Genesis 48:5

And now your two sons born to you in Egypt before I came to you here shall be reckoned as mine; Ephraim and Manasseh shall be mine, just as Reuben and Simeon are mine.

Study Bible

And now your two sons born to you in Egypt before I came to you here
This phrase highlights the unique situation of Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, who were born in Egypt, a land foreign to the rest of Jacob's family. Their birth in Egypt signifies the beginning of Israel's connection to this land, which would later become a place of both refuge and bondage for the Israelites. The mention of "before I came to you here" underscores the separation between Jacob and Joseph, emphasizing the divine orchestration in reuniting the family. This separation and reunion foreshadow the future exodus of the Israelites from Egypt.

shall be reckoned as mine;
Jacob's declaration that Joseph's sons will be "reckoned as mine" is significant in the context of inheritance and tribal identity. By adopting Ephraim and Manasseh as his own, Jacob elevates them to the status of his direct sons, ensuring they receive a portion of the inheritance. This act is a legal and formal adoption, which was a recognized practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures. It also reflects the theme of God's sovereignty in choosing and blessing whom He wills, as seen throughout the patriarchal narratives.

Ephraim and Manasseh shall be mine,
The naming of Ephraim and Manasseh is crucial, as it sets the stage for their roles in the history of Israel. Ephraim, though the younger, is often placed before Manasseh, indicating a reversal of the traditional birthright, a recurring theme in Genesis (e.g., Jacob over Esau). This foreshadows the prominence of the tribe of Ephraim in the later history of Israel, as it becomes one of the leading tribes in the Northern Kingdom. The adoption of these two sons also symbolizes the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant community, as their mother was Egyptian.

just as Reuben and Simeon are mine.
By equating Ephraim and Manasseh with Reuben and Simeon, Jacob is not only adopting them but also granting them equal status with his firstborn sons. Reuben, as the firstborn, traditionally held the birthright, but due to his transgressions (Genesis 35:22), he lost this privilege. Simeon, too, had a diminished role due to his actions (Genesis 34). This comparison highlights the theme of grace and the reordering of expectations, as God often chooses the unexpected to fulfill His purposes. This act of adoption and blessing prefigures the New Testament concept of believers being adopted into God's family through Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jacob (Israel)
The patriarch of the Israelites, Jacob is nearing the end of his life and is blessing his descendants. In this passage, he adopts Joseph's sons as his own.

2. Joseph
Jacob's beloved son, who rose to power in Egypt. Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, are being adopted by Jacob.

3. Ephraim and Manasseh
The two sons of Joseph, born in Egypt. Jacob adopts them, giving them equal status with his own sons.

4. Egypt
The land where Joseph rose to power and where Jacob and his family settled during the famine.

5. Reuben and Simeon
Jacob's first and second sons, respectively. Jacob equates Ephraim and Manasseh with them in terms of inheritance.

Teaching Points

Adoption into God's Family
Just as Jacob adopted Ephraim and Manasseh, believers are adopted into God's family through faith in Christ. This adoption grants us the same inheritance as God's children.

The Importance of Blessing
Jacob's act of blessing his grandsons underscores the importance of speaking blessings over our families, recognizing God's promises and faithfulness.

God's Sovereignty in Family Lines
God's plans often transcend human traditions and expectations, as seen in Jacob's decision to elevate Joseph's sons. Trust in God's sovereignty over our family and future.

Legacy of Faith
Jacob's actions demonstrate the importance of passing down a legacy of faith to future generations, ensuring they understand and partake in God's promises.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jacob's adoption of Ephraim and Manasseh reflect God's adoption of believers into His family? Consider Romans 8:15-17 in your response.

2. In what ways can we, like Jacob, speak blessings over our families today? Reflect on the power of words in Proverbs 18:21.

3. How does the account of Ephraim and Manasseh challenge traditional views of inheritance and blessing? Consider how God often works outside human expectations.

4. What can we learn from Jacob's faith in God's promises, even as he neared the end of his life? Reflect on Hebrews 11:21.

5. How does the inclusion of Ephraim and Manasseh in the tribes of Israel demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises? Consider the broader account of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 41
This chapter provides the background of Joseph's rise to power in Egypt and the birth of his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh.

Genesis 35
This chapter recounts God's promise to Jacob, which is significant as Jacob extends this promise to Ephraim and Manasseh.

Joshua 14
This chapter discusses the division of the Promised Land, where Ephraim and Manasseh receive their inheritance, fulfilling Jacob's adoption.

Hebrews 11
This chapter highlights the faith of the patriarchs, including Jacob's faith in blessing Joseph's sons.