48:10 Now Israel’s eyes were failing18 because of his age; he was not able to see well. So Joseph19 brought his sons20 near to him, and his father21 kissed them and embraced them.
sn The disjunctive clause provides supplemental information that is important to the story. The weakness of Israel’s sight is one of several connections between this chapter and Gen 27. Here there are two sons, and it appears that the younger is being blessed over the older by a blind old man. While it was by Jacob’s deception in chap. 27, here it is with Jacob’s full knowledge.
19
tnHeb “he”; the referent (Joseph) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
20
tnHeb “them”; the referent (Joseph’s sons) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
21
tnHeb “and he”; the referent (Joseph’s father) has been specified in the translation for clarity.