1 Now it came to pass after these things that Joseph was told, “Indeed your father is sick”; and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. 2 And Jacob was told, “Look, your son Joseph is coming to you”; and Israel strengthened himself and sat up on the bed. (Genesis 48:1-2)
Jacob is identified here by his other name, "Israel", representing the strength he draws on to sit up and prepare to bless Joseph's sons. Though previously bedridden in illness, Jacob gathers his spiritual strength to fulfil this important paternal duty.
This parallels how modern believers can tap into strength from God even in times of weakness. Isaiah 40:29 says, "He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength."
Then Jacob said to Joseph: “God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed me. (Genesis 48:3)
Luz is another name for Bethel (Genesis 28:19, 35:6), where Jacob first met God.
4 and said to me, ‘Behold, I will make you fruitful and multiply you, and I will make of you a multitude of people, and give this land to your descendants after you as an everlasting possession.’ 5 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. (Genesis 48:4-5)
Jacob’s adoption of Manasseh and Ephraim explains why there are 12 tribes often listed in different combinations. Because of this adoption, there were actually 13 sons of Israel. The 12 were born, but Joseph was divided into two tribes.
Therefore as the tribes are listed through the Old Testament, they can be arranged in different ways and still remain 12 tribes.
The Number 12
As a number, 12 is often associated with government or administration in God’s eyes. There are 12 tribes, 12 apostles, 12 princes of Ishmael, 12 pillars on Moses’ altar, 12 stones on the high priest’s breastplate, 12 cakes of show bread, 12 silver platters, silver bowls, and gold pans for the service of the tabernacle, 12 spies to search out the land, 12 memorial stones, 12 governors under Solomon, 12 stones in Elijah’s altar, 12 in each group of musicians and singers for Israel’s worship, 12 hours in a day, 12 months in a year, 12 Ephesian men filled with the Holy Spirit, 12,000 from 12 tribes sealed and preserved through the tribulation, heaven has 12 gates of 12 pearls, and 12 angels at the gates, the New Jerusalem has 12 foundations, each with the names of the 12 apostles of the Lamb, it’s length, breadth, and height are all 12,000 furlongs, and the tree of life in heaven has 12 fruits. The number 12 is special to God.
And Israel said to Joseph, “I had not thought to see your face; but in fact, God has also shown me your offspring!” (Genesis 48:11)
God will always do more than you expect. Though many times this is actually hard for people to comprehend – it's true.
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, (Ephesians 3:20)
When Joseph receives news that his father, Jacob is unwell, he takes his two sons along with him to meet his father. Joseph bows before his father with his face to the ground. (Genesis 48:12)
Though Joseph was an official in the government with a very high rank, and though he was not in contact with him for a long time, this did not diminish his respect and honor for his father.
“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.” (Genesis 48:19)
Ephraim was not the firstborn but God chose him to take the position of firstborn. Jeremiah 31:9 described this: For I am a Father to Israel, and Ephraim is My firstborn (Jeremiah 31:9).
This shows how the idea of firstborn in the Bible is often a position of pre-eminence, not necessarily meaning “first out of the womb.”
David had the position of firstborn, even though he was the youngest son (1 Samuel 16:11 and Psalm 89:27).
Jesus has the pre-eminent position of firstborn (Colossians 1:15), though this does not mean Jesus was literally the first “born” creature of God, because Jesus was not created.
Moreover, I have given to you one portion above your brothers, which I took from the hand of the Amorite with my sword and my bow.” (Genesis 48:22)
One portion above your brothers
By specifying "above your brothers," Jacob indicates that this gift is an additional blessing, setting Joseph apart from his siblings and elevating his status within the family. This echoes the theme of Joseph's preeminence seen in his dreams (Genesis 37:5-11) and his eventual rise to power in Egypt (Genesis 41:41-43).
Which I took from the hand of the Amorite
Though the specific event is not detailed elsewhere in the Bible, while still in Canaan, Jacob battled for control of a portion of land from the Amorites, and he deeded the land to Joseph and his descendants.
Chapters
- Chapter 1
- Chapter 2
- Chapter 3
- Chapter 4
- Chapter 5
- Chapter 6
- Chapter 7
- Chapter 8
- Chapter 9
- Chapter 10
- Chapter 11
- Chapter 12
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 14
- Chapter 15
- Chapter 16
- Chapter 17
- Chapter 18
- Chapter 19
- Chapter 20
- Chapter 21
- Chapter 22
- Chapter 23
- Chapter 24
- Chapter 25
- Chapter 26
- Chapter 27
- Chapter 28
- Chapter 29
- Chapter 30
- Chapter 31
- Chapter 32
- Chapter 33
- Chapter 34
- Chapter 35
- Chapter 36
- Chapter 37
- Chapter 38
- Chapter 39
- Chapter 40
- Chapter 41
- Chapter 42
- Chapter 43
- Chapter 44
- Chapter 45
- Chapter 46
- Chapter 47
- Chapter 48
- Chapter 49
- Chapter 50