Genesis 49:33Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Upon completing his final words to his sons, Jacob rested his feet upon the bed and breathed his last, uniting with his ancestors. Consider the remarkable nature of the righteous man's departure. After preparing for his children, he reclined on his bier, seemingly content to embrace death. Having made all necessary arrangements, he 'laid his feet'—that is, positioned or extended his legs—‘passed away’—indicating the end of his earthly existence—and ‘joined his people.’

At the age of 130, Jacob journeyed to Egypt accompanied by his entire household of 65 individuals. He resided in Egypt for 17 years before passing away.

After expressing these words, Jacob placed his feet upon his bed and breathed his last. Scripture notes that "he joined his people," referring to those holy and just individuals whom the earth had brought forth and nurtured for eternal life, and who had already been welcomed into the realm of eternity.

Jacob completed his prophetic discourse, entrusting his sons with the instruction to lay him to rest in Canaan, specifically in the cave of Machpelah. This location had been purchased by Abraham alongside a field intended for the burial of Sarah (Genesis 23:4-20). In that very cave, Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, and Leah also found their final resting place (Genesis 49:31). Jacob found comfort in knowing that his remains would rest in the land promised by God to his descendants. Once he proclaimed his final wishes, Jacob fell silent, and as he positioned his feet upon the bier, he peacefully breathed his last. He had just delivered his prophetic message and testament while seated on the bier, his legs dangling down.