LESSON 10: The Death of Jacob (Genesis 48-50)

(Genesis 48–50)

Jacob was 130 years old when he arrived in Egypt with his family. His sons, their wives, and his grandchildren totaled 70 people. Even Pharaoh respected Jacob because his son, Joseph, was the governor of Egypt.

Joseph had two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. Their mother was Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, a priest in Egypt. Joseph brought his sons to Jacob for a blessing. Jacob recognized them as his own and blessed them.

Joseph placed his eldest son, Manasseh, at Jacob’s right hand and Ephraim at his left. However, Jacob crossed his hands, placing his right hand on Ephraim and his left on Manasseh. Joseph was upset because he wanted his father to bless Manasseh first, as he was the eldest. But Jacob explained, “I know, my son. Manasseh will become a great nation, but his younger brother Ephraim will be even greater.” Just as God had chosen Jacob over his older brother Esau, He chose Ephraim over Manasseh.

In the past, it was common for parents to bless their children. Even today, we receive blessings from priests by kissing their hands during Holy Qurbana. Science has also shown that physical contact can transfer energy from one person to another.

Jacob’s Final Blessing

Jacob blessed each of his sons one by one. However, he gave a special blessing to Judah, saying,
“Judah, your brothers will praise you. You are like a lion. The ruler’s staff will never leave your family until the one to whom it belongs comes.”

This was a prophecy that Jesus would be born from the tribe of Judah. Jacob also reminded his sons that they would one day return to the promised land. Because of this, he asked them to bury him in the tomb of his forefathers.

After giving his final words, Jacob died at the age of 147. His journey in this world was over, just as all of us will one day complete our journey and reach our eternal home.

Jacob’s Burial

Joseph was heartbroken and kissed his father before ordering the physicians to embalm his body, a process that took 40 days. The Egyptians mourned Jacob’s death for 70 days. As promised, Joseph fulfilled Jacob’s last wish and buried him in the cave at Machpelah in Canaan, the burial place that Abraham had purchased.