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A Father’s Blessings and Curses; Blog Through the Bible Project

By

Genesis

Genesis 49

Close to death, Jacob pronounces on each of his sons a blessing that, reflecting something of their past actions tells how their descenants will prosper in the future.
Jacob Blesses His Sons

 1 Then Jacob called for his sons and said: “Gather around so I can tell you what will happen to you in days to come.

 2 “Assemble and listen, sons of Jacob;
   listen to your father Israel.
 3 “Reuben, you are my firstborn,
   my might, the first sign of my strength,
   excelling in honor, excelling in power.
4 Turbulent as the waters, you will no longer excel,
   for you went up onto your father’s bed,
   onto my couch and defiled it.
Though Jacob said nothing at the time, the moral consequences of Reuben’s sin–sleeping with his father’s concubine– was that moral authority and leadership slowly shifted away from him. 
 5 “Simeon and Levi are brothers— 
   their swords[a] are weapons of violence.
6 Let me not enter their council,
   let me not join their assembly,
for they have killed men in their anger
   and hamstrung oxen as they pleased.
7 Cursed be their anger, so fierce,
   and their fury, so cruel!
I will scatter them in Jacob
   and disperse them in Israel.
God’s judgement, voiced by Jacob on his deathbed is slow, but sure. These two tribes are scattered among the other tribes to prevent either tribe from dominating the rest, and bringing destruction on Israel.
 8 “Judah, your brothers will praise you; 
   your hand will be on the neck of your enemies;
   your father’s sons will bow down to you.
9 You are a lion’s cub, Judah;
   you return from the prey, my son.

Like a lion he crouches and lies down,
   like a lioness—who dares to rouse him?
10 The scepter will not depart from Judah,
   nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet,[c]
until he to whom it belongs shall come
   and the obedience of the nations shall be his. 

11 He will tether his donkey to a vine,
   his colt to the choicest branch;
he will wash his garments in wine,
   his robes in the blood of grapes.
12 His eyes will be darker than wine,
   his teeth whiter than milk.

Judah was the fourth son, but Reuben, Simeon and Levi had forfeited the right to leadership because of their moral failings. So leadership is given to Judah, and the double portion of the first born given to Joseph.

For God’s inscrutable reasons, the tribe of Judah was chosen to be the one to whom the Messiah was born. See lion imagery associated with the tribe from the first book of the Bible to the last, when Jesus is referred to as “the lion from the tribe of Judah.”

ESV In these words, Jacob predicts the great empire of David, and the greater Kingdom of Christ, the second David. Messianic expectation in the OT: the way that Abraham’s blessing will come to the Gentiles will be by the ultimate heir of David, reigning and incorporating the Gentiles into his benevolent empire. 

The royal line of Judah culminates with Jesus Christ.



]
 13 “Zebulun will live by the seashore
   and become a haven for ships;
   his border will extend toward Sidon.

 14 “Issachar is a rawboned[f] donkey
   lying down among the sheep pens.[g]
15 When he sees how good is his resting place
   and how pleasant is his land,
he will bend his shoulder to the burden
   and submit to forced labor.

 16 “Dan[h] will provide justice for his people
   as one of the tribes of Israel.
17 Dan will be a snake by the roadside,
   a viper along the path,
that bites the horse’s heels
   so that its rider tumbles backward.
18 “I look for your deliverance, LORD.
Jacob interrupts his pronouncements here by a brief prayer that highlights his concern for his descendants.  Without divine deliverance, they will not survive.

 19 “Gad[i] will be attacked by a band of raiders,
   but he will attack them at their heels.

 20 “Asher’s food will be rich;
   he will provide delicacies fit for a king.

 21 “Naphtali is a doe set free
   that bears beautiful fawns.

22 “Joseph is a fruitful vine,
   a fruitful vine near a spring,
   whose branches climb over a wall.]
23 With bitterness archers attacked him;
   they shot at him with hostility.
24 But his bow remained steady,
   his strong arms stayed[l] limber,
because of the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob,
   because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel,
25 because of your father’s God, who helps you,
   because of the Almighty, who blesses you
with blessings of the skies above,
   blessings of the deep springs below,
   blessings of the breast and womb.
26 Your father’s blessings are greater
   than the blessings of the ancient mountains,
   than the bounty of the age-old hills.
Let all these rest on the head of Joseph,
   on the brow of the prince among his brothers.

In spite of his brothers’ hostility towards him, Joseph has survived, sustained by the Mighty One of Jacob. Jacob prays that Joseph’s descendants will experience blessing upon blessing, blessings which will exceed those shown to Abraham and Isaac.

