Genesis 47:31

Bowed himself upon the bed's head— The Septuagint and Syriac versions render this, Israel worshipped upon the top of his staff; and I see no sort of reason why the Hebrew should not have been rendered exactly the same in our version of the Bible; for, literally, it is, and Israel bowed himself upon the head of his staff, המטה עלאּראשׁ al rosh hammittah; מטה matteh, signifies, a rod, staff, or stick, or any thing upon which men are inclined, or lean; and in this view there is no contradiction between the passage, Hebrews 11:21 and the present: here it is only a mistake in our translation of the Bible, which has too exactly copied the Vulgate. The bowing himself was probably an act of religious worship; and Hallett remarks, that the leaning on his staff, is pertinently mentioned to intimate, that, feeble as he was, he would worship God in the best manner he was able. He thought it so great a privilege to be buried in the land of Canaan, that he bowed his head, in token of thankfulness for it. The bowing of David, mentioned 1 Kings 1:47. was an act of religious worship. See Judges 7:15.Exodus 4:31; Exodus 12:27.

REFLECTIONS.—While others pined with want, Jacob and his family lived in plenty. His old age passed on as peaceful and serene, as his former days had been tempestuous. Note; It is a peculiar blessing to age, to have ease and rest, because it is most unfit for toil and labour. And now the time of Israel's death approached: this is the certain end of the longest life: happy they who see the approaches of death, and prepare for it accordingly. One great concern now engaged the patriarch's heart, and that was the disposal of his corpse. He desires to lie in the land of promise, as a confirmation to his posterity of their possession of it, and as a token of his own hope in that better rest which remained for the people of God. Joseph at his desire visits him, and swears to fulfil this his dying command; then Israel is satisfied, and bows in acknowledgment of the mercy. Note; When we can with confidence trust the Divine promise, and rest on the Divine oath, we shall with pleasure say, Now let thy servant depart in peace.