Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the concept of the firstborn's birthright holds significant importance, often entailing a double portion of inheritance and leadership within the family. However, there are notable instances where this birthright is set aside, as seen in the case of Manasseh, the firstborn son of Joseph.Background Manasseh was the elder son of Joseph, born to him in Egypt before the arrival of his family during the famine (Genesis 41:51). As the firstborn, Manasseh would traditionally be entitled to the birthright, which included leadership and a double portion of inheritance. However, the biblical account reveals a divinely orchestrated deviation from this norm. Jacob's Blessing The pivotal moment concerning Manasseh's birthright occurs when Jacob, also known as Israel, blesses Joseph's sons. In Genesis 48, Joseph brings his sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, to his father Jacob for a blessing. Joseph positions Manasseh at Jacob's right hand, signifying the place of the firstborn, and Ephraim at his left. However, Jacob crosses his hands, placing his right hand on Ephraim, the younger, and his left on Manasseh. Genesis 48:17-19 records Joseph's reaction and Jacob's response: "When Joseph saw his father placing his right hand on Ephraim’s head, he was displeased; so he took hold of his father’s hand to move it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s. 'Not so, my father,' Joseph said, 'this one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head.' But his father refused and said, '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.'" Significance Jacob's blessing, guided by divine insight, sets aside the traditional birthright of Manasseh in favor of Ephraim. This act is not merely a familial decision but reflects God's sovereign choice and purpose. Ephraim's descendants would indeed become more prominent, as seen in the history of the tribes of Israel, where Ephraim often held a leading position. Theological Implications The setting aside of Manasseh's birthright underscores a recurring biblical theme: God's sovereignty in choosing individuals for His purposes, irrespective of human customs or expectations. This theme is evident in other biblical accounts, such as the selection of Isaac over Ishmael, Jacob over Esau, and David over his older brothers. In the broader narrative of Scripture, the setting aside of the firstborn's birthright in favor of a younger sibling often points to God's grace and the unfolding of His redemptive plan, which transcends human traditions and expectations. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 48:15-20And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long to this day, Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 5:1 Library They Shall be Called the Children of God An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Resources What does it mean to receive a double portion? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the supremacy of Christ and what are its implications? | GotQuestions.org What is Arianism? | GotQuestions.org Firstborn: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Firstborn of Idolaters, Sacrificed Firstborn of Man and Beast, Reserved to Himself by God Firstborn: Birthright of The: A Double Portion of Inheritance Firstborn: Birthright of The: Adonijah Firstborn: Birthright of The: Authority Over Younger Members of the Household Firstborn: Birthright of The: Forfeited by Reuben Firstborn: Birthright of The: Honorable Distinction of Firstborn: Birthright of The: Hosah's Son Firstborn: Birthright of The: Royal Succession Firstborn: Birthright of The: Set Aside: That of Manasseh Firstborn: Birthright of The: Sold by Esau Firstborn: Levites Taken Instead of Firstborn of the Families of Israel Related Terms |
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