The Blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh is a significant event recorded in the Book of Genesis, where Jacob, also known as Israel, blesses the two sons of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh. This event is pivotal in the narrative of the Israelite tribes and carries profound theological and historical implications.

Biblical Account

The account of the blessing is found in Genesis 48. As Jacob nears the end of his life, Joseph brings his two sons to his father for a blessing. Jacob, despite his failing eyesight, is spiritually perceptive and aware of the importance of this moment. Genesis 48:5-6 records Jacob's words: "Now your two sons, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you in Egypt, are mine; Ephraim and Manasseh shall be mine, just as Reuben and Simeon are mine. Any children born to you after them shall be yours, and they shall be called by the names of their brothers in the territory they inherit."

Jacob adopts Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons, elevating them to the status of tribal patriarchs alongside his own sons. This act effectively grants Joseph a double portion of inheritance, a privilege typically reserved for the firstborn.

The Reversal of Birth Order

A notable aspect of the blessing is the reversal of the birth order. Joseph positions Manasseh, the firstborn, at Jacob's right hand and Ephraim at his left. However, Jacob crosses his arms, placing his right hand on Ephraim's head and his left on Manasseh's. Joseph attempts to correct his father, but Jacob insists, saying in Genesis 48:19 , "I know, my son, I know. He too will become a people, and he too will be great. Nevertheless, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his descendants will become a multitude of nations."

This deliberate act of crossing hands signifies the divine choice and foreshadows the future prominence of Ephraim over Manasseh. The younger Ephraim would indeed become a leading tribe in Israel, often representing the northern kingdom.

The Blessing Formula

Jacob's blessing includes a prayer for the boys' prosperity and a prophetic declaration about their future. Genesis 48:15-16 states, "Then he blessed Joseph and said: 'May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, the Angel who has redeemed me from all harm—may He bless these boys. May they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they multiply greatly upon the earth.'"

This blessing invokes the covenantal promises given to Abraham and Isaac, emphasizing continuity and divine faithfulness. Jacob's reference to God as his shepherd and redeemer highlights the personal relationship and guidance he experienced throughout his life.

Cultural and Liturgical Significance

The blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh holds cultural and liturgical significance in Jewish tradition. It is customary for Jewish parents to bless their sons on the eve of the Sabbath with the words, "May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh," reflecting the desire for their children to embody the virtues and blessings associated with these patriarchs.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the blessing underscores themes of divine sovereignty and election. God's purposes often transcend human expectations and societal norms, as seen in the choice of the younger Ephraim over the elder Manasseh. This pattern of the younger being chosen over the elder is a recurring motif in the biblical narrative, illustrating God's freedom to fulfill His promises in unexpected ways.

The Blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh also prefigures the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant community. As Joseph's sons, born in Egypt to an Egyptian mother, are fully integrated into the tribes of Israel, so too are all nations invited to partake in the blessings of Abraham through faith.