Genesis 48:13

And Joseph took both of them--with Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel's left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel's right hand--and brought them close to him.

Study Bible

And Joseph took both of them
In this phrase, Joseph, the son of Jacob (Israel), is taking his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, to his father for a blessing. The act of taking both sons signifies a deliberate and respectful approach to receiving a patriarchal blessing, which was a significant event in Hebrew culture. The Hebrew root for "took" (לָקַח, laqach) implies a careful and intentional action, highlighting Joseph's respect for his father and the importance of the blessing.

with Ephraim in his right hand
Joseph places Ephraim in his right hand, which is significant because the right hand traditionally symbolizes strength, power, and favor. In biblical times, the right hand was often associated with the primary blessing. This positioning suggests Joseph's intention for Manasseh, the firstborn, to receive the primary blessing from Israel's right hand, as was customary.

toward Israel’s left hand
By positioning Ephraim toward Israel's left hand, Joseph is following the cultural norm of placing the younger son in a position to receive the secondary blessing. The left hand, in contrast to the right, was typically associated with lesser favor. This setup reflects Joseph's understanding of tradition and his expectations for the blessing.

and Manasseh in his left hand
Manasseh, being the firstborn, is placed in Joseph's left hand, which is intended to direct him toward Israel's right hand. This reflects Joseph's desire for Manasseh to receive the greater blessing due to his status as the firstborn. The Hebrew culture placed significant emphasis on birthright and the privileges of the firstborn, which included leadership and a double portion of inheritance.

toward Israel’s right hand
Joseph's arrangement of his sons is strategic, aiming for Manasseh to receive the primary blessing from Israel's right hand. The right hand of Israel (Jacob) is symbolic of authority and the bestowal of the greater blessing. This reflects the cultural and familial expectations of the time, where the right hand was used to confer the primary blessing.

and brought them close to him
Joseph's action of bringing his sons close to Israel signifies the intimacy and importance of the blessing ceremony. The Hebrew root for "brought" (נָגַשׁ, nagash) conveys a sense of drawing near with purpose and reverence. This moment is not only a familial gathering but also a spiritual and covenantal act, as blessings were seen as prophetic and binding.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joseph
The son of Jacob (Israel) and Rachel, who rose to prominence in Egypt. In this passage, he is presenting his sons to his father for a blessing.

2. Ephraim
The younger son of Joseph, whom Joseph places at Israel's left hand, expecting the lesser blessing.

3. Manasseh
The elder son of Joseph, whom Joseph places at Israel's right hand, expecting the greater blessing.

4. Israel (Jacob)
The patriarch, father of Joseph, who is about to bless his grandsons. His actions in this chapter are significant for the future of the tribes of Israel.

5. Egypt
The land where this event takes place, where Joseph has become a powerful leader.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Blessing
God's plans often defy human expectations. Joseph expected Manasseh to receive the greater blessing, but God had a different plan. This teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and wisdom, even when it contradicts our own plans.

The Importance of Faith
Jacob's blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh is an act of faith, trusting in God's promises for the future. We are called to live by faith, trusting in God's promises even when we cannot see the outcome.

Generational Impact
The blessings given to Ephraim and Manasseh had long-lasting effects on the tribes of Israel. Our actions and faith can have a significant impact on future generations.

God's Grace and Choice
Ephraim, the younger, receiving the greater blessing, reminds us of God's grace and His freedom to choose whom He blesses. This challenges us to recognize that God's grace is not based on human merit.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the reversal of the expected blessing order in Genesis 48:13 reflect God's sovereignty and His plans for our lives?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate faith in God's promises, as Jacob did when blessing his grandsons?

3. How can understanding the generational impact of our faith and actions influence the way we live today?

4. What are some examples in your life where God's plans differed from your expectations, and how did you respond?

5. How does the account of Ephraim and Manasseh encourage us to trust in God's grace and His choices, even when they seem unexpected?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 27
The blessing of Jacob over Esau, where the younger son receives the blessing intended for the elder, parallels the blessing of Ephraim over Manasseh.

Hebrews 11:21
This verse references Jacob's faith as he blesses Joseph's sons, highlighting the importance of faith in God's promises.

Numbers 1:32-35
The census of the tribes of Israel, where Ephraim and Manasseh are listed as separate tribes, showing the fulfillment of Jacob's blessing.