Berean Study Bible Jacob Blesses Ephraim and ManassehJacob had lived in Egypt long enough for his family to become established in Goshen under Joseph’s protection. As his strength declined, the family entered the final period of the patriarch’s life. 1Ki 17:7 Some time later, however, the brook dried up… Joseph was told, “Your father is ill.” News of Jacob’s illness brought Joseph to his father’s side. Jacob’s approaching death made it necessary to address the inheritance, covenant blessing, and future of his descendants. 1Ki 2:1 As the time drew near for David to die, he charged his son… So he set out with his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. Joseph brought his Egyptian-born sons so they could receive Jacob’s blessing. Their presence prepared for Jacob’s adoption of them as his own sons, giving each a place among the tribes of Israel. Gen 46:20 Manasseh and Ephraim were born to Joseph in Egypt… When Jacob was told, When Jacob was told that Joseph had come to see him, he gathered his strength for a final meeting with the son through whom God had preserved the family during the famine. Gen 45:26 “Joseph is still alive,” they said, “and he is ruler… “Your son Joseph has come to you,” Joseph came not merely as Egypt’s ruler but as Jacob’s son, bringing Ephraim and Manasseh to receive their grandfather’s blessing. Their meeting marked the restoration of a family once divided by Joseph’s brothers’ sin and God’s providential preservation. Gen 46:29 Joseph prepared his chariot and went there… Israel rallied his strength Though physically weak, the patriarch rose to carry out his final responsibility. The name Israel recalls God’s covenant promise and Jacob’s place as father of the nation that would descend from his sons. 1Sa 30:6 And David was greatly distressed because the people spoke… and sat up in bed. Jacob assumed the posture of a patriarch ready to speak with authority. From his bed he would recount God’s faithfulness, adopt Joseph’s sons as his own, and declare blessings that would shape the future of Israel’s tribes. Psa 41:3 The LORD will sustain him on his bed of illness… Jacob said to Joseph, Near the end of his life, Jacob spoke privately with Joseph to recount the covenant promises God had given him. He prepared to establish Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, within the inheritance of Israel. Gen 47:29 When the time drew near for Israel to die, he called… “God Almighty appeared to me God had personally confirmed His covenant with Jacob, continuing the promises first given to Abraham and Isaac. His power and faithfulness guaranteed the future of Jacob’s family. Gen 35:9 After Jacob had returned from Paddan-aram… at Luz in the land of Canaan, Luz, later called Bethel, was the place where God met Jacob and reaffirmed that his descendants would inherit Canaan. Though Jacob’s family had lived in Egypt for many years, their promised homeland remained Canaan. Gen 35:6 So Jacob and everyone with him arrived in Luz… and there He blessed me God promised Jacob numerous descendants, a people and company of nations, and the land of Canaan as a lasting possession. Jacob now recalled that blessing as he passed its privileges forward through Joseph’s sons. Gen 35:12 The land that I gave to Abraham and Isaac… and told me, ‘Behold, I will make you fruitful and multiply you; God promised Jacob a large and enduring family line. Through his sons, Jacob would become the father of the tribes of Israel. Gen 17:6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful;… I will make you a multitude of peoples, The promise anticipated the development of Jacob’s descendants into a nation composed of distinct tribes, each tracing its origin to one of his sons. Gen 35:11 And God told him, “I am God Almighty. Be fruitful… and will give this land to your descendants after you The land of Canaan was assigned to Jacob’s descendants as their inheritance. Israel’s later settlement of the land stood as a historical fulfillment of God’s promise to the patriarchs. Gen 35:12 The land that I gave to Abraham and Isaac… as an everlasting possession.’ The covenant grant established the land as Israel’s permanent inheritance under God’s authority, tied to His continuing purposes for the descendants of Jacob. Gen 17:8 And to you and your descendants I will give the land… And now your two sons born to you in Egypt before I came to you here Ephraim and Manasseh were born during Joseph’s years of authority in Egypt, while Jacob remained in Canaan. Their birth connects the family of Israel to Egypt before the later migration of all Jacob’s household, setting the historical setting for Israel’s eventual deliverance from that land. Gen 46:27 And with the two sons who had been born to Joseph in Egypt,… shall be reckoned as mine; Jacob formally receives Joseph’s sons as his own sons. They are no longer counted merely among Jacob’s grandchildren but are granted full standing within the family and its inheritance. 