Genesis 48:9

Joseph said to his father, "They are the sons God has given me in this place." So Jacob said, "Please bring them to me, that I may bless them."

Study Bible

Joseph said to his father
This phrase highlights the intimate and respectful relationship between Joseph and his father, Jacob. In Hebrew, the word for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), which often conveys not just speaking but a declaration or proclamation. Joseph, despite his high status in Egypt, maintains a posture of humility and respect towards his father, reflecting the biblical principle of honoring one's parents (Exodus 20:12).

They are my sons
Joseph identifies Ephraim and Manasseh as his sons, emphasizing the continuation of his lineage. The Hebrew word for "sons" is "בָּנִים" (banim), which signifies not only biological offspring but also heirs and carriers of one's legacy. This declaration is significant in the context of the patriarchal blessings, where lineage and inheritance are crucial.

whom God has given me here
Joseph acknowledges that his sons are a gift from God, using the Hebrew word "נָתַן" (natan) for "given," which implies a divine bestowal or grant. This reflects Joseph's recognition of God's providence in his life, even in a foreign land. The word "here" underscores the miraculous nature of God's blessings, as Joseph was in Egypt, a place of previous hardship and separation from his family.

So Jacob said
Jacob, also known as Israel, responds to Joseph's introduction of his sons. The Hebrew word for "said" here is again "אָמַר" (amar), indicating a thoughtful and deliberate response. Jacob's role as the patriarch is highlighted, as he prepares to perform a significant act of blessing.

Bring them to me, please
Jacob's request is gentle yet authoritative. The phrase "bring them to me" in Hebrew is "קָחָם נָא" (kacham na), where "נָא" (na) is a particle of entreaty, often translated as "please." This shows Jacob's eagerness and willingness to bless his grandsons, recognizing the importance of this moment in the transmission of God's promises.

that I may bless them
The act of blessing is central to the patriarchal narratives. The Hebrew word for "bless" is "בָּרַךְ" (barak), which means to endow with power for success, prosperity, and longevity. Jacob's intention to bless Joseph's sons signifies the passing of God's covenantal promises to the next generation. This blessing is not merely a wish for well-being but a prophetic declaration of God's favor and purpose for Ephraim and Manasseh.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joseph
The son of Jacob and Rachel, who rose to prominence in Egypt. He is presenting his sons to his father, Jacob, for a blessing.

2. Jacob (Israel)
The patriarch of the Israelites, father of Joseph, and grandfather to Ephraim and Manasseh. He is preparing to bless Joseph's sons.

3. Ephraim and Manasseh
The sons of Joseph, born in Egypt. They are about to receive a blessing from their grandfather, Jacob.

4. Egypt
The land where Joseph has been living and where his sons were born. It represents a place of both refuge and foreign influence for the Israelites.

5. Blessing
A significant event in biblical tradition, where a patriarch imparts a spiritual and prophetic blessing to his descendants.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Blessings
In biblical times, blessings were not just well-wishes but carried prophetic and spiritual significance. They were a means of passing on God's promises and favor to future generations.

God's Sovereignty in Family
Joseph acknowledges that his sons are a gift from God, reminding us that our families are entrusted to us by God and should be nurtured in His ways.

Faith Across Generations
Jacob's act of blessing his grandsons demonstrates the importance of passing down faith and spiritual heritage to the next generation.

Identity in a Foreign Land
Ephraim and Manasseh were born in Egypt, yet they are claimed as part of the Israelite heritage. This teaches us about maintaining our spiritual identity even when surrounded by a foreign culture.

The Role of Grandparents
Jacob's blessing of his grandsons highlights the influential role grandparents can play in the spiritual lives of their grandchildren.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joseph's acknowledgment of his sons as gifts from God challenge us to view our own families?

2. In what ways can we, like Jacob, pass on a spiritual blessing to the next generation?

3. How does the account of Ephraim and Manasseh encourage us to maintain our faith identity in a secular world?

4. What can we learn from the patriarchal blessings about the power of spoken words in shaping the future?

5. How can grandparents today take an active role in the spiritual development of their grandchildren, as Jacob did with Ephraim and Manasseh?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 41
Provides background on Joseph's rise to power in Egypt and the birth of his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh.

Genesis 27
The account of Jacob receiving Isaac's blessing, which parallels the importance of blessings in the patriarchal accounts.

Hebrews 11:21
References Jacob's faith as he blesses the sons of Joseph, highlighting the significance of this act in the context of faith.

Deuteronomy 33
Moses' blessings to the tribes of Israel, showing the continuation of the tradition of blessings.

Numbers 1:32-35
Lists the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, showing their significance in the nation of Israel.