47:9 sojourning. The Hebrew term denotes a temporary abode, the condition of a resident alien. Jacob described his own life, and that of his fathers, as a sojourn (21:34; 24:3; 26:3 and notes). Though awaiting the fulfillment of the divine covenant promise of land, their hope extended beyond Canaan to a heavenly and eternal country, to a “city . . . whose designer and builder is God” (Heb. 11:10). See notes 13:15 and Heb. 11:8–10.

Few and evil. Jacob did not glory in the number of his years. Though blessed by God and a blessing to others, he had his share of human failings and afflictions.