# Jacob Blesses Joseph's Sons: Ephraim and Manasseh **Cross Reference**: #Jacob, #Joseph, #blessing, #Ephraim, #Manasseh, #inheritance ## Scripture Reference: [Genesis 48:1-2](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+48.1-2&version=AMP) Genesis 48 recounts the blessing of [[Joseph]]’s two sons, [[Ephraim]] and [[Manasseh]], by [[Jacob]]. This chapter focuses on themes of [[blessing]], [[Inheritance]], and the continuation of God’s covenant promises through the next generation. Jacob, now old and near death, calls for Joseph and his sons to bless them, bestowing upon them the rights and privileges of the firstborn. The significance of this blessing, especially the reversal of the traditional birth order, carries important theological mean... ### Jacob's Adoption of Ephraim and Manasseh **Scripture Reference**: [Genesis 48:3-7](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+48.3-7&version=AMP) When Joseph brings his two sons before Jacob, Jacob begins by recalling God’s promises to him at Bethel, where God had promised to make him fruitful and to give him the land of Canaan as an everlasting possession. Jacob then declares that Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons born to Joseph in Egypt, will be counted as his own sons, just as Reuben and Simeon are. By adopting Ephraim and Manasseh as his own, Jacob effectively elevates them to the status of tribal patriarchs, granting them an inheritance in Israe... Jacob’s adoption of Joseph’s sons is a significant moment in the biblical narrative, as it reflects the continuation of the [[covenant promises]] through Joseph’s lineage. By giving Ephraim and Manasseh the status of full sons, Jacob ensures that Joseph’s family will have a double portion of the inheritance, a right traditionally reserved for the firstborn. This act also highlights the importance of [[family]] and [[lineage]] in the transmission of God’s promises. ### The Reversal of the Blessing **Scripture Reference**: [Genesis 48:8-14](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+48.8-14&version=AMP) As Jacob prepares to bless Joseph’s sons, Joseph places Manasseh, the elder, at Jacob’s right hand and Ephraim, the younger, at Jacob’s left. However, Jacob crosses his hands, placing his right hand on Ephraim’s head and his left hand on Manasseh’s. Joseph, noticing the reversal, tries to correct his father, but Jacob insists that the younger brother, Ephraim, will be greater than the older, Manasseh. This reversal of the birth order is a recurring theme in Genesis, seen earlier in the stories of [[Isaac]] and [[Ishmael]], and [[Jacob]] and [[Esau]]. In each case, the younger sibling is chosen over the elder, highlighting the theme of [[God’s Sovereignty]] in determining the course of history. God’s blessings are not bound by human conventions or traditions; rather, He chooses whom He wills to fulfill His purposes. Jacob’s blessing of Ephraim over Manasseh also foreshadows the future roles of their descendants. Ephraim would become the more prominent tribe in Israel, while Manasseh, though still blessed, would not achieve the same level of influence. This act demonstrates that God’s plans often subvert human expectations, as He works in ways that may seem unconventional or surprising. ### Jacob’s Blessing of Joseph’s Sons **Scripture Reference**: [Genesis 48:15-20](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+48.15-20&version=AMP) Jacob blesses Joseph’s sons, invoking the God before whom his fathers, [[Abraham]] and [[Isaac]], walked, and the God who has been his shepherd all his life. Jacob prays that the Angel who has delivered him from all harm would bless the boys, and he declares that Ephraim and Manasseh will be called by his name and the names of his fathers. He concludes by saying, "May they increase greatly upon the earth." This blessing reflects the continuity of the [[Covenant]] from one generation to the next. Jacob’s invocation of God as his shepherd is particularly significant, as it emphasizes God’s guiding and protective role throughout his life. The reference to the "Angel" likely points to earlier encounters Jacob had with God, such as his wrestling with the angel in Genesis 32. This blessing underscores the central biblical theme of [[divine protection]] and [[guidance]]. Jacob’s desire for Ephraim and Manasseh to carry on his name and the names of his fathers reflects the importance of [[legacy]] in the biblical narrative. By associating them with the covenantal promises made to Abraham and Isaac, Jacob ensures that Joseph’s sons will be integral to the future of Israel and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. ### The Promise of the Future and the Land **Scripture Reference**: [Genesis 48:21-22](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+48.21-22&version=AMP) As the chapter draws to a close, Jacob reminds Joseph that God will be with him and will bring his descendants back to the land of their fathers. Jacob also gives Joseph an additional portion of land, the ridge of land he took from the Amorites with his sword and bow. This final act symbolizes the inheritance of the [[Promised Land]] and the future restoration of Israel. Jacob’s promise that God will bring Joseph’s descendants back to the land reinforces the central theme of the [[covenant promises]]. Though the family is currently in Egypt, the ultimate destination for the people of Israel is the land of Canaan, where God’s promises will be fully realized. This forward-looking promise points to the future [[exodus]] of Israel from Egypt and their eventual settlement in the Promised Land. The additional portion of land given to Joseph is a sign of favor and blessing, as Jacob ensures that Joseph’s descendants will have a special place in the future inheritance of Israel. This act of giving land also foreshadows the distribution of the land among the tribes of Israel in the book of Joshua. ### Theological Reflections on Blessing, Inheritance, and God’s Sovereignty Genesis 48 offers rich theological insights into the themes of [[blessing]], [[Inheritance]], and [[God’s Sovereignty]]. Jacob’s adoption and blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh reflect the continuation of God’s covenant promises through Joseph’s family. The reversal of the birth order highlights the theme of God’s sovereignty, as He chooses whom He wills to fulfill His purposes, regardless of human expectations. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of [[legacy]] and the transmission of faith from one generation to the next. Jacob’s blessings upon his grandsons ensure that the covenant promises will continue to be passed down, ultimately leading to the formation of the nation of Israel and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Finally, the chapter points to the future fulfillment of the covenant in the [[Promised Land]]. Jacob’s promise to Joseph that God will bring his descendants back to the land of Canaan reflects the enduring nature of God’s promises and His faithfulness to His people. ### Call to Action: - Reflect on the theme of God’s sovereignty in your own life, acknowledging that His plans are not limited by human expectations or conventions. - Consider how you can pass on the blessings of faith and the knowledge of God’s covenant promises to the next generation, following Jacob’s example of blessing his grandsons. - Trust in God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises, even in difficult circumstances, knowing that He is working toward His redemptive purposes. **Related Concepts:** - [[Blessing]] - [[Inheritance]] - [[God’s Sovereignty]] - [[Covenant Promises]]