“And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him: and he held up his father’s hand, to remove it from Ephraim’s head unto Manasseh’s head.”
Context: In this verse, we find Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Jacob (also known as Israel), bringing his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, to receive a blessing from their grandfather, Jacob. Jacob, who was nearing the end of his life, intended to bless the two boys, signifying their future inheritance and position within the twelve tribes of Israel.
The significance of the right hand: In biblical culture, the right hand was often associated with blessing, honor, and authority. By placing his right hand on Ephraim’s head, Jacob intended to grant him the greater blessing, despite the fact that he was the younger of the two brothers. This action went against the cultural norm of the time, where the firstborn typically received the greater inheritance and blessing.
Joseph’s displeasure: Joseph, being the father of Manasseh and Ephraim, was displeased when he saw his father Jacob placing his right hand on Ephraim’s head instead of Manasseh’s. He recognized that this deviated from the expected order of blessing according to birthright. Joseph attempted to correct the situation by trying to move Jacob’s right hand from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head.
Jacob’s response: Despite Joseph’s attempts to switch Jacob’s hands, Jacob refused and reaffirmed his intention to bless Ephraim as the younger and Manasseh as the elder. Jacob explained that Ephraim would become a multitude of nations, and although Manasseh would also become a great people, his younger brother would be even greater (Genesis 48:19).
The divine purpose: Jacob’s decision to bless Ephraim over Manasseh reveals God’s sovereign choice and His ability to work outside of societal norms. God often chooses the unexpected and unlikely individuals to carry out His divine purposes. This act foreshadows the pattern found throughout the Bible, where the younger or unexpected ones are chosen for significant roles and blessings.
Lessons for us: The account of Jacob blessing Ephraim over Manasseh teaches us several important lessons. Firstly, it highlights the importance of recognizing and submitting to God’s sovereign will, even when it goes against our expectations or cultural norms. Secondly, it reminds us that God’s blessings are not limited by human conventions or birthright but are given according to His divine plan and purposes. Finally, it encourages us to trust in God’s wisdom and providence, knowing that He can work through the most unlikely circumstances to accomplish His will.
In conclusion, Genesis 48:17 showcases Jacob’s choice to bless Ephraim over Manasseh, despite Joseph’s initial disapproval. This event highlights God’s sovereignty and His ability to work through unexpected means. It reminds us to trust in God’s wisdom and submit to His divine plan, even when it goes against our expectations or cultural norms.
