Genesis 48:14 – How can Jacob’s crossing of his hands and reversing birth order be reconciled with typical ancient customs?

Genesis 48:15–16 – Does Jacob’s claim about God’s protection match the historically polytheistic environment, or is there archaeological evidence supporting monotheism at this time?

Genesis 48:17–19 – Why would God supposedly favor Ephraim over Manasseh despite established primogeniture traditions, and is there any extrabiblical data supporting this choice?

Genesis 48 – How does the inclusion of Ephraim and Manasseh as tribes align with the tribal lists elsewhere in the Bible, and does it create any contradictions?

1. What significance does Jacob's blessing hold for Ephraim and Manasseh? How would you interpret this in today's context?

2. How does Jacob's reminiscing about Rachel affect the understanding of his family ties?

3. How do you understand the symbolism of Jacob crossing his hands while blessing Ephraim and Manasseh?

4. What does Jacob's prophecy about Ephraim and Manasseh suggest about divine plans and human expectations?

5. How does Jacob's assurance of God's guidance comfort Joseph? How can this be applied in today's life during times of loss?

6. What does Jacob's passing teach about legacies and death?

7. How does the narrative portray the dynamics between Joseph and his father, Jacob?

8. How does the patriarchal blessing relate to the modern practice of writing a will?

9. Why does Jacob emphasize Ephraim's greatness over Manasseh's, despite Manasseh being the firstborn?

10. What is the importance of inheritance in this context, and how does it reflect in contemporary society?

11. How does the divine promise influence Jacob's decisions and actions throughout his life?

12. How would you react if you were in Joseph's place, seeing your father bless the younger son more?

13. How does Jacob's faith in God's promise shape his actions towards his grandsons?

14. How do you think Joseph felt when Jacob claimed his sons as his own?

15. How does the narrative portray the values of faith, family, and legacy?

16. How can the narrative's themes of divine guidance and faith be applied to personal decision-making today?

17. How does this story redefine the norms of blessing and inheritance?

18. How does the narrative shape our understanding of God's providence?

19. How does Jacob's acceptance of his impending death inspire an understanding of life's impermanence?

20. What lessons on dealing with death and grieving can be learned from this narrative?