The hand of the mighty one of Israel enabled the bow to stay steady in Joseph’s hand.
 27 “Benjamin is a ravenous wolf;
   in the morning he devours the prey,
   in the evening he divides the plunder.”
 28 All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father said to them when he blessed them, giving each the blessing appropriate to him.
The Death of Jacob
 29 Then he gave them these instructions: “I am about to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my fathers in the cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite, 30 the cave in the field of Machpelah, near Mamre in Canaan, which Abraham bought along with the field as a burial place from Ephron the Hittite. 31 There Abraham and his wife Sarah were buried, there Isaac and his wife Rebekah were buried, and there I buried Leah. 32 The field and the cave in it were bought from the Hittites.[p]”
 33 When Jacob had finished giving instructions to his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed, breathed his last and was gathered to his people.
Jacob does not forget that it was Canaan which was his God-appointed homeland.

]

A Father’s Blessings and Curses; Blog Through the Bible Project

By

Genesis

Genesis 49

Close to death, Jacob pronounces on each of his sons a blessing that, reflecting something of their past actions tells how their descenants will prosper in the future.
Jacob Blesses His Sons

 1 Then Jacob called for his sons and said: “Gather around so I can tell you what will happen to you in days to come.

 2 “Assemble and listen, sons of Jacob;
   listen to your father Israel.
 3 “Reuben, you are my firstborn,
   my might, the first sign of my strength,
   excelling in honor, excelling in power.
4 Turbulent as the waters, you will no longer excel,
   for you went up onto your father’s bed,
   onto my couch and defiled it.
Though Jacob said nothing at the time, the moral consequences of Reuben’s sin–sleeping with his father’s concubine– was that moral authority and leadership slowly shifted away from him. 
 5 “Simeon and Levi are brothers— 
   their swordsc]’>[c]
until he to whom it belongs shall come
   and the obedience of the nations shall be his. 

11 He will tether his donkey to a vine,
   his colt to the choicest branch;
he will wash his garments in wine,
   his robes in the blood of grapes.
12 His eyes will be darker than wine,
   his teeth whiter than milk.

Judah was the fourth son, but Reuben, Simeon and Levi had forfeited the right to leadership because of their moral failings. So leadership is given to Judah, and the double portion of the first born given to Joseph.

For God’s inscrutable reasons, the tribe of Judah was chosen to be the one to whom the Messiah was born. See lion imagery associated with the tribe from the first book of the Bible to the last, when Jesus is referred to as “the lion from the tribe of Judah.”
ESV In these words, Jacob predicts the great empire of David, and the greater Kingdom of Christ, the second David. Messianic expectation in the OT: the way that Abraham’s blessing will come to the Gentiles will be by the ultimate heir of David, reigning and incorporating the Gentiles into his benevolent empire. 
The royal line of Judah culminates with Jesus Christ.


]
 13 “Zebulun will live by the seashore
   and become a haven for ships;
   his border will extend toward Sidon.

 14 “Issachar is a rawbonedg]’>[g]
15 When he sees how good is his resting place
   and how pleasant is his land,
he will bend his shoulder to the burden
   and submit to forced labor.

 16 “Dani]’>[i] will be attacked by a band of raiders,
   but he will attack them at their heels.

 20 “Asher’s food will be rich;
   he will provide delicacies fit for a king.

 21 “Naphtali is a doe set free
   that bears beautiful fawns.

22 “Joseph is a fruitful vine,
   a fruitful vine near a spring,
   whose branches climb over a wall.l]’>[l] limber,
because of the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob,
   because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel,
25 because of your father’s God, who helps you,
   because of the Almighty, who blesses you
with blessings of the skies above,
   blessings of the deep springs below,
   blessings of the breast and womb.
26 Your father’s blessings are greater
   than the blessings of the ancient mountains,
   than the bounty of the age-old hills.
Let all these rest on the head of Joseph,
   on the brow of the prince among his brothers.

In spite of his brothers’ hostility towards him, Joseph has survived, sustained by the Mighty One of Jacob. Jacob prays that Joseph’s descendants will experience blessing upon blessing, blessings which will exceed those shown to Abraham and Isaac.

The hand of the mighty one of Israel enabled the bow to stay steady in Joseph’s hand.
 27 “Benjamin is a ravenous wolf;
   in the morning he devours the prey,
   in the evening he divides the plunder.”
 28 All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father said to them when he blessed them, giving each the blessing appropriate to him.
The Death of Jacob
 29 Then he gave them these instructions: “I am about to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my fathers in the cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite, 30 the cave in the field of Machpelah, near Mamre in Canaan, which Abraham bought along with the field as a burial place from Ephron the Hittite. 31 There Abraham and his wife Sarah were buried, there Isaac and his wife Rebekah were buried, and there I buried Leah. 32 The field and the cave in it were bought from the Hittites.j]’>]

The Blessing on the Patriarchs Persists, Gen 47, 48, Blog Through the Bible Project

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The blessings on the Patriarchs: being fruitful and increasing, and being a blessing to the nations are worked out in the life of Joseph.

