But Israel stretched 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, although Manasseh was the firstborn.
He blessed Joseph, and said,
“The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked,
The God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day,
The angel who has redeemed me from all evil, Bless the lads;
And may my name live on in them,
And the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac;
And may they grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.”
Genesis 48:14-16
Jacob (Israel) meets his two grandsons who were born to Joseph. And in an ironic twist he places his right hand of greater blessing on the younger, which is a cultural mistake. Or is it? You see, a similar family intrigue occurred between Jacob and Esau, when Jacob deceived his father Isaac and received the greater blessing over his older brother. It was a mixed blessing for sure. Joseph doesn’t understand it in the moment, but later will realize the significance and prophetic nature of what was occurring.
Do I see clearly the blessings of God? Am I jealous when someone else receives a greater one?
Lord Jesus, You have checked my heart a few times this week. Thank you for correction when I haven’t responded rightly to what You are doing. Cleanse me and lead me in the everlasting way. Thank you for Your manifold blessings. Would you help me reach out and love others in Your name today?
