John Calvin Commentary Genesis 47:31

"And he said, Swear unto me: and he sware unto him. And Israel bowed himself upon the bed`s head." — Genesis 47:31 (ASV)

And Israel bowed himself upon the bed’s head. By this expression, Moses again affirms that Jacob regarded it as a special kindness that his son had promised to do what he had requested concerning his burial. For he exerts his weak body as much as he can to give thanks to God, as if he had obtained something most desirable.

He is said to have worshipped towards the head of his bed because, since he was completely unable to rise from the bed on which he lay, he still composed himself with a solemn air in the posture of one who was praying. The same is recorded of David (1 Kings 1:47) when, having obtained his last wish, he celebrates the grace of God.

The Greeks have translated it as 'at the top of his staff,' which the Apostle has followed in the Epistle to the Hebrews (Hebrews 11:21). And though the interpreters seem to have been deceived by the similarity of words; because, with the Hebrews, מוטה (mitah) signifies 'bed,' and מוטה (motah) signifies 'a staff'; yet the Apostle allows himself to cite the passage as it was then commonly used, so that he might not offend inexperienced readers unnecessarily. Moreover, those who interpret the words to mean that Jacob worshipped his son's scepter are absurdly trifling.

The interpretation of others—that he bowed his head, leaning on the top of his staff—is, to say the least, tolerable. But since there is no ambiguity in the words of Moses, let it be enough to remember what I have said: that by this ceremony, he openly showed the greatness of his joy.

CHAPTER 48.