Genesis 47

 1 Joseph went and told Pharaoh, “My father and brothers, with their flocks and herds and everything they own, have come from the land of Canaan and are now in Goshen.” 2 He chose five of his brothers and presented them before Pharaoh.
 3 Pharaoh asked the brothers, “What is your occupation?”
   “Your servants are shepherds,” they replied to Pharaoh, “just as our fathers were.” 4 They also said to him, “We have come to live here for a while, because the famine is severe in Canaan and your servants’ flocks have no pasture. So now, please let your servants settle in Goshen.”
 5 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Your father and your brothers have come to you, 6 and the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land. Let them live in Goshen. And if you know of any among them with special ability, put them in charge of my own livestock.”
 7 Then Joseph brought his father Jacob in and presented him before Pharaoh. After Jacob blessed Pharaoh, 8 Pharaoh asked him, “How old are you?”
 9 And Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty. My years have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the pilgrimage of my fathers.” 10 Then Jacob blessed Pharaoh and went out from his presence.
 11 So Joseph settled his father and his brothers in Egypt and gave them property in the best part of the land, the district of Rameses, as Pharaoh directed. 12Joseph also provided his father and his brothers and all his father’s household with food, according to the number of their children.
Joseph and the Famine
 13 There was no food, however, in the whole region because the famine was severe; both Egypt and Canaan wasted away because of the famine. 14 Joseph collected all the money that was to be found in Egypt and Canaan in payment for the grain they were buying, and he brought it to Pharaoh’s palace. 15 When the money of the people of Egypt and Canaan was gone, all Egypt came to Joseph and said, “Give us food. Why should we die before your eyes? Our money is all gone.”
 16 “Then bring your livestock,” said Joseph. “I will sell you food in exchange for your livestock, since your money is gone.” 17 So they brought their livestock to Joseph, and he gave them food in exchange for their horses, their sheep and goats, their cattle and donkeys. And he brought them through that year with food in exchange for all their livestock.
 18 When that year was over, they came to him the following year and said, “We cannot hide from our lord the fact that since our money is gone and our livestock belongs to you, there is nothing left for our lord except our bodies and our land. 19 Why should we perish before your eyes—we and our land as well? Buy us and our land in exchange for food, and we with our land will be in bondage to Pharaoh. Give us seed so that we may live and not die, and that the land may not become desolate.”
The gradual process of impoverishment of the poor (and improvident? Perhaps they too could have stored grain in the years of plenty.) They lose their money, then the means of making money, then their land, and finally “sell themselves”, and are indentured in perpetual debt.

 20 So Joseph bought all the land in Egypt for Pharaoh. The Egyptians, one and all, sold their fields, because the famine was too severe for them. The land became Pharaoh’s, 21 and Joseph reduced the people to servitude, from one end of Egypt to the other. 22 However, he did not buy the land of the priests, because they received a regular allotment from Pharaoh and had food enough from the allotment Pharaoh gave them. That is why they did not sell their land.
The people are reduced to serfdom.

 23 Joseph said to the people, “Now that I have bought you and your land today for Pharaoh, here is seed for you so you can plant the ground. 24 But when the crop comes in, give a fifth of it to Pharaoh. The other four-fifths you may keep as seed for the fields and as food for yourselves and your households and your children.”
 25 “You have saved our lives,” they said. “May we find favor in the eyes of our lord; we will be in bondage to Pharaoh.”
 26 So Joseph established it as a law concerning land in Egypt—still in force today—that a fifth of the produce belongs to Pharaoh. It was only the land of the priests that did not become Pharaoh’s.
He sets a base rate of taxation as 20 percent, higher than the US, lower than the UK.

 27 Now the Israelites settled in Egypt in the region of Goshen. They acquired property there and were fruitful and increased greatly in number.
While the Egyptians struggle to survive during the famine, Jacob’s family is portrayed as growing and prospering. 
The theme of being fruitful and multiplying is mentioned throughout Genesis, usually in association with divine favour.

 28 Jacob lived in Egypt seventeen years, and the years of his life were a hundred and forty-seven. 29 When the time drew near for Israel to die, he called for his son Joseph and said to him, “If I have found favor in your eyes, put your hand under my thigh and promise that you will show me kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt, 30 but when I rest with my fathers, carry me out of Egypt and bury me where they are buried.”
   “I will do as you say,” he said.

 31 “Swear to me,” he said. Then Joseph swore to him, and Israel worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.


Genesis 48
Manasseh and Ephraim

 1 Some time later Joseph was told, “Your father is ill.” So he took his two sons Manasseh and Ephraim along with him. 2 When Jacob was told, “Your son Joseph has come to you,” Israel rallied his strength and sat up on the bed.
Manasseh means God made me to forget. Pray for the grace to forget.

 3 Jacob said to Joseph, “God Almighty[a] appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and there he blessed me 4 and said to me, ‘I am going to make you fruitful and increase your numbers. I will make you a community of peoples, and I will give this land as an everlasting possession to your descendants after you.’
 5 “Now then, your two sons born to you in Egypt before I came to you here will be reckoned as mine; Ephraim and Manasseh will be mine, just as Reuben and Simeon are mine. 6 Any children born to you after them will be yours; in the territory they inherit they will be reckoned under the names of their brothers. 7 As I was returning from Paddan, to my sorrow Rachel died in the land of Canaan while we were still on the way, a little distance from Ephrath. So I buried her there beside the road to Ephrath” (that is, Bethlehem).
Jacob elevates his grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh to the status of sons. Thus Joseph is now elevated to the status of first-born, in place of Reuben, who has disgraced himself and is given a double portion of the inheritance
 8 When Israel saw the sons of Joseph, he asked, “Who are these?”
 9 “They are the sons God has given me here,” Joseph said to his father.
   Then Israel said, “Bring them to me so I may bless them.”
 10 Now Israel’s eyes were failing because of old age, and he could hardly see. So Joseph brought his sons close to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them.
 11 Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face again, and now God has allowed me to see your children too.”
The goodness of God must have seemed astounding to Jacob!

 12 Then Joseph removed them from Israel’s knees and bowed down with his face to the ground. 13 And Joseph took both of them, Ephraim on his right toward Israel’s left hand and Manasseh on his left toward Israel’s right hand, and brought them close to him. 14 But Israel reached out his right hand and put it on Ephraim’s head, though he was the younger, and crossing his arms, he put his left hand on Manasseh’s head, even though Manasseh was the firstborn.
 15 Then he blessed Joseph and said,
   “May the God before whom my fathers
   Abraham and Isaac walked faithfully,
the God who has been my shepherd
   all my life to this day,
16 the Angel who has delivered me from all harm
   —may he bless these boys. 
May they be called by my name
   and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac,
and may they increase greatly
   on the earth.”
What a lovely blessing!

 17 When Joseph saw his father placing his right hand on Ephraim’s head he was displeased; so he took hold of his father’s hand to move it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. 18 Joseph said to him, “No, my father, this one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head.”
 19 But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know. He too will become a people, and he too will become great. Nevertheless, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his descendants will become a group of nations.” 
Jacob, the younger son, who struggled with this older brother for the birthright and blessing, and preferred Laban’s younger daughter, and his own younger sons, now preferentially blesses Joseph’s younger son. 



20 He blessed them that day and said,
   “In your[c] name will Israel pronounce this blessing:
   ‘May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh.’”
   So he put Ephraim ahead of Manasseh.
The Ephraimites later become one of Israel’s leading tribes, with Joshua guiding the people into the promised land. 
 21 Then Israel said to Joseph, “I am about to die, but God will be with you and take you[e] back to the land of your[f] fathers. 22 And to you I give one more ridge of land than to your brothers, the ridge I took from the Amorites with my sword and my bow.”

Elevating Joseph to the status of the first-born.

The Blessing on the Patriarchs Persists, Gen 47, 48, Blog Through the Bible Project

By

T

The blessings on the Patriarchs: being fruitful and increasing, and being a blessing to the nations are worked out in the life of Joseph.

Genesis 47

 1 Joseph went and told Pharaoh, “My father and brothers, with their flocks and herds and everything they own, have come from the land of Canaan and are now in Goshen.” 2 He chose five of his brothers and presented them before Pharaoh.
 3 Pharaoh asked the brothers, “What is your occupation?”
   “Your servants are shepherds,” they replied to Pharaoh, “just as our fathers were.” 4 They also said to him, “We have come to live here for a while, because the famine is severe in Canaan and your servants’ flocks have no pasture. So now, please let your servants settle in Goshen.”
 5 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Your father and your brothers have come to you, 6 and the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land. Let them live in Goshen. And if you know of any among them with special ability, put them in charge of my own livestock.”
 7 Then Joseph brought his father Jacob in and presented him before Pharaoh. After Jacob blessed Pharaoh, 8 Pharaoh asked him, “How old are you?”
 9 And Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty. My years have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the pilgrimage of my fathers.” 10 Then Jacob blessed Pharaoh and went out from his presence.
 11 So Joseph settled his father and his brothers in Egypt and gave them property in the best part of the land, the district of Rameses, as Pharaoh directed. 12Joseph also provided his father and his brothers and all his father’s household with food, according to the number of their children.
Joseph and the Famine
 13 There was no food, however, in the whole region because the famine was severe; both Egypt and Canaan wasted away because of the famine. 14 Joseph collected all the money that was to be found in Egypt and Canaan in payment for the grain they were buying, and he brought it to Pharaoh’s palace. 15 When the money of the people of Egypt and Canaan was gone, all Egypt came to Joseph and said, “Give us food. Why should we die before your eyes? Our money is all gone.”
 16 “Then bring your livestock,” said Joseph. “I will sell you food in exchange for your livestock, since your money is gone.” 17 So they brought their livestock to Joseph, and he gave them food in exchange for their horses, their sheep and goats, their cattle and donkeys. And he brought them through that year with food in exchange for all their livestock.
 18 When that year was over, they came to him the following year and said, “We cannot hide from our lord the fact that since our money is gone and our livestock belongs to you, there is nothing left for our lord except our bodies and our land. 19 Why should we perish before your eyes—we and our land as well? Buy us and our land in exchange for food, and we with our land will be in bondage to Pharaoh. Give us seed so that we may live and not die, and that the land may not become desolate.”
The gradual process of impoverishment of the poor (and improvident? Perhaps they too could have stored grain in the years of plenty.) They lose their money, then the means of making money, then their land, and finally “sell themselves”, and are indentured in perpetual debt.

 20 So Joseph bought all the land in Egypt for Pharaoh. The Egyptians, one and all, sold their fields, because the famine was too severe for them. The land became Pharaoh’s, 21 and Joseph reduced the people to servitude, from one end of Egypt to the other. 22 However, he did not buy the land of the priests, because they received a regular allotment from Pharaoh and had food enough from the allotment Pharaoh gave them. That is why they did not sell their land.
The people are reduced to serfdom.

 23 Joseph said to the people, “Now that I have bought you and your land today for Pharaoh, here is seed for you so you can plant the ground. 24 But when the crop comes in, give a fifth of it to Pharaoh. The other four-fifths you may keep as seed for the fields and as food for yourselves and your households and your children.”
 25 “You have saved our lives,” they said. “May we find favor in the eyes of our lord; we will be in bondage to Pharaoh.”
 26 So Joseph established it as a law concerning land in Egypt—still in force today—that a fifth of the produce belongs to Pharaoh. It was only the land of the priests that did not become Pharaoh’s.
He sets a base rate of taxation as 20 percent, higher than the US, lower than the UK.

 27 Now the Israelites settled in Egypt in the region of Goshen. They acquired property there and were fruitful and increased greatly in number.
While the Egyptians struggle to survive during the famine, Jacob’s family is portrayed as growing and prospering. 
The theme of being fruitful and multiplying is mentioned throughout Genesis, usually in association with divine favour.

 28 Jacob lived in Egypt seventeen years, and the years of his life were a hundred and forty-seven. 29 When the time drew near for Israel to die, he called for his son Joseph and said to him, “If I have found favor in your eyes, put your hand under my thigh and promise that you will show me kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt, 30 but when I rest with my fathers, carry me out of Egypt and bury me where they are buried.”
   “I will do as you say,” he said.

 31 “Swear to me,” he said. Then Joseph swore to him, and Israel worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.


Genesis 48
Manasseh and Ephraim

 1 Some time later Joseph was told, “Your father is ill.” So he took his two sons Manasseh and Ephraim along with him. 2 When Jacob was told, “Your son Joseph has come to you,” Israel rallied his strength and sat up on the bed.
Manasseh means God made me to forget. Pray for the grace to forget.

 3 Jacob said to Joseph, “God Almightya]”>[a] appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and there he blessed me 4 and said to me, ‘I am going to make you fruitful and increase your numbers. I will make you a community of peoples, and I will give this land as an everlasting possession to your descendants after you.’
 5 “Now then, your two sons born to you in Egypt before I came to you here will be reckoned as mine; Ephraim and Manasseh will be mine, just as Reuben and Simeon are mine. 6 Any children born to you after them will be yours; in the territory they inherit they will be reckoned under the names of their brothers. 7 As I was returning from Paddan, to my sorrow Rachel died in the land of Canaan while we were still on the way, a little distance from Ephrath. So I buried her there beside the road to Ephrath” (that is, Bethlehem).
Jacob elevates his grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh to the status of sons. Thus Joseph is now elevated to the status of first-born, in place of Reuben, who has disgraced himself and is given a double portion of the inheritance
 8 When Israel saw the sons of Joseph, he asked, “Who are these?”
 9 “They are the sons God has given me here,” Joseph said to his father.
   Then Israel said, “Bring them to me so I may bless them.”
 10 Now Israel’s eyes were failing because of old age, and he could hardly see. So Joseph brought his sons close to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them.
 11 Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face again, and now God has allowed me to see your children too.”
The goodness of God must have seemed astounding to Jacob!

 12 Then Joseph removed them from Israel’s knees and bowed down with his face to the ground. 13 And Joseph took both of them, Ephraim on his right toward Israel’s left hand and Manasseh on his left toward Israel’s right hand, and brought them close to him. 14 But Israel reached out his right hand and put it on Ephraim’s head, though he was the younger, and crossing his arms, he put his left hand on Manasseh’s head, even though Manasseh was the firstborn.
 15 Then he blessed Joseph and said,
   “May the God before whom my fathers
   Abraham and Isaac walked faithfully,
the God who has been my shepherd
   all my life to this day,
16 the Angel who has delivered me from all harm
   —may he bless these boys. 
May they be called by my name
   and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac,
and may they increase greatly
   on the earth.”
What a lovely blessing!

 17 When Joseph saw his father placing his right hand on Ephraim’s head he was displeased; so he took hold of his father’s hand to move it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. 18 Joseph said to him, “No, my father, this one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head.”
 19 But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know. He too will become a people, and he too will become great. Nevertheless, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his descendants will become a group of nations.” 
Jacob, the younger son, who struggled with this older brother for the birthright and blessing, and preferred Laban’s younger daughter, and his own younger sons, now preferentially blesses Joseph’s younger son. 



20 He blessed them that day and said,
   “In yourc]”>[c] name will Israel pronounce this blessing:
   ‘May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh.’”
   So he put Ephraim ahead of Manasseh.
The Ephraimites later become one of Israel’s leading tribes, with Joshua guiding the people into the promised land. 
 21 Then Israel said to Joseph, “I am about to die, but God will be with you and take youe]”>[e] back to the land of yourf]”>[f] fathers. 22 And to you I give one more ridge of land than to your brothers, the ridge I took from the Amorites with my sword and my bow.”

Elevating Joseph to the status of the first-born.

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Jacob is reunited with Joseph, Genesis 46

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Genesis 46

Jacob Goes to Egypt

 1 So Israel set out with all that was his, and when he reached Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac.

 2 And God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said, “Jacob! Jacob!”
   “Here I am,” he replied.
 3 “I am God, the God of your father,” he said. “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. 4 I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph’s own hand will close your eyes.”
The Lord speaks to Jacob with his trademark greeting, “Do not be afraid.”
His ability to hear God’s voice–even in the middle of his own sin and scheming–was one of Jacob’s greatest gifts–and this he retains through life.
And God’s kindness to Jacob remains throughout his long life.  

At Beersheba, where Abraham and Isaac had also worshiped the Lord, the Lord reiterates his covenant promises.
God would be with Jacob when he went south to Egypt, as he was with him when he went north to Haran.

 5 Then Jacob left Beersheba, and Israel’s sons took their father Jacob and their children and their wives in the carts that Pharaoh had sent to transport him. 6 So Jacob and all his offspring went to Egypt, taking with them their livestock and the possessions they had acquired in Canaan. 7 Jacob brought with him to Egypt his sons and grandsons and his daughters and granddaughters—all his offspring.
 8 These are the names of the sons of Israel (Jacob and his descendants) who went to Egypt:
   Reuben the firstborn of Jacob.
 9 The sons of Reuben:
   Hanok, Pallu, Hezron and Karmi.
 10 The sons of Simeon:
   Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jakin, Zohar and Shaul the son of a Canaanite woman.
 11 The sons of Levi:
   Gershon, Kohath and Merari.
 12 The sons of Judah:
   Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez and Zerah (but Er and Onan had died in the land of Canaan).
   The sons of Perez:
   Hezron and Hamul.
 13 The sons of Issachar:
   Tola, Puah,[a] Jashub[b] and Shimron.
 14 The sons of Zebulun:
   Sered, Elon and Jahleel.
 15 These were the sons Leah bore to Jacob in Paddan Aram,[c] besides his daughter Dinah. These sons and daughters of his were thirty-three in all.
 16 The sons of Gad:
   Zephon,[d] Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi and Areli.
 17 The sons of Asher:
   Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi and Beriah.
   Their sister was Serah.
   The sons of Beriah:
   Heber and Malkiel.
 18 These were the children born to Jacob by Zilpah, whom Laban had given to his daughter Leah—sixteen in all.
 19 The sons of Jacob’s wife Rachel:
   Joseph and Benjamin. 20 In Egypt, Manasseh and Ephraim were born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On.[e]
 21 The sons of Benjamin:
   Bela, Beker, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim and Ard.
 22 These were the sons of Rachel who were born to Jacob—fourteen in all.
 23 The son of Dan:
   Hushim.
 24 The sons of Naphtali:
   Jahziel, Guni, Jezer and Shillem.
 25 These were the sons born to Jacob by Bilhah, whom Laban had given to his daughter Rachel—seven in all.
 26 All those who went to Egypt with Jacob—those who were his direct descendants, not counting his sons’ wives—numbered sixty-six persons. 27 With the two sons[f] who had been born to Joseph in Egypt, the members of Jacob’s family, which went to Egypt, were seventy[g] in all.
 28 Now Jacob sent Judah ahead of him to Joseph to get directions to Goshen. When they arrived in the region of Goshen, 29 Joseph had his chariot made ready and went to Goshen to meet his father Israel. As soon as Joseph appeared before him, he threw his arms around his father[h] and wept for a long time.
Joseph, the great and soft of heart.
 30 Israel said to Joseph, “Now I am ready to die, since I have seen for myself that you are still alive.”
 31 Then Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household, “I will go up and speak to Pharaoh and will say to him, ‘My brothers and my father’s household, who were living in the land of Canaan, have come to me. 32 The men are shepherds; they tend livestock, and they have brought along their flocks and herds and everything they own.’ 33 When Pharaoh calls you in and asks, ‘What is your occupation?’ 34 you should answer, ‘Your servants have tended livestock from our boyhood on, just as our fathers did.’ Then you will be allowed to settle in the region of Goshen, for all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians.”
Joseph uses his God-given administrative skills to ensure that his family settles safely in Egypt. He decides that Goshen would be the best location for them (thus preventing them assimilating into Egyptian society) and through skilful preparation and diplomacy, he ensures that Pharaoh confirms this choice of territory.

Joseph forgives. Reconciliation. Gen 45 and 46. Blog Through the Bible Project

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Genesis 45

Joseph Makes Himself Known
 1 Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, “Have everyone leave my presence!” So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. 2 And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household heard about it.
 3 Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence.
Joseph is a wonderful person–affectionate, caring and loving. He wears his heart on his sleeve, and it is a warm, loving, heart.
 4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! 5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here,
Inexplicable kindness. God has changed his heart in his years of suffering, and his years of exaltation.
because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. 6 For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. 7 But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
Forgiveness is somewhat easier when you can see how God has worked out all things for good.

8 “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God.
NIV notes–God had a purpose to work through the brother’s jealous and cruel act.
” He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt. 9 Now hurry back to my father and say to him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; don’t delay. 10 You shall live in the region of Goshen and be near me—you, your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and all you have. 11 I will provide for you there, because five years of famine are still to come. Otherwise you and your household and all who belong to you will become destitute.’
 12 “You can see for yourselves, and so can my brother Benjamin, that it is really I who am speaking to you. 13 Tell my father about all the honor accorded me in Egypt and about everything you have seen. And bring my father down here quickly.”
The love between father and son is mutual.
 14 Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping. 15 And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterward his brothers talked with him.
In the previous chapter, the brothers have acknowledged their guilt regarding Joseph, and have expressed concern for their father and younger brother. This enables the reconciliation between them and Joseph.
Joseph’s forgiveness still has something of the miraculous about it–and was only possible because God had changed his heart.
 16 When the news reached Pharaoh’s palace that Joseph’s brothers had come, Pharaoh and all his officials were pleased. 17 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Tell your brothers, ‘Do this: Load your animals and return to the land of Canaan, 18 and bring your father and your families back to me. I will give you the best of the land of Egypt and you can enjoy the fat of the land.’
 19 “You are also directed to tell them, ‘Do this: Take some carts from Egypt for your children and your wives, and get your father and come. 20 Never mind about your belongings, because the best of all Egypt will be yours.’”
 21 So the sons of Israel did this. Joseph gave them carts, as Pharaoh had commanded, and he also gave them provisions for their journey. 22 To each of them he gave new clothing, but to Benjamin he gave three hundred shekelsb]”>[b] of silver and five sets of clothes. 
Joseph had been sold into slavery for twenty shekhels of silver.
23 And this is what he sent to his father: ten donkeys loaded with the best things of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain and bread and other provisions for his journey. 24 Then he sent his brothers away, and as they were leaving he said to them, “Don’t quarrel on the way!”
How well he knew them! He wanted them to avoid mutual accusation and recrimination about the past.
 25 So they went up out of Egypt and came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan. 26 They told him, “Joseph is still alive! In fact, he is ruler of all Egypt.” Jacob was stunned; he did not believe them. 27 But when they told him everything Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the carts Joseph had sent to carry him back, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. 28 And Israel said, “I’m convinced! My son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.”
Miracles do happen

Genesis 46

Jacob Goes to Egypt
 1 So Israel set out with all that was his, and when he reached Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac.
 2 And God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said, “Jacob! Jacob!”
   “Here I am,” he replied.
 3 “I am God, the God of your father,” he said. “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. 4 I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph’s own hand will close your eyes.”
The Lord speaks to Jacob with his trademark greeting, “Do not be afraid.”
His ability to hear God’s voice–even in the middle of his own sin and scheming–was one of Jacob’s greatest gifts–and this he retains through life.
And God’s kindness to Jacob remains throughout his long life.  
At Beersheba, where Abraham and Isaac had also worshiped the Lord, the Lord reiterates his covenant promises.
God would be with Jacob when he went south to Egypt, as he was with him when he went north to Haran.

