“And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn.”
This verse occurs within the narrative of Jacob’s blessing of Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. To understand the significance of this event, let’s explore the broader context:
In Genesis 48, Jacob, who is also known as Israel, is nearing the end of his life. Joseph, his favored son, brings his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, to receive Jacob’s blessing. As was customary, the firstborn son would typically receive the greater blessing and inherit the birthright. However, in this particular instance, Jacob intentionally crosses his hands and places his right hand, symbolizing the greater blessing, on Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand, symbolizing a lesser blessing, on Manasseh’s head, the firstborn.
This action surprises Joseph, who tries to correct his father’s hands, assuming that he made a mistake. But Jacob reaffirms his decision, explaining that he acted knowingly, guided by divine inspiration. This blessing arrangement indicates that Ephraim would have a greater future prominence and blessing than Manasseh, despite the traditional expectations.
This passage demonstrates God’s sovereignty in choosing whom He desires to bless and the reversal of societal norms. It reveals that God’s purposes are not bound by human conventions or expectations. This event foreshadows the later history of Israel, where the tribe of Ephraim would indeed become more prominent and influential than Manasseh.
The significance of Jacob’s blessing is twofold: First, it establishes the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh as distinct tribes within the nation of Israel. Second, it underscores God’s sovereignty in determining the distribution of blessings, often deviating from human expectations and conventions.
Overall, Genesis 48:14 highlights God’s faithfulness and His ability to bring about His purposes in unexpected ways. It serves as a reminder to trust in God’s plans, even when they may seem contrary to our human understanding.
