph. His life will come to its eventual end, and Joseph will be there to mark the end of his life. He speaks very respectfully to his son – ‘if I have found grace in thy sight’ – and acknowledges Joseph high status in the land. He is about to ask for something great and something which some may be reluctant to do, so he binds Joseph with an oath. Joseph is the only one in the family with the authority to see this thing done as Jacob wishes. The oath takes the same form as that which Abraham required of his servant in sending him to find a wife for Isaac (Genesis 24:2). Joseph is to put his hand under Jacob’s thigh and swear. Commentators see this as a form of oath that looks forward to the coming seed. Luther says, ‘Jacob asked Joseph to put his hand under his thigh and to swear, because this was a confession of his faith in the promised Christ, who was to come from his loins.’ Joseph gave his word, but Jacob insisted on him giving his oath. Joseph swears and Jacob bows himself upon the bed in thanks to God for his perfect plan which Jacob trusts will come to pass.

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Hebrews 11:21 describes this event: ‘By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.’ This is a quotation from the Septuagint, the commonly used Greek version of the early church. This translation has rendered the Hebrew as ‘upon the top of his staff’ (the Masoretic reading), rather than ‘upon the bed’s head.’ The Hebrew word for ‘bed’ and ‘staff’ have identical consonants, but different vowel pointing. This appears to account for the Septuagint’s rendering. Calvin’s editor says, ‘The only difference between the words rendered “a bed” and “a staff” lies in the Masoretic punctuation; of which, it is well known, the authority is disputed. Perhaps one of the strongest arguments on the side of those opposed to the points [those who believe they are not inspired] is derived from this passage and the Apostle’s interpretation of it. If the word is not pointed, then it may mean either a bed or a staff; if, on the other hand, the present points are of equal authority with the text, the Apostle has quoted it wrong. The latter supposition is not to be endured.’

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Genesis 47:27 Commentary and Bible Study