1Ch 5:1-2 These were the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel.… Ephraim and Manasseh shall be mine, Their adoption gives Joseph a double portion among Israel’s tribes through his two sons. Though Manasseh was older, Ephraim would receive the greater blessing and later become a leading tribe in Israel. Jos 14:4 The descendants of Joseph became two tribes… just as Reuben and Simeon are mine. Ephraim and Manasseh receive status equal to Jacob’s natural sons, each becoming the head of a tribe. Joseph’s faithfulness and Jacob’s blessing result in his family receiving a lasting inheritance in Israel. Gen 29:32-33 And Leah conceived and gave birth to a son,… Any children born to you after them shall be yours, Jacob grants Ephraim and Manasseh a distinct standing among his sons, adopting them as his own and giving each an inheritance equal to that of Israel’s other sons. Any later sons born to Joseph would remain Joseph’s children without receiving separate tribal status. 1Ch 5:1-2 These were the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel.… and they shall be called by the names of their brothers Joseph’s later descendants would be counted within the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh rather than establishing additional tribes. This preserved the number and identity of Israel’s tribes while giving Joseph a double portion through his two eldest sons. Deu 25:6 The first son she bears will carry on the name… in the territory they inherit. Their descendants would share the land assigned to Ephraim and Manasseh in Canaan. The inheritance included real territory, confirming God’s promise to establish Jacob’s family in the land promised to their fathers. Num 26:53-56 The land is to be divided among the tribes as an inheritance… Now as for me, when I was returning from Paddan, Jacob recalls his return from Paddan Aram after years of service to Laban, marriage, and the birth of his children. He was traveling back toward the land God had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and their descendants. Gen 31:18 and he drove all his livestock before him,… to my sorrow Rachel died along the way Rachel, Jacob’s beloved wife and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin, died while giving birth to Benjamin. Her death remained a deep grief to Jacob even many years later. Gen 35:18 And with her last breath—for she was dying—… in the land of Canaan, Rachel died within the land God had given to Jacob’s family as their inheritance, though the family had not yet fully possessed it. Gen 50:13 They carried him to the land of Canaan… some distance from Ephrath. Ephrath was near Bethlehem in the hill country of Judah, along the route Jacob’s family traveled. Mic 5:2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small… So I buried her there beside the road to Ephrath” Rachel was buried where she died, and her grave became a remembered landmark in Israel’s history. Gen 35:19-20 So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath… (that is, Bethlehem). Bethlehem later became the city of David and the birthplace of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. Mat 2:1-6 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea,… When Israel saw the sons of Joseph, Near the end of Jacob’s life in Egypt, Joseph brought Ephraim and Manasseh before him. Though born in Egypt, they belonged to the covenant family and would share in the inheritance of Israel. Their presence showed that God’s promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob would continue through the next generation. Gen 46:20 Manasseh and Ephraim were born to Joseph in Egypt… he asked, “Who are these?” Jacob’s failing eyesight likely prevented him from recognizing the boys clearly. Joseph identified them so that Jacob could formally receive and bless them. Jacob would count Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons, giving Joseph a double portion among the tribes of Israel. Gen 33:5 “These are the children God has graciously”… Joseph said to his father, Joseph respectfully presents his sons to Jacob. Though he rules in Egypt, he remains a son before his aged father and recognizes Jacob’s authority as head of the covenant family. Gen 46:29 Joseph prepared his chariot and went there… “They are the sons God has given me in this place.” Manasseh and Ephraim were born to Joseph during his years in Egypt. Joseph credits God for giving them to him, acknowledging that the Lord had preserved and blessed him even after his separation from his family. Gen 33:5 “These are the children God has graciously”… So Jacob said, Jacob, nearing the end of his life, prepares to extend the covenant blessing to Joseph’s sons. As the recipient of God’s promises to Abraham and Isaac, he speaks with the authority of the family patriarch. Gen 49:1 Then Jacob called for his sons and said,… “Please bring them to me, Jacob asks that the boys be brought near, despite his failing eyesight. Their approach