Topical Encyclopedia The "Blessing of Joseph" refers to the prophetic blessings pronounced over Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, by his father Jacob, as well as the blessings given by Moses. These blessings are significant in the biblical narrative, highlighting Joseph's unique role and the favor bestowed upon him by God.Jacob's Blessing In Genesis 49, Jacob, also known as Israel, gathers his sons to bless them before his death. Joseph receives a particularly rich and favorable blessing. Jacob acknowledges Joseph's trials and triumphs, emphasizing his strength and resilience. Genesis 49:22-26 states: "Joseph is a fruitful vine, a fruitful vine by a spring, whose branches scale the wall. The archers attacked him with bitterness, they aimed at him in hostility. Yet he steadied his bow, and his strong arms were tempered by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob, in the name of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, by the God of your father who helps you, and by the Almighty who blesses you with blessings of the heavens above, with blessings of the depths below, with blessings of the breasts and womb. The blessings of your father have surpassed the blessings of the ancient mountains and the bounty of the everlasting hills. May they rest on the head of Joseph, on the brow of the prince of his brothers." Jacob's blessing highlights Joseph's fruitfulness and strength, attributing his success to divine assistance. The imagery of a fruitful vine suggests prosperity and abundance, while the reference to archers and hostility alludes to the adversities Joseph faced, including betrayal by his brothers and imprisonment in Egypt. Despite these challenges, Joseph's steadfastness and reliance on God are emphasized. Moses' Blessing In Deuteronomy 33, Moses also blesses the tribes of Israel before his death. Joseph's blessing is particularly abundant, reflecting the prosperity and favor that his descendants would enjoy. Deuteronomy 33:13-17 reads: "Concerning Joseph he said: May his land be blessed by the LORD with the precious dew from heaven above and the deep waters that lie beneath, with the bountiful harvest from the sun and the abundant yield of the seasons, with the best of the ancient mountains and the bounty of the everlasting hills, with the choice gifts of the land and everything in it, and with the favor of Him who dwelt in the burning bush. May these rest on the head of Joseph, on the brow of the prince of his brothers. His majesty is like a firstborn bull, and his horns are like the horns of a wild ox. With them he will gore the nations, even those at the ends of the earth. Such are the ten thousands of Ephraim and the thousands of Manasseh." Moses' blessing underscores the material and spiritual prosperity that would characterize the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, Joseph's sons. The imagery of dew, deep waters, and abundant harvests signifies fertility and divine favor. The reference to the "favor of Him who dwelt in the burning bush" connects Joseph's blessing to the divine presence and covenantal promises made to the patriarchs. Significance in Israel's History The blessings of Joseph have profound implications for the history of Israel. Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, became two of the tribes of Israel, and their territories were among the most fertile and strategically significant in the Promised Land. The blessings reflect God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises to the patriarchs, ensuring the prosperity and growth of the nation of Israel. The "Blessing of Joseph" serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and the rewards of steadfast faith and integrity. Joseph's life, marked by trials and ultimate triumph, exemplifies the biblical theme of God's sovereignty and the blessings that flow from obedience and trust in Him. Subtopics Blessing: Contingent Upon Obedience Blessing: Responsive Blessings of the Law Blessing: Temporal Blessings, Prayer For: Abraham Blessing: Temporal Blessings, Prayer For: Abraham's Servant Blessing: Temporal Blessings, Prayer For: Elijah Blessing: Temporal Blessings, Prayer For: Ezra Blessing: Temporal Blessings, Prayer For: Hannah Blessing: Temporal Blessings, Prayer For: Isaac Blessing: Temporal Blessings, Prayer For: Laban Blessing: Temporal Blessings, Prayer For: Nehemiah Blessing: Temporal, from God by an Angel Blessing: Temporal, from God in Egypt Blessing: Temporal, from God in Egypt: Manna Blessing: Temporal, from God in Egypt: Quail Blessing: Temporal, from God in Egypt: Water Blessing: Temporal, from God: Fed by Ravens Blessing: Temporal, from God: Hezekiah Prospered Blessing: Temporal, from God: Hezekiah Restored to Health Blessing: Temporal, from God: To Abraham Blessing: Temporal, from God: To Asa Blessing: Temporal, from God: To Daniel Blessing: Temporal, from God: To David Blessing: Temporal, from God: To Isaac Blessing: Temporal, from God: To Jacob Blessing: Temporal, from God: To Jehoshaphat Blessing: Temporal, from God: To Job Blessing: Temporal, from God: To Jotham Blessing: Temporal, from God: To Noah, at the Time of the Flood Blessing: Temporal, from God: To Obed-Edom Blessing: Temporal, from God: To Solomon Blessing: Temporal, from God: To the Widow of Zerephath Blessing: Temporal, from God: To Uzziah Blessing: Temporal, Prayer For Related Terms |