Genesis 48:1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

After Jacob conveyed his wishes to his son, it is noted in Scripture that shortly thereafter, Joseph, upon realizing that his father was fatigued and at the threshold of the grave, aware that his end was near, “took his two sons with him.”

The venerable Jacob lived to a remarkable old age, as noted in Scripture (Gen. 48:10; cf. 25:8; Gen. 15:15). As he was about to leave this world, he sought to bestow blessings upon his descendants through Joseph.

Joseph received word that his father was in need of rest, so he brought his two sons to Jacob to receive a blessing from him prior to his passing.

From this passage, it becomes clear what I previously mentioned; specifically, that Joseph had just two sons up to that point: Ephraim and Manasseh. Given that many years had passed since the family's move to Egypt and as Jacob approached his death, Joseph could only bless these two sons. At that moment, his children were still very young, dependent on their mother for nourishment, indicating that they were not yet able to have children of their own. Therefore, when Joseph's father and brothers arrived in Egypt, he could not have had grandchildren through his sons.

After several days, Joseph received word that his father was entirely worn out. He brought along his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, and went to visit his ailing father.

This narrative concludes the account of the beginnings of the tribes of Israel, which was introduced in the story of Jacob's marriage.