Jacob Blesses Joseph’s Sons

Genesis 48 details the significant event of Jacob blessing Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. This chapter explores themes of legacy, the passing on of blessings, and the unexpected ways God’s promises are fulfilled.

Jacob’s Failing Health and Joseph’s Visit

• Jacob’s Illness: As Jacob grows old and his health declines, word is sent to Joseph that his father is ill. Joseph visits him with his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, born in Egypt before the famine began (Genesis 48:1-2).

The Blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh

 

• Jacob’s Remembrance of God’s Promises: Jacob begins by reminiscing about God appearing to him at Luz in the land of Canaan, where He blessed him and promised numerous descendants, a multitude of nations, and the land as an everlasting possession to his descendants (Genesis 48:3-4).

Adoption and Blessing of Joseph’s Sons

• Adoption as Jacob’s Own Sons: Jacob declares that Ephraim and Manasseh will be his own sons, just as Reuben and Simeon are, allowing them each to inherit a portion of the promise. This act elevates Joseph’s sons to the status of Jacob’s direct descendants, ensuring Joseph’s lineage receives a double portion of the inheritance (Genesis 48:5-7).

The Surprising Choice of Blessing

• Jacob Crosses His Hands: During the blessing, Jacob intentionally crosses his hands, placing his right hand on Ephraim, the younger, and his left on Manasseh, the firstborn. This action surprises Joseph, who tries to correct his father, thinking it a mistake due to poor sight. Jacob insists, explaining that while both will become great, the younger will surpass the older in greatness (Genesis 48:14-19).

Theological Significance and Connection to Jesus Christ

Christological Symbolism

• God’s Sovereign Choices: Jacob’s choice to bless the younger son over the firstborn reflects God’s sovereignty in choosing those who will carry His purposes, often contrary to human expectations. This theme is echoed in the New Testament, where God chooses the humble and lowly to exalt in His kingdom, a principle embodied by Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).
• Inheritance Through Adoption: The adoption of Ephraim and Manasseh parallels the spiritual adoption of believers into God’s family through Jesus Christ, where they receive the inheritance of eternal life and blessings in the Kingdom of God (Ephesians 1:5).

Divine Love and Its Implications

• Continuation of the Covenant: The blessings reaffirm God’s ongoing covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, demonstrating His unchanging love and faithfulness across generations.
• Provision for the Future: Jacob’s blessings on Ephraim and Manasseh ensure that Joseph’s lineage is adequately provided for, reflecting God’s loving provision for each generation.

Contemporary Relevance

Why Genesis 48 Still Matters Today

• Legacy and Intergenerational Blessings: The act of Jacob blessing his grandchildren serves as a model for passing on spiritual legacies, emphasizing the importance of imparting blessings and godly values to younger generations.
• Trust in God’s Plan: The narrative encourages believers to trust in God’s greater plan, even when it seems to go against traditional norms or immediate understanding.
• Adoption and Inclusion: Jacob’s inclusion of Ephraim and Manasseh into his family underscores the value of adoption and the broadening of family boundaries, reflecting the inclusive nature of God’s family through faith in Christ.

Genesis 48 not only provides profound insights into the nature of blessings and divine selection but also reassures believers of God’s ongoing care and purposeful planning, encouraging them to live with assurance of His promises and guidance.