JACOB SERIES: BLESSING JOSEPH’S SONS

Chapter 48 of Genesis opens with Joseph being informed that his father was ill, and, as a dutiful son, he went to see Jacob, accompanied by his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.

When told of his son’s arrival, Jacob sat up in his bed and conversed with Joseph. Jacob apprised Joseph that God Almighty, El Shaddai, had appeared to him years before in Luz and blessed him, decreeing that He would make him fruitful. multiply his family and eternally give the land of Canaan to his descendants. Additionally, Jacob adopted Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, who were born in Egypt, and they would be considered his sons; however, if Joseph had other sons in the future, they would belong to Joseph. Jacob also spoke about the death of his beloved Rachel, whom he buried on the way to Ephrath.

Unable to see clearly but sensing others were present, Jacob inquired who they were, and when he found out they were Joseph’s two sons, he had them come to him so he could bless them. First, he kissed and hugged them and emotionally declared he thought Joseph was dead, but God allowed him to see that Joseph was alive, and also had sons. Then Joseph bows down in response to his father’s words.

Joseph brought his sons before Jacob to be blessed, thinking that his elder son, Manasseh, would receive the firstborn blessing; however, Jacob crossed his hands, placing his right hand on Ephraim’s head and his left on Manasseh’s. Then Jacob blessed Joseph, saying that the God of his forefathers, who had taken care of him, along with the angel of God who had protected him throughout his life, would bless these sons.

Joseph protested his father’s actions; however, Jacob assured him that he knew what he was doing, for though Manasseh would be great, Ephraim would be greater, and his descendants would become numerous. Additionally, Jacob gave Joseph the land he had won in battle from the Amorites, reiterated that he was dying, and assured Joseph that God would be with him and that he would return to the land of Canaan.

Here is additional information and nuggets from Genesis 48:

Concern for elderly parents should not be just in words but also in actions.

God can turn years of grief and sorrow into tears of joy and comfort.

In accordance with Egyptian custom, Joseph bowed down in reverence before his father.

The right hand was used to convey the highest blessing on an individual.

The will of God can override the law of primogeniture.

As God took care of you, believe Him to do the same for your family.

Sometimes in life, what we think will happen does not.

What God means to bless will be blessed.

Whereas Jacob stole his brother’s blessing in secret, he now openly gives the firstborn blessing to his grandson, Ephraim, who was not the firstborn in his family.