marks a formal family act rather than a casual meeting. Mat 19:13 Then little children were brought to Jesus… that I may bless them.” Jacob intends to bless Ephraim and Manasseh as heirs within Israel. His blessing will give them a place among the tribes descended from Jacob and will shape their future in the land God promised to Abraham. Heb 11:21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed… Now Israel’s eyesight was poor because of old age; Jacob’s failing sight reflects the weakness of his advanced years, as he nears the end of his life in Egypt. Though physically diminished, he remains the covenant patriarch through whom God will confirm the future of Joseph’s sons. Gen 27:1 When Isaac was old and his eyes were so weak… he could hardly see. His limited vision heightens the solemnity of the moment as he prepares to give a deliberate and enduring blessing. 1Ki 14:4 Jeroboam’s wife did as instructed; she arose… Joseph brought his sons to him, Ephraim and Manasseh, born in Egypt, are presented to Jacob so they may be received into the family of Israel and share in the covenant inheritance. Joseph recognizes that their future depends not on Egyptian rank but on their place among God’s chosen people. Mrk 10:13-16 Now people were bringing the little children to Jesus… and his father kissed them and embraced them. Jacob’s affection publicly confirms his acceptance of the boys as his own descendants. The embrace accompanies the blessing that will establish Ephraim and Manasseh as tribes within Israel. Gen 33:4 Esau, however, ran to him and embraced him… “I never expected to see your face again,” Jacob had mourned Joseph as dead for many years, so their reunion in Egypt was beyond anything he had hoped for. Joseph’s preservation and exaltation had brought the family through the famine and protected the covenant line. Gen 46:30 Then Israel said to Joseph, “Finally I can die,… Israel said to Joseph, The name Israel connects this personal reunion to Jacob’s place as the father of the nation God had promised to establish through his descendants. Joseph’s role in Egypt had become central to the family’s survival and future growth. Gen 47:29 When the time drew near for Israel to die, he called… “but now God has let me see your children as well.” Jacob recognized God’s gracious hand in allowing him not only to see Joseph alive but also to meet Ephraim and Manasseh. Their presence confirmed that Joseph’s family would share in the inheritance and that God’s promises would continue through another generation. Job 42:16 After this, Job lived 140 years and saw his children… Then Joseph removed his sons from his father’s knees Having brought Ephraim and Manasseh before Jacob, Joseph positioned them for the blessing their grandfather was about to give. Jacob had already received them as his own sons, granting them a full share in Israel’s inheritance. Gen 50:23 He saw Ephraim’s sons to the third generation,… and bowed facedown. Joseph honored Jacob as the family patriarch and recognized the weight of the blessing God would speak through him. 2Sa 18:28 Then Ahimaaz called out to the king, “All is well!”… And Joseph took both of them— Joseph brought his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, before his aged father Jacob. Though born in Egypt, they were to be received fully into Jacob’s family and share in the covenant inheritance. Heb 11:21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed… with Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel’s left hand, Joseph placed Ephraim, the younger son, where Jacob’s left hand would rest upon him, reserving the greater blessing for the firstborn according to custom. Gen 27:18-29 So Jacob went to his father and said, “My father.”… and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel’s right hand— Manasseh, Joseph’s firstborn, was positioned to receive Jacob’s right hand, the customary sign of superior blessing and inheritance. Joseph expected the established order to be followed. Psa 110:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD said to my Lord:… and brought them close to him. Joseph drew his sons near so that Jacob could bless them personally. The event marked their adoption into Israel’s household and prepared the way for Ephraim and Manasseh to become distinct tribes among the descendants of Jacob. Mrk 10:13-16 Now people were bringing the little children to Jesus… But Israel stretched out his right hand and put it on the head of Ephraim, the younger; Israel deliberately gave the place of greater blessing to Ephraim rather than to Joseph’s firstborn. The right hand represented honor and preeminence, and Jacob’s action showed that Ephraim would receive the greater inheritance among Joseph’s sons. Gen 25:23 And He declared to her: “Two nations are in your womb,… and crossing his hands, he put his left on Manasseh’s head, Though Joseph arranged the boys according to birth order, Israel knowingly crossed his hands. He did not act by mistake or confusion, but according to God’s purpose for the two brothers. Heb 11:21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed… although Manasseh was the firstborn. Manasseh would become a great people, yet Ephraim would surpass him. The blessing continued the pattern in Genesis in which God’s purposes were not bound by human custom or the privileges of birth order. 