Genesis 47:31Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

After Jacob instructed his son regarding his burial wishes, Joseph responded, “I will do as you have commanded.” Jacob then asked him to swear an oath, and Joseph swore. At that moment, Israel worshipped at the head of the bed. Observe this elderly patriarch who, despite his advanced years, demonstrated reverence towards Joseph through his act of worship, thus fulfilling the prophecy of the dream. When Joseph had recounted his dream to him, the Scripture recounts, “Shall I, your mother, and your brothers indeed come to bow down to the earth before you?” (Genesis 37:10). One might question how the dream's fulfillment could be realized if Joseph’s mother had passed away prior and did not worship her son. However, Scripture often reflects a broader meaning.

In this context, some individuals make the futile attempt to suggest that Jacob bowed in reverence at the end of Joseph's staff, interpreting it as honoring his son and acknowledging his authority. However, the Hebrew text conveys a different meaning: “And Israel worshipped,” indicating that he worshipped God at the head of his bed. After Joseph had taken an oath, Jacob set aside his prior concerns and directed his worship towards God at the head of his bed. This devoted husband, burdened by the weight of his years, had arranged his sleeping quarters in such a way that he was always prepared for prayer, even while resting.

What is the significance of the phrase, ‘And Israel shall worship at the end of his rod’ (Gen. 47:31)? Jacob, being elderly and in a fragile condition, lay in bed; yet upon learning of his son’s arrival, he rose and took a seat. He grasped his staff, resting his right hand upon it, and leaned his face against that hand. Joseph, filled with joy at reuniting with Jacob and discussing burial plans, bowed down, placing his head against the rod. This moment also fulfilled Joseph's dream, in which he envisioned the sun, the moon, and the eleven stars bowing before him. Furthermore, Jacob prophesied a royal lineage for Ephraim and the subjugation of the ten tribes. The divine Apostle affirms this notion: ‘By faith Jacob....

Leontius, the Bishop of Naples on the island of Cyprus, addresses a discourse aimed at the Jews regarding the veneration of the cross of Christ, the images of the saints, and their mutual respect. He reflects on the remains of the saints: If you, O Jew, rebuke me for honoring the cross as if it were God, then why do you not hold James accountable for honoring the top of the rod? It is evident that he worshipped, not the rod itself, but through it he honored Joseph, just as we, through the cross, exalt Christ rather than the wood itself. Thus, if we venerate the sign of the cross by creating an image from any material, why should we not also honor the image of the One who was crucified?

Jacob insisted that the covenant be affirmed with an oath, and Joseph swore to it. Subsequently, Jacob, seated on his bed, bowed down before Joseph's staff. This staff was held by a man of noble status, either as was customary in that era or as a symbol of his esteemed position.

Make an oath to me. It is not Jacob's mistrust in his son, but rather in the approach to convince Pharaoh to grant his wishes. And Israel bowed himself at the head of the bier. According to the Greek version, And Israel bowed down on the summit of his staff. The translation by the seventy is significant as it correlates with the testimony of the apostle in the Epistle to the Hebrews (Hebrews 11:21). This may carry dual meanings: Israel bowed down at the head of his staff, which represents Joseph. By requesting Joseph for a favored burial, he accepts his oath as a boon, responding with reverence. However, due to his father’s status, his frailty, or respect for the symbol of authority, he acknowledges only the top of that ruler’s staff, which Joseph held before him.