John Calvin Commentary Genesis 48:12

"And Joseph brought them out from between his knees; and he bowed himself with his face to the earth." — Genesis 48:12 (ASV)

And Joseph brought them out. Moses explains more fully what he had touched upon in a single word. Joseph brings out his sons from his own lap to his father’s knees, not only for the sake of honor, but also so that he might present them to receive a blessing from the prophet of God. For he was certainly persuaded that holy Jacob did not desire to embrace his grandsons in the common manner of men. Rather, because Jacob was the interpreter of God, he wished to impart to them the blessing entrusted to him. And although, in dividing the land of Canaan, he assigned them equal portions with his sons, yet the imposition of his hands pertained to something higher: namely, that they should be two of the patriarchs of the Church, and should hold an honorable preeminence in the spiritual kingdom of God.