"When Israel saw the sons of Joseph, he asked, 'Who are these?'
'They are the sons God has given me here,' Joseph said to his father.
Then Israel said, 'Bring them to me so I may bless them.'
Now Israel's eyes were failing because of old age, and he could hardly see. So Joseph brought his sons close to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them. Israel said to Joseph, 'I never expected to see your face again, and now God has allowed me to see your children too.' " (Genesis 48:8-11 NIV)
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At first, Jacob does not appear to recognize his own grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Certainly this is not the first time he is meeting them, for Jacob lived about seventeen years in Egypt with Joseph before his death, and even if Joseph was busy with his work for the Pharaoh, he would have made time to have his sons meet their grandfather long before this. The text reveals that his vision was failing because of old age (v.10), so that is probably why he questions the identity of these young people who are accompanying Joseph.
Jacob is one grateful grandfather. At one time, he had given up hope of ever seeing Joseph again, yet here he is, able to enjoy being with his grandsons as well.
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