Genesis 48 – Joseph’s sons Manasseh and Ephraim

Genesis 48
Manasseh and Ephraim
Bible Reading
Joseph and his sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, went to visit his father Jacob (Israel) who was ill.
Jacob sat up with all his strength in bed. Joseph said, “Almighty God appeared to him at Luz.”
Joseph said to his father, “God has promised to bless his descendants with land.”
Joseph said, “God will make Manasseh and Ephraim his sons as Reuben, Simeon are mine.”
God said to Joseph, “Any children after them are yours.”
Joseph told his father his wife, Rachel, died near Ephrath, in the land of Canaan.
Joseph brought his two sons born in Egypt near Jacob to be blessed.
Jacob kissed and blessed both sons even though he could not see.
Joseph bowed down to the ground, Ephraim on the right toward Jacob’s left hand.
Joseph brought Manasseh on his left side, toward Jacob’s right hand.
Israel reached out his right hand on Ephraim’s head, the younger son, and crossed his arms.
Israel put his left hand on Manasseh’s head even though Manasseh was the firstborn.”
Israel blessed Joseph to walk faithfully and increase greatly on earth.”
Joseph was displeased because Israel placed his right hand on Ephraim’s head.”
Joseph tried to move Israel’s right hand but Israel refused.”
Israel said, “I know, but Ephraim, the younger, will be greater and become a group of nations.”
Israel explained both sons will be blessed but the younger will be blessed first.”
Israel said to Joseph, I am about to die, but God will be with you.”
God will take you Joseph back to the land of your fathers.”
Israel said I will give you one more ridge of land that I took from the Amorites with my bow and arrow.”

http://www.biblegateway.com