Introduction

Manasseh, the firstborn son of Joseph, holds a significant yet complex position in biblical history. As the firstborn, he was expected to inherit the primary blessing and leadership within the family. However, the narrative of Manasseh reveals a divine intervention that supersedes the traditional rights of the firstborn, highlighting God's sovereign choice in the unfolding of His covenantal promises.

Biblical Background

Manasseh was born to Joseph and his Egyptian wife, Asenath, during Joseph's time as a powerful leader in Egypt (Genesis 41:50-51). His name, meaning "causing to forget," reflects Joseph's relief from past hardships and his gratitude for God's blessings in a foreign land. Manasseh, along with his younger brother Ephraim, was later brought to Jacob, their grandfather, for a blessing (Genesis 48:1-2).

The Blessing of Jacob

In Genesis 48, Jacob, also known as Israel, performs a significant act that alters the expected order of blessing. As Joseph presents his sons to Jacob, he positions Manasseh at Jacob's right hand, the place of prominence, and Ephraim at his left. However, Jacob crosses his arms, placing his right hand on Ephraim's head and his left on Manasseh's, thus giving the greater blessing to the younger brother (Genesis 48:13-14).

Joseph, observing this, attempts to correct his father, reminding him that Manasseh is the firstborn. Yet Jacob insists, saying, "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 act of crossing hands symbolizes God's sovereign choice, which often defies human expectations and traditions.

Theological Significance

The supersession of Manasseh by Ephraim serves as a profound theological motif throughout Scripture. It underscores the principle that God's purposes and election are not bound by human customs or the natural order. This theme is echoed in other biblical narratives, such as the selection of Isaac over Ishmael, Jacob over Esau, and David over his older brothers.

Manasseh's account also illustrates the broader biblical theme of the reversal of human expectations. God's ways are higher than human ways, and His plans often involve choosing the unlikely or the overlooked to fulfill His divine purposes. This narrative invites believers to trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty, even when His choices seem contrary to human logic.

Tribal Legacy

Despite being superseded by Ephraim, Manasseh's descendants played a significant role in the history of Israel. The tribe of Manasseh was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, receiving a substantial inheritance in the Promised Land. Notably, the tribe was divided, with half settling on the east side of the Jordan River and the other half on the west (Joshua 13:29-31, 17:1-11).

The tribe of Manasseh produced notable figures, including Gideon, a judge of Israel, who delivered the Israelites from Midianite oppression (Judges 6-8). This highlights that, although Manasseh was not the recipient of the primary blessing, his lineage continued to contribute significantly to the unfolding of Israel's history.

Conclusion

The account of Manasseh, the firstborn who was superseded, serves as a reminder of God's sovereign choice and the unexpected ways in which He fulfills His promises. Through the narrative of Manasseh and Ephraim, Scripture reveals that God's purposes transcend human traditions, emphasizing His ultimate authority in the establishment of His covenant people.Genesis 48:15-20
And 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,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Israelites
... and the town of Sidon is the "first-born" of Canaan. ... Arabia the high-priest had
similarly been superseded by the ... The first attempt to found a monarchy was made ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

Perseverance in Holiness
... must be everlasting, because it cannot be superseded by anything ... good towards us
now as he did at the first? ... There is such a thing as being "born again"; but ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/perseverance in holiness.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... there down to the time when Babylon was superseded by the ... the later theology"Anu,
Ea, and Bel"were born of these ... the gods of light and law, had first to do ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... BC, is supposed to have added to the contribution of the first, certain details ... us
in every line that the theological instinct has superseded popular enthusiasm ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

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