Lori Frankl and Family
SUMMARY OF Genesis 48:1-20
In prior verses, Jacob, also known by his God-given name Israel, was preparing for his death. His family has settled in Egypt under the protection of his son, Joseph. Anticipating the end of his life, Jacob asked Joseph to swear to bury him with his fathers in Canaan, rather than being interred in Egypt. Joseph agreed (Genesis 47:29–31).
It's unknown how much time has passed since then, but Joseph now gets word that Jacob is ill. He is close to dying. Joseph responds by taking his two sons Manasseh and Ephraim to see Jacob so that his father can bless them. If this is very near the end of Jacob's life, after 17 years in Egypt, Joseph would be in his mid-50s. Jacob would be 147 (Genesis 47:28).