Topical Bible: Faith: Jacob, in Blessing Joseph's Sons

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The account of Jacob blessing Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, is a profound demonstration of faith and prophetic insight, as recorded in Genesis 48. This event occurs during Jacob's final days, as he prepares to pass on the covenantal blessings that he received from his father Isaac and grandfather Abraham. Jacob's actions are not merely paternal but are deeply rooted in his faith in God's promises and his understanding of God's sovereign plan for his descendants.

Context and Background

Jacob, also known as Israel, had settled in Egypt with his family during a time of famine, under the protection and provision of his son Joseph, who had risen to a position of great power in Pharaoh's court. As Jacob neared the end of his life, he called for Joseph to bring his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, to receive a blessing. This moment is significant as it reflects the continuation of God's covenantal promises through the generations.

The Blessing Ceremony

In Genesis 48:5-6, Jacob adopts Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons, elevating them to the status of his direct heirs alongside his other sons. This adoption is crucial as it ensures that Joseph receives a double portion of the inheritance, a privilege typically reserved for the firstborn. Jacob's faith is evident as he recalls God's promises to him at Luz (Bethel), where God assured him of numerous descendants and the land of Canaan as an everlasting possession (Genesis 48:3-4).

During the blessing, Jacob intentionally crosses his hands, placing his right hand on the younger Ephraim's head and his left on Manasseh's, despite Joseph's attempt to correct him. This act is not a mistake but a deliberate choice guided by divine insight. Jacob declares, "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 underscores Jacob's faith in God's sovereign will, which often defies human expectations and traditions.

Significance of the Blessing

Jacob's blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh holds several layers of significance. Firstly, it demonstrates the principle that God's election and purposes transcend human customs, as seen in the reversal of the birthright. Secondly, it highlights the theme of faith in God's promises, as Jacob speaks of future events with certainty, despite not witnessing their fulfillment in his lifetime. Hebrews 11:21 commends Jacob's faith, stating, "By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff."

Furthermore, the blessing foreshadows the future roles of Ephraim and Manasseh within the tribes of Israel. Ephraim, though younger, becomes a leading tribe, often representing the northern kingdom of Israel. This outcome aligns with Jacob's prophetic words and God's overarching plan for His people.

Theological Implications

Jacob's blessing of Joseph's sons is a testament to the faithfulness of God and the importance of trusting in His promises. It serves as a reminder that God's ways are higher than human ways and that His purposes will prevail, even when they challenge societal norms. Jacob's faith, expressed through his prophetic blessing, exemplifies a deep trust in God's covenantal faithfulness and His ability to bring about His divine will through the generations.

Nave's Topical Index

Hebrews 11:21
By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning on the top of his staff.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Of the Sons of Joseph, whom Jacob Blessed, Prophetically Changing ...
... For when Jacob was blessing them, and laid ... of Israel, and the whole world of Abraham's
seed, the one according to the flesh, the other according to faith? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 42 of the sons of.htm

Chapter xlviii
... The Jews are said to use this formula of blessing to this day. ... But Jacob has a word
for Joseph in particular ... He states the fact with the calm courage of faith. ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlviii.htm

Genesis
... a substitute was providentially provided, and Abraham's faith, which had ... in the time
of famine (xlvii.), the dying Jacob blessing Joseph's sons (xlviii.), his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/genesis.htm

The Twofold Wrestle --God's with Jacob and Jacob's with God
... delights to be held by the hand of faith, and ever ... and sweeter to us than it was
to Jacob, but also ... Not till now was he capable of receiving the full blessing. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the twofold wrestlegods with jacob.htm

Growth by Transplanting
... in some moods seems all the truth; but Jacob saw more ... of Joseph's sons, he laid there
the blessing of 'the ... the years few and evil, but grateful faith even here ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/growth by transplanting.htm

Hebrews xi. 20-22
... For how [except by faith] could a man sojourning in a ... regard to Abraham, may be said
also of Jacob, that they did not enjoy [3283] the blessing, but the ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxvi hebrews xi 20-22.htm

From Abraham to Egypt.
... will and evident obedience to the divine will indicated would seem to point to his
faith in God ... In Jacob's blessing on his sons and in Joseph's prophecy of ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter iv from abraham to.htm

Chapter xlix
... standing on a low level of faith and godliness ... and to pronounce apodictically that
Jacob could not ... forth a few other features of this blessing that contribute ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlix.htm

Chapter xlvii
... monarch can offer him, Jacob here blesses as by an act and a display of true faith. ...
Again upon leaving Jacob, the man of God, bestows a blessing upon the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvii.htm

Chapter l
... of promise, thereby testifying to his faith in the ... life was slowly shortening"Isaac
180, Jacob 147, Joseph ... these years Joseph enjoyed the blessing of seeing ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter l.htm