1Ch 5:1-2 These were the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel.… Then he blessed Joseph and said: Jacob formally bestows a patriarchal blessing on Joseph through his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Near the end of his life, he affirms God’s covenant promises and places Joseph’s family within the continuing line of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel. Gen 49:22-26 Joseph is a fruitful vine—a fruitful vine by a spring,… “May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, The God who called Abraham, confirmed His covenant with Isaac, and preserved the promised family is the same God Jacob has known. Their lives were marked by dependence on God and obedience to His direction. Gen 24:40 And he told me, ‘The LORD, before whom I have walked,… the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, Jacob looks back over a troubled life marked by exile, loss, family conflict, and God’s repeated intervention. He recognizes that the Lord has guided, provided for, and protected him from his earliest days into old age. Psa 23:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. the angel who has redeemed me from all harm— Jacob credits the Angel of the LORD with preserving him through danger, exile, conflict, and grief. The divine messenger who appeared to the patriarchs is identified with God’s own presence and is understood as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. Isa 63:9 In all their distress, He too was afflicted… may He bless these boys. Jacob asks God’s continuing favor upon Ephraim and Manasseh as he formally receives them among his own sons. Mrk 10:16 And He took the children in His arms… And may they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, The boys are incorporated into the covenant family and share in the inheritance promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Gen 21:12 But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed… and may they grow into a multitude upon the earth.” Jacob prays that their descendants will become numerous and strong, fulfilling God’s covenant promise to multiply Abraham’s family. Gen 28:14 Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth,… When Joseph saw that his father had placed his right hand on Ephraim’s head, Joseph recognized that Jacob was giving the chief blessing to Ephraim rather than to Manasseh, the firstborn. By custom, the right hand marked the son receiving preeminence and the greater inheritance. Heb 11:21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed… he was displeased Joseph assumed his aged father had made a mistake. He expected Manasseh to receive the honor due the elder son. Jon 4:1 Jonah, however, was greatly displeased, and he became angry. and took his father’s hand to move it Joseph respectfully tried to correct Jacob’s hands, seeking to preserve the customary order of blessing. Jacob, however, acted knowingly and according to God’s purpose. Act 3:7 Taking him by the right hand, Peter helped him up… from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s. Although Manasseh would become a great people, Ephraim would receive the greater prominence among Joseph’s descendants. Jacob’s blessing continued the pattern in which God sovereignly chose the younger son for a leading role. 1Ch 5:1-2 These were the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel.… “Not so, my father!” Joseph respectfully but urgently objected when Jacob crossed his hands over the boys. Manasseh, born first, stood at Jacob’s right hand to receive the greater blessing according to established family custom. Gen 27:19-23 “I am Esau, your firstborn. I have done as you told me.”… Joseph said. Joseph understood both the importance of his father’s blessing and the expectations attached to the firstborn. Though he ruled in Egypt, he remained attentive to the inheritance and covenant promises of his father’s house. Gen 45:9-13 Now return quickly to my father and tell him,… “This one is the firstborn; Joseph identified Manasseh as his elder son. The firstborn ordinarily received the leading place within the family and a double share of the inheritance. Deu 21:17 Instead, he must acknowledge the firstborn, the son… put your right hand on his head.” Joseph sought to correct what appeared to be Jacob’s mistake. Jacob, however, acted knowingly in giving Ephraim the greater blessing, declaring that the younger son’s descendants would become the greater people. Heb 11:21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed… But his father refused. Israel deliberately set aside normal