The sons of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh, hold a significant place in biblical history and theology. Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, was sold into slavery by his brothers but rose to prominence in Egypt, becoming second only to Pharaoh. His account is a testament to God's providence and faithfulness.

Ephraim and Manasseh

Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, were born to him in Egypt before the years of famine. Their mother was Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On (Genesis 41:50-52). The names of the sons reflect Joseph's journey and God's blessings: Manasseh means "God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father's house," and Ephraim means "God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction."

Adoption by Jacob

In a significant act, Jacob adopted Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons, elevating them to the status of his direct heirs alongside his other sons. This adoption is recorded in Genesis 48:5, where Jacob declares, "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." This act effectively gave Joseph a double portion of inheritance, a privilege of the firstborn.

Blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh

Jacob's blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh is a pivotal moment, as recorded in Genesis 48:13-20. Joseph positioned his sons before Jacob, with Manasseh, the firstborn, at Jacob's right hand. However, Jacob crossed his arms and placed his right hand on Ephraim, the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh. Despite Joseph's protest, Jacob insisted, saying, "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" (Genesis 48:19). This prophetic blessing foreshadowed the future prominence of the tribe of Ephraim in Israel's history.

Tribal Significance

Ephraim and Manasseh became two of the twelve tribes of Israel, with their descendants inheriting portions of the Promised Land. The tribe of Ephraim settled in a central region of Canaan, while the tribe of Manasseh received land on both sides of the Jordan River. Ephraim, in particular, gained prominence and often represented the northern kingdom of Israel in biblical texts.

Role in Israel's History

Throughout Israel's history, the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh played crucial roles. Ephraim, as a leading tribe, was influential in the division of the united monarchy after Solomon's reign, with Jeroboam, an Ephraimite, becoming the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel. The tribe of Manasseh, with its strategic location, was involved in various military and political events.

Prophetic References

The prophets often referenced Ephraim and Manasseh, sometimes highlighting their faithfulness and at other times their waywardness. Hosea, for example, frequently addressed Ephraim, calling the tribe to repentance and warning of impending judgment due to idolatry and disobedience (Hosea 4:17; 5:3-14).

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the legacy of Joseph's sons is seen in the continued recognition of the tribes of Israel. The book of Revelation mentions the tribes in the context of the 144,000 sealed servants of God, with Manasseh included among them (Revelation 7:6).

The account of Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph, is a testament to God's sovereign choice and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through the history of Israel. Their legacy is woven into the fabric of biblical narrative, illustrating themes of blessing, inheritance, and divine providence.