8 When Israel [who was almost blind] saw Joseph’s sons, he said, “Who are these?” 9 Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons, whom God has given me here [in Egypt].” So he said, “Please bring them to me, so that I may bless them.” 10 Now Israel’s eyes were so dim from age that he could not see [clearly]. Then Joseph brought them close to him, and he kissed and embraced them.
11 Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face, but see, God has shown me your children as well.” 12 Then Joseph took the boys [from his father’s embrace], and he bowed [before him] with his face to the ground. 13 Then Joseph took them both, Ephraim with his right hand toward Israel’s left, and Manasseh with his left hand toward Israel’s right, and brought them close to him. 14 But Israel reached out his right hand and laid it on the head of Ephraim, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh’s head, crossing his hands [intentionally], even though Manasseh was the firstborn. 15 Then Jacob (Israel) blessed Joseph, and said,
Genesis 48:8-16 (AMP)“The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked [in faithful obedience],
The God who has been my Shepherd [leading and caring for me] all my life to this day,16 The Angel [that is, the Lord Himself] who has redeemed me [continually] from all evil, Bless the boys;
And may my name live on in them [may they be worthy of having their names linked with mine],
And the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac;
And may they grow into a [great] multitude in the midst of the earth.”
Blessing of thankfulness
Jacob made the adoption declaration not knowing the boys were in the room for he asks who they are. When he realizes Joseph along with his two sons are standing in front of him, he is overwhelmed with joy and thankfulness to the Lord. He never thought he’d ever see Joseph again – let alone his offspring! Israel thanked God for this blessing and acknowledges The Lord has been his Shepherd his whole life – even when he was not trusting and following Him. He’s been the Good Shepherd who has saved him many times – like with Laban and Esau.
Family over form
Even though Joseph was second in charge in all Egypt, he still bowed to his father, Jacob. “Joseph lived as a high official of Egypt for many years, and had no contact with his father during that time. Yet it did not diminish the reverence he had towards his father.” (enduringword.com) Honor of his father trumped formality of his position. He was not too proud. The dreams of long ago that said his family (including Jacob) would bow to him did not preclude his bowing to his father.
Blessing the boys
Israel asks the Lord to bless the boys. There is no distinction between the two of them; they get the same blessing. But we’ll see tomorrow that the one under his right hand, by tradition, gets the bigger blessing. The blessing is here much better than Jacob will give his other sons later.
RЯeflection
- Do we know God is our Shepherd? He is leading us throughout our lives. Sometimes, as dumb sheep, we don’t follow, and we suffer. He goes after us to bring us back to the fold. He laid down His life for us. Have you thanked Him?
- When you are in a position of deciding between family and work, or fun, or friends, what do you choose? Which will last longer? Which is designed by God to be more important, and reflect His nature?
