Today’s passage: Genesis 48:1-22
Helpful thoughts:
- In today’s passage, Jacob (Israel) will bless both Ephraim and Manasseh (Joseph’s sons) as his own. In this way, Joseph is given a double-portion in the inheritance (Verse 15, “And he blessed Joseph and said…”).
- This chapter begins with “Manasseh and Ephraim” entering Jacob’s presence. The chapter ends with “Ephraim and Manasseh” blessed and ready to depart.
- Once again, the younger is blessed over the older.
- Jacob assures Joseph their people would return to the Promised Land as God has promised.
- Though the land of the Amorites was taken by Joseph’s brothers (Genesis 34), Jacob allots the land to him. Joseph’s bones would later be taken to this land for burial (Joshua 24:32).
Questions to consider:
- Why would Joseph have been perplexed by Jacob’s switching of the birth order of Ephraim and Manasseh? Was Joseph the first born? Why might he have considered himself the firstborn? Who was his mother?
- More than the land or all their possessions, what did Jacob truly give to the boys? What did he tell them about before blessing them (Verses 3-4)? Why is this significant? To whom did the boys ultimately belong? Who was truly giving them the land, the possessions and the promise?
- Jacob knew God had promised to be with him. How long did he believe God had been with him (Verse 15)? Will your Great Shepherd ever leave you or forsake you?