The Book of Genesis Part 2 Chapters 48 and 49. ESV Version.

Welcome back to Reading with Ben! Today April 23, 2022, and Episode #23! I'll continue the lecture with chapters 48  & 49.| Genesis chapter 48, Jacob had talked about dying for many years (Genesis 37:35; 47:9), but now he truly nears the end of his days. If this scene takes place immediately before the events of chapter 49, Jacob is literally on his deathbed. Joseph, hearing of his father's illness, comes to Jacob's side with his two oldest sons to receive a blessing. Jacob's frailty is reflected in the effort it takes him to sit up in bed (Genesis 48:1–2). Genesis chapter 49, Before he dies, Jacob urgently seeks to complete two important pieces of business with his twelve sons. First, he wishes to give a prophetic message appropriate to each. While these are titled "blessings," not all are positive. These are presented more as predictions than bestowing favors. Second, he wants to command them to bury his body in Canaan and not in Egypt.