So that day Jacob blessed them and said: "By you shall Israel pronounce this blessing: 'May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh.'" So he put Ephraim before Manasseh. So that day Jacob blessed them and said:Nearing death, Jacob formally incorporates Joseph’s sons into the covenant family and speaks over them with patriarchal authority. The blessing rests on God’s promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and looks beyond the immediate household to the future people of Israel. Heb 11:21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed… “By you shall Israel pronounce this blessing: Ephraim and Manasseh would stand as enduring examples of God’s favor upon His people. Their names would be used in Israel’s households as a prayer that later generations might share in the covenant blessings given through Jacob’s family. Num 6:23-27 Tell Aaron and his sons: This is how you are to bless… ‘May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh.’” Though born in Egypt, Ephraim and Manasseh received a full inheritance among Israel and became heads of tribes. Their inclusion testified that God preserved His covenant people even in a foreign land and extended His promises through Joseph’s descendants. Deu 33:13-17 Concerning Joseph he said: “May his land be blessed… So he put Ephraim before Manasseh. Jacob deliberately gives precedence to Ephraim, the younger son, according to God’s purpose rather than the customary privilege of the firstborn. The same pattern appeared when God chose Isaac over Ishmael and Jacob over Esau, showing that divine election depends upon God’s sovereign will. Ephraim later became a leading tribe in the northern kingdom, confirming the prominence Jacob foretold. Num 10:22-24 Next, the divisions of the camp of Ephraim… Persons / Places / Events 1. Jacob (Israel)The patriarch who blesses his grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh, reversing the traditional order of blessing. 2. Ephraim The younger son of Joseph, who receives the greater blessing from Jacob. 3. Manasseh The elder son of Joseph, who receives a lesser blessing compared to his younger brother. 4. Joseph The father of Ephraim and Manasseh, who presents his sons to Jacob for a blessing. 5. Blessing Event A significant moment where Jacob, nearing the end of his life, imparts a prophetic blessing on his grandsons, setting a precedent for future generations. Teaching Points The Sovereignty of God in BlessingGod's ways often defy human expectations and traditions, as seen in the blessing of Ephraim over Manasseh. The Importance of Faithful Legacy Jacob's blessing set a precedent for future generations, reminding us of the impact of our spiritual legacy. The Role of Faith in God's Promises Jacob's act of blessing was an expression of faith in God's promises, encouraging us to trust in God's plans for our lives. The Value of Spiritual Heritage The blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh became a model for Israel, highlighting the importance of passing down spiritual values. God's Grace in Reversals The reversal of the blessing order illustrates God's grace, choosing the unexpected to fulfill His purposes. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh reflect God's sovereignty in choosing whom He blesses?2. In what ways can we ensure that we leave a faithful spiritual legacy for future generations? 3. How does Jacob's faith in blessing his grandsons inspire us to trust in God's promises today? 4. What are some examples in your life where God's plans have defied your expectations, similar to the blessing of Ephraim over Manasseh? 5. How can we apply the principle of God's grace in reversals to our understanding of His work in our lives and the lives of others? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 27The blessing of Jacob by Isaac, which also involved a reversal of expectations, as Jacob received the blessing intended for Esau. Numbers 6:24-26 The priestly blessing, which echoes the theme of divine favor and blessing upon the people of Israel. Hebrews 11:21 Highlights Jacob's faith as he blesses the sons of Joseph, emphasizing the importance of faith in God's promises. Deuteronomy 33:17 Moses' blessing of the tribes of Israel, where Ephraim and Manasseh are mentioned, showing the lasting impact of Jacob's blessing. Romans 9:12-13 Discusses God's sovereign choice, similar to the choice of Ephraim over Manasseh, reflecting God's purposes beyond human traditions.
People Amorites, Ephrath, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Manasseh, Rachel, Reuben, SimeonPlaces Bethlehem, Canaan, Ephrath, Luz, Paddan, RamesesTopics Ahead, Bless, Blessed, Blesseth, Blessing, Blessings, Ephraim, E'phraim, Manasseh, Manas'seh, Pronounce, Saying, Setteth, Sign, ThusDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 48:1-20 1651 numbers, 1-2 Library Two Retrospects of one Life'And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, Few and evil have the days of the years of my life been.'--GENESIS xlvii. 9. 'The God which fed me all my life long unto this day; the Angel which redeemed me from all evil.' --GENESIS xlviii. 15,16. These are two strangely different estimates of the same life to be taken by the same man. In the latter Jacob categorically contradicts everything that he had said in the former. 'Few and evil,' he said before Pharaoh. 'All my life long,' 'the Angel which redeemed me from … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture A Calm Evening, Promising a Bright Morning The Wonderful. Blessing Children. Concerning Childlikeness. And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah Gen. xxxi. 11 Jesus Sets Out from Judæa for Galilee. Genesis Links Genesis 48:20 NIVGenesis 48:20 NLT Genesis 48:20 ESV Genesis 48:20 NASB Genesis 48:20 KJV Genesis 48:20 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |