Genesis 48

Jacob’s Health Is Failing

1 Some time later, Joseph got word that his dad, Jacob, was sick. So Joseph took his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, to see him.

2 When Jacob heard that Joseph was coming, he mustered up some strength and sat up in bed.

Jacob Remembers God’s Promise

3 Jacob said to Joseph, ‘The Almighty God appeared to me in Luz, in the land of Canaan, and blessed me.’

4 ‘He said, I am going to make you fruitful and give you so many descendants they will become a nation. I will give this land to your family forever.’

Jacob Claims Joseph’s Sons as His Own

5 Jacob said, ‘Your two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, who were born in Egypt, are now mine. They are just as much my sons as Reuben and Simeon.’

6 ‘Any other kids you have after them will be yours, but these two will carry my name and inherit like my own sons.’

7 ‘When I was coming back from Paddan, your mom Rachel died in Canaan, near Ephrath (that is Bethlehem), and I buried her there.’

Jacob Prepares to Bless Ephraim and Manasseh

8 When Jacob saw Joseph’s sons, he asked, ‘Who are these?’

9 Joseph said, ‘These are my sons, the ones God gave me here in Egypt.’ Jacob said, ‘Bring them to me so I can bless them.’

10 Jacob’s eyesight was almost gone because he was so old, but he hugged and kissed the boys.

11 Jacob said to Joseph, ‘I never thought I would see your face again, and now God has let me see your kids too.’

12 Joseph pulled the boys back from Jacob’s lap and bowed low to the ground in respect.

Jacob Crosses His Hands

13 Joseph positioned the boys so Jacob’s right hand would be on Manasseh (the oldest) and his left hand on Ephraim (the youngest).

14 But Jacob crossed his hands, putting his right hand on Ephraim’s head and his left on Manasseh’s head, even though Manasseh was the firstborn.

15 Then Jacob blessed Joseph, saying, ‘May the God of my ancestors Abraham and Isaac, the God who has been my shepherd all my life, bless these boys.’

16 ‘May the Angel who has saved me from all harm bless them. May they carry my name and the name of my ancestors. May they grow into a huge family.’

Joseph Tries to Correct Jacob

17 When Joseph saw his dad put his right hand on Ephraim’s head, he was not cool with it. He tried to move it to Manasseh’s head.

18 Joseph said, ‘No, Dad, Manasseh is the firstborn. Put your right hand on his head.’

19 But Jacob said, ‘I know, son, I know. Manasseh will be great, but Ephraim will be even greater. His descendants will become a group of nations.’

20 So Jacob blessed them that day, saying, ‘The people of Israel will use your names when they give blessings. They will say, May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh.’ He put Ephraim ahead of Manasseh.

Jacob’s Final Words to Joseph

21 Jacob said to Joseph, ‘I am about to die, but God will be with you and take you back to the land of your ancestors.’

22 ‘And I am giving you an extra portion of land, more than your brothers, the land I took from the Amorites with my sword and bow.’