John Calvin Commentary Genesis 46:4

"I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again: and Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes." — Genesis 46:4 (ASV)

And Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes. This clause was added to show greater indulgence. For though Jacob, in desiring that, when he died, his eyes should be closed by the hand of Joseph, showed that some weakness of the flesh was involved in the wish, yet God was willing to comply with it, to moderate the grief of a new banishment. Moreover, we know that the custom of closing the eyes was very ancient, and that this office was performed by someone most closely connected with the deceased, either by blood or affection.