Problem:
Did Jacob worship at the head of the bed or leaning on a staff? Genesis says that Israel bowed to worship God “at the head of the bed.” The Book of Hebrews, however, while citing the same story, says that he did so “leaning on the top of his staff.” Is this a contradiction?
Solution:
Head of bed: Genesis 47:31, “And he said, “Swear to me.” So he swore to him. Then Israel bowed in worship at the head of the bed.”
Top of staff: Heb. 11:21, “By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.”
This is no contradiction at all. Jacob asked his son Joseph to carry his bones out of Egypt to be buried in Israel. Joseph agreed, and then Jacob worshipped at the head of the bed while leaning on a staff?
A contradiction occurs when one statement makes the other impossible. This is not the case here. Both statements are true.
“By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. (Heb 11:21)”
