The blessing of Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, is recorded in Genesis 48 and carries deep covenantal meaning. As Jacob neared death, Joseph brought his two sons to receive a blessing. Genesis 48:5 shows Jacob adopting them as his own:
“And now your two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you in Egypt, are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine.”
By doing this, Jacob granted Joseph a double portion of inheritance, elevating Ephraim and Manasseh to the status of tribal patriarchs in Israel. This act fulfilled God’s promise of multiplying Jacob’s descendants and secured Joseph’s family a prominent role in the covenant nation.
When Jacob blessed them, he crossed his hands, placing his right hand on Ephraim, the younger, and his left on Manasseh, the firstborn (Genesis 48:14). Joseph objected, but Jacob said in Genesis 48:19:
“I know, my son, I know. He also shall become a people, and he also shall be great; but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his descendants shall become a multitude of nations.”
This deliberate choice reflects a recurring biblical theme: God often exalts the lesser over the greater to accomplish His purposes. It shows that God’s blessings are not confined to human tradition or birth order but flow according to His plan.
The blessing also highlights Jacob’s faith in God’s promises. Hebrews 11:21 notes:
“By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.”
Through this blessing, Ephraim and Manasseh were fully incorporated into the covenant people, and their tribes would later play key roles in Israel’s history. This account reminds us that God’s ways are higher than ours and that His purposes often overturn human expectations.