birth order, acting with prophetic certainty rather than personal preference. Num 23:20 I have indeed received a command to bless;… “I know, my son, I know!” he said. He understood Joseph’s concern but knew the outcome God had revealed. Heb 11:21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed… “He too shall become a people, and he too shall be great; Manasseh would receive a real and lasting blessing, becoming a substantial tribe within Israel. Gen 17:20 As for Ishmael, I have heard you, and I will surely bless him;… nevertheless, his younger brother shall be greater than he, Ephraim would surpass Manasseh in influence and prominence among the tribes. Gen 25:23 And He declared to her: “Two nations are in your womb,… and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations.” Ephraim’s descendants would multiply greatly, and the tribe would later hold a leading place in the northern kingdom. Gen 35:11 And God told him, “I am God Almighty. Be fruitful… So that day Jacob blessed them and said: Nearing death, Jacob formally blesses Joseph’s sons as his own heirs within Israel. His blessing carries covenant significance, assigning Ephraim and Manasseh a lasting place among the tribes descended from Jacob. Heb 11:21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed… “By you shall Israel pronounce this blessing: Jacob establishes the form by which later generations of Israelites would invoke God’s favor upon their sons. Ephraim and Manasseh stand as examples of God preserving and increasing Jacob’s family even while they lived in Egypt. Num 6:23-27 Tell Aaron and his sons: This is how you are to bless… ‘May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh.’” Their names would represent fruitfulness, inheritance, and belonging among God’s covenant people. Though born in Egypt, they were received into Jacob’s family and counted as tribes in Israel. Deu 33:13-17 Concerning Joseph he said: “May his land be blessed… So he put Ephraim before Manasseh. Jacob deliberately gives precedence to Ephraim, the younger son, over Manasseh, the firstborn. The order reflects God’s sovereign purpose rather than the customary rights of birth order, and Ephraim would later become a leading tribe in Israel. Num 10:22-24 Next, the divisions of the camp of Ephraim… Then Israel said to Joseph, Jacob spoke as the covenant patriarch and father of the family that would become Israel. Though Joseph held authority in Egypt, Jacob’s final words directed attention to God’s promises and to the future of his descendants. Gen 47:31 “Swear to me,” Jacob said. So Joseph swore to him… “Look, I am about to die, Jacob faced death with the awareness that God’s covenant would continue beyond his lifetime. Like the other patriarchs, he used his final days to affirm the future of his family and the promises entrusted to them. Gen 46:30 Then Israel said to Joseph, “Finally I can die,… but God will be with you Joseph would remain in Egypt, but God’s presence was not limited by place or circumstance. Jacob assured him that the Lord would preserve Joseph and his descendants according to His covenant. Jos 1:5 No one shall stand against you all the days of your life.… and bring you back to the land of your fathers. Canaan remained the family’s true inheritance, promised by God to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob looked beyond Egypt’s present security to the day when God would return Israel’s descendants to the land He had given them. Gen 28:15 Look, I am with you, and I will watch over you wherever you go… And to you, as one who is above your brothers, Jacob grants Joseph the honor of the firstborn’s double inheritance through his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Though Joseph was not Jacob’s eldest son, he received a place of distinction because of God’s providence and his faithfulness through years of suffering. Gen 42:6 Now Joseph was the ruler of the land; … I give the ridge of land Jacob assigns Joseph an additional portion in the land, associated with the region of Shechem. The gift provided a lasting inheritance for Joseph’s family and marked their special place among the tribes of Israel. Jhn 4:5 So He came to a town of Samaria called Sychar,… that I took from the Amorites The Amorites here represent the Canaanite inhabitants of the land. Jacob speaks of territory secured from them, whether through an otherwise unrecorded conflict or as the patriarchal possession that would be fully realized by his descendants. Jos 24:8 Later, I brought you to the land of the Amorites… with my sword and bow.” Jacob describes the land as won through conflict rather than merely claimed. The inheritance remained God’s gift, yet it would be possessed through the struggles involved in establishing Jacob’s family in the land promised to them. Gen 34:25-30 Three days later, while they were still in pain… This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
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