Charles Ellicott Commentary Genesis 48:2

"And one told Jacob, and said, Behold, thy son Joseph cometh unto thee: and Israel strengthened himself, and sat upon the bed." — Genesis 48:2 (ASV)

Strengthened himself. —Jacob thus prepared himself, not merely because he wished to receive Joseph in a manner suitable to his rank, but chiefly because he himself was about to perform a sacred act, under the influence of the Divine Spirit.

Sat upon the bed. —We learn that he left his bed, and placed himself upon it in a sitting posture, from what is recorded in Genesis 48:12.