Daily Devotions
Genesis
"Let them praise the name of the Lord, For He commanded and they were created." Psalm 148:5
Text: Genesis 48:1-22
THE BLESSING OF EPHRAIM AND MANASSEH
As the two boys were brought near to Israel for his blessing, Joseph thought that he would guide his father in the placing of his hands. He was in for a big surprise.
“And Joseph took them both, Ephraim with his right hand
towards Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh with his left hand
towards Israel’s right hand, and brought them near him.
Then Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on Ephraim’s
head, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh’s
head, guiding his hand knowingly, for Manasseh was
the firstborn, and he blessed Joseph.” Genesis 48:13-15a
Joseph must have thought his father was confused. What was he doing? Firstly, he switched hands. He laid his right hand on Ephraim and his left hand on Manasseh. Shouldn’t it be the other way round? Secondly, he pronounced the name of Joseph in his prayer of blessing!
No, Israel was not confused! He bore in mind the two boys, Ephraim and Manasseh. The mention of the name of Joseph was his special way of focusing on the two young lads.
THE PRAYER OF BLESSING
“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;
let my name be named upon them,
and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac;
and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.”
Genesis 48:15-16
It is not without significance that Israel invoked the names of two Persons! It is significant to note how Israel addressed them.
1. The Lord
He was called, “God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked.”
2. The Angel
He was called the One “Who has redeemed me from all evil.”
Invoking their names in the same breath point to their being co-equal! In Israel’s mind, these two Persons were separate Beings and distinguishable, one from the other. Jacob had experienced their individual blessings! But of course, he would invoke their names so that Ephraim and Manasseh would be most significantly blessed! How profound a faith Israel possessed!