Genesis 48:14

But Israel stretched out his right hand and put it on the head of Ephraim, the younger; and crossing his hands, he put his left on Manasseh's head, although Manasseh was the firstborn.

Study Bible

But Israel
The name "Israel" here refers to Jacob, who was renamed by God after wrestling with the angel (Genesis 32:28). This name signifies his role as the patriarch of the Israelites, the chosen people of God. The use of "Israel" instead of "Jacob" emphasizes the spiritual and covenantal aspect of the blessing he is about to bestow.

stretched out his right hand
The right hand in biblical times symbolized power, authority, and blessing. It was customary for the right hand to be used in conferring blessings, especially upon the firstborn, who traditionally received a double portion of the inheritance and the father's blessing.

and put it on the head of Ephraim, the younger
Ephraim, though the younger son of Joseph, receives the right-hand blessing, indicating a reversal of expectations. This act foreshadows the future prominence of the tribe of Ephraim in Israel's history. It also reflects a recurring biblical theme where God chooses the younger or the less likely candidate to fulfill His purposes, as seen with Isaac over Ishmael, Jacob over Esau, and David over his older brothers.

and crossing his arms
The crossing of arms is a deliberate and significant action by Israel. It symbolizes the divine choice and the sovereignty of God in bestowing blessings. This act defies human tradition and expectation, highlighting that God's ways are higher than human ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).

he put his left hand on Manasseh's head
Manasseh, as the firstborn, would have been expected to receive the primary blessing. However, Israel's left hand, which is traditionally of lesser significance, is placed on Manasseh, indicating a secondary blessing. This act serves as a reminder that God's plans and purposes often transcend human customs and expectations.

although Manasseh was the firstborn
The mention of Manasseh's status as the firstborn underscores the unusual nature of Israel's blessing. It highlights the theme of divine election and the idea that God's favor is not bound by human conventions. This serves as an encouragement to believers that God's grace and calling are based on His sovereign will rather than human merit or order.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israel (Jacob)
The patriarch of the Israelites, Jacob, who was renamed Israel by God. In this passage, he is blessing his grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh.

2. Ephraim
The younger son of Joseph, who receives the primary blessing from Jacob despite being the younger brother.

3. Manasseh
The elder son of Joseph, who traditionally would receive the primary blessing as the firstborn but receives the secondary blessing instead.

4. Joseph
The son of Jacob and father of Ephraim and Manasseh, who brings his sons to Jacob for a blessing.

5. Egypt
The place where this event occurs, as Jacob and his family are residing there during the famine.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Choice
God's plans often defy human expectations and traditions. The blessing of Ephraim over Manasseh illustrates that God's purposes are not bound by human customs.

Faith in God's Promises
Jacob's act of blessing his grandsons demonstrates his faith in God's promises to his family. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem contrary.

The Importance of Spiritual Legacy
Jacob's blessing signifies the importance of passing on a spiritual heritage. Parents and grandparents should be intentional about imparting faith to the next generation.

God's Grace and Favor
The blessing of the younger over the elder highlights God's grace, which is not based on human merit or birth order but on His divine will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the blessing of Ephraim over Manasseh reflect God's sovereignty, and what does this teach us about His plans for our lives?

2. In what ways can we, like Jacob, demonstrate faith in God's promises, especially when they seem delayed or unlikely?

3. How can we ensure that we are passing on a spiritual legacy to the next generation, as Jacob did with his grandsons?

4. What are some examples in your life where God's grace has defied human expectations or traditions?

5. How does understanding God's sovereign choice in the Bible help us trust Him more fully in our daily decisions and challenges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 25:23
The prophecy regarding Jacob and Esau, where the older will serve the younger, parallels the blessing of Ephraim over Manasseh.

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

Romans 9:12-13
Paul references the theme of God's sovereign choice, as seen in the blessing of Ephraim over Manasseh, similar to Jacob over Esau.