Genesis 48: A Blessing for the Future

This chapter tells the story of Jacob blessing his grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh. It might seem like an ordinary family event, but it’s actually full of meaning and significance for these young boys and for all of us today.

What’s Happening?

Jacob is old and nearing the end of his life. Joseph brings his two sons to receive a special blessing from their grandfather. Jacob, even with his failing eyesight, intentionally crosses his arms to place his right hand on the younger son, Ephraim, and his left hand on the older son, Manasseh. This surprises Joseph, who tries to correct his father. But Jacob insists, explaining that he is acting under God’s guidance. He blesses both boys, but prophesies that the younger, Ephraim, will become greater than his older brother.

Why is this Important?

This story teaches us some important things about God and his plans:

• God’s ways are not always our ways. We might expect the older brother to receive the greater blessing, but God chose to do things differently. This reminds us that God doesn’t always follow our expectations. He has his own plans, which are often surprising and beyond our understanding.
• God sees the potential in each of us. Even though Ephraim was younger, God saw his potential for greatness. God sees the potential in each of us, even if others don’t. He has a unique plan for each of our lives.
• Blessings are important. Jacob’s blessing was a powerful declaration of faith and hope over his grandsons. It was a way of passing on his love and spiritual heritage. Blessings from parents and grandparents are still important today. They can encourage and guide us in our lives.

Study Questions

1. Why do you think Joseph was surprised by Jacob’s actions?
2. What does it mean that Jacob “adopted” Joseph’s sons?
3. Why do you think God chose the younger son to receive the greater blessing?
4. What does this story teach us about God’s character?
5. How does this story make you feel about your own potential and God’s plan for your life?
6. Who are some people in your life who have blessed you? How have their words and actions impacted you?

Challenge

Think about someone you can bless this week. It could be a family member, a friend, or even a stranger. Offer them words of encouragement, pray for them, or do something kind for them. You might be surprised by the impact your blessing can have.

---

Genesis 48 offers a poignant scene of Jacob blessing Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Let’s delve into this chapter, illuminated by insights from Charles Spurgeon and Matthew Henry:

Jacob’s Blessing and Adoption

• Spurgeon beautifully captures the heart of Jacob’s action: “He [Jacob] puts his hands upon their heads and solemnly adopts them into the family of Israel…Though they were born in Egypt, they were to be regarded as if they had been born in Canaan, and were to have a portion in the inheritance with their uncles.” This act underscores God’s covenant promise extending to future generations, regardless of their birthplace.
• Matthew Henry highlights the significance of bringing the young to the old: “It is good to acquaint young people that are coming into the world with the aged servants of God that are going out of it, whose dying testimony to the goodness of God…may be a great encouragement.” Jacob, nearing his end, imparts spiritual heritage to his grandsons.  

Crossing of Hands and the Greater Blessing

• The intriguing crossing of Jacob’s hands, blessing the younger Ephraim over Manasseh, puzzled Joseph. Matthew Henry notes, “Joseph…suspected it was done through inadvertency, because of his dim-sightedness…But Jacob did it knowingly and purposely.” This seemingly small act reveals God’s sovereign choice, often defying human expectations and birth order.
• Spurgeon emphasises the spiritual lesson: “Let us learn from this incident that the Lord’s thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are his ways our ways…He often chooses the younger son, the weaker vessel, the less likely instrument, to accomplish his purposes.” God’s grace operates beyond human logic, reminding us that He bestows blessings according to His divine plan.

The Patriarchal Blessing and its Legacy

• Jacob blesses the boys with these words: “God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has fed me all my life long to this day, the Angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; may my name live on in them, and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they grow into a multitude upon the earth.”  
• Matthew Henry observes, “Jacob was old, and dim-sighted, yet he could see God, the invisible God…The eye of faith may be very clear even when the eye of the body is very much clouded.” Even in his weakened state, Jacob’s spiritual sight remained strong, testifying to God’s faithfulness.
• Spurgeon reflects on the continuity of blessing: “He [Jacob] prays that the covenant made with Abraham and Isaac may be continued to Joseph’s sons. He desires that they may increase abundantly, not only in numbers but in all temporal and spiritual blessings.” This blessing invokes the ancestral covenant, connecting Ephraim and Manasseh to the lineage of faith and God’s promises.

Genesis 48, through the lens of Spurgeon and Henry, unveils profound truths about God’s sovereign grace, the importance of intergenerational faith, and the enduring power of the covenant. It encourages us to trust in God’s plan, even when it seems unconventional, and to embrace the spiritual legacy passed down through generations.