Genesis 48:2 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

And one told Jacob, and said, Behold, thy son Joseph cometh unto thee: and Israel strengthened himself, and sat upon the bed. Israel strengthened himself, and sat upon the bed - He had been confined to his bed before, (see Genesis 47:31), and now, hearing that Joseph was come to see him, he made what efforts his little remaining strength would admit, to sit up in bed to receive his son. This verse proves that a bed, not a staff, is intended in the preceding chapter, Genesis 47:31.