Introduction.
Genesis 48 contains Jacob’s blessing over his grandsons Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph. This meaningful scene shows the passing of patriarchal lineage and foreshadows future events in Israelite history.
When Joseph hears his father is ill, he brings his two sons to Jacob’s bedside. Jacob recalls God’s promise to make his descendants a great nation in the land of Canaan. Adopting Joseph’s sons as his own, Jacob claims them as part of his blessing.
Joseph places Manasseh the firstborn at Jacob’s right hand, and Ephraim the younger at his left. But Jacob intentionally crosses his arms to lay his right hand on Ephraim and his left on Manasseh. He blesses them in this position.
When Joseph tries correcting his father’s crossed arms, Jacob explains he knows what he is doing. The younger Ephraim will be greater than his older brother Manasseh, foreshadowing times when the younger son’s lineage gains prominence.
Jacob claims the angel who redeemed him from adversity has blessed the boys. Looking ahead, he speaks prophetically of the Israelites one day returning to Canaan from Egypt. The chapter ends with Jacob repeating the blessings on his newly adopted sons.
Jacob’s blessings demonstrate his faith in God’s covenant handed down through generations. The imagery looks forward to future Israelite history and territory. As patriarch, Jacob ensures these covenant promises persist beyond his own life.
This short chapter marks a significant transition in the biblical narrative. Jacob passes the birthright to Joseph’s sons, adding new branches to Abraham’s family tree. The torch is passed once again.