 5 Then Jacob left Beersheba, and Israel’s sons took their father Jacob and their children and their wives in the carts that Pharaoh had sent to transport him. 6 So Jacob and all his offspring went to Egypt, taking with them their livestock and the possessions they had acquired in Canaan. 7 Jacob brought with him to Egypt his sons and grandsons and his daughters and granddaughters—all his offspring.
 8 These are the names of the sons of Israel (Jacob and his descendants) who went to Egypt:
   Reuben the firstborn of Jacob.
 9 The sons of Reuben:
   Hanok, Pallu, Hezron and Karmi.
 10 The sons of Simeon:
   Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jakin, Zohar and Shaul the son of a Canaanite woman.
 11 The sons of Levi:
   Gershon, Kohath and Merari.
 12 The sons of Judah:
   Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez and Zerah (but Er and Onan had died in the land of Canaan).
   The sons of Perez:
   Hezron and Hamul.
 13 The sons of Issachar:
   Tola, Puah,a]”>[a] Jashubb]”>[b] and Shimron.
 14 The sons of Zebulun:
   Sered, Elon and Jahleel.
 15 These were the sons Leah bore to Jacob in Paddan Aram,c]”>[c] besides his daughter Dinah. These sons and daughters of his were thirty-three in all.
 16 The sons of Gad:
   Zephon,d]”>[d] Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi and Areli.
 17 The sons of Asher:
   Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi and Beriah.
   Their sister was Serah.
   The sons of Beriah:
   Heber and Malkiel.
 18 These were the children born to Jacob by Zilpah, whom Laban had given to his daughter Leah—sixteen in all.
 19 The sons of Jacob’s wife Rachel:
   Joseph and Benjamin. 20 In Egypt, Manasseh and Ephraim were born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On.e]”>[e]
 21 The sons of Benjamin:
   Bela, Beker, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim and Ard.
 22 These were the sons of Rachel who were born to Jacob—fourteen in all.
 23 The son of Dan:
   Hushim.
 24 The sons of Naphtali:
   Jahziel, Guni, Jezer and Shillem.
 25 These were the sons born to Jacob by Bilhah, whom Laban had given to his daughter Rachel—seven in all.
 26 All those who went to Egypt with Jacob—those who were his direct descendants, not counting his sons’ wives—numbered sixty-six persons. 27 With the two sonsf]”>[f] who had been born to Joseph in Egypt, the members of Jacob’s family, which went to Egypt, were seventyg]”>[g] in all.
 28 Now Jacob sent Judah ahead of him to Joseph to get directions to Goshen. When they arrived in the region of Goshen, 29 Joseph had his chariot made ready and went to Goshen to meet his father Israel. As soon as Joseph appeared before him, he threw his arms around his fatherh]”>[h] and wept for a long time.
Joseph, the great and soft of heart.
 30 Israel said to Joseph, “Now I am ready to die, since I have seen for myself that you are still alive.”
 31 Then Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household, “I will go up and speak to Pharaoh and will say to him, ‘My brothers and my father’s household, who were living in the land of Canaan, have come to me. 32 The men are shepherds; they tend livestock, and they have brought along their flocks and herds and everything they own.’ 33 When Pharaoh calls you in and asks, ‘What is your occupation?’ 34 you should answer, ‘Your servants have tended livestock from our boyhood on, just as our fathers did.’ Then you will be allowed to settle in the region of Goshen, for all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians.”
Joseph uses his God-given administrative skills to ensure that his family settles safely in Egypt. He decides that Goshen would be the best location for them (thus preventing them assimilating into Egyptian society) and through skilful preparation and diplomacy, he ensures that Pharaoh confirms this choice of territory.

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Jacob is reunited with Joseph, Genesis 46

By

Genesis 46

Jacob Goes to Egypt

 1 So Israel set out with all that was his, and when he reached Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac.

 2 And God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said, “Jacob! Jacob!”
   “Here I am,” he replied.
 3 “I am God, the God of your father,” he said. “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. 4 I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph’s own hand will close your eyes.”
The Lord speaks to Jacob with his trademark greeting, “Do not be afraid.”
His ability to hear God’s voice–even in the middle of his own sin and scheming–was one of Jacob’s greatest gifts–and this he retains through life.
And God’s kindness to Jacob remains throughout his long life.  

At Beersheba, where Abraham and Isaac had also worshiped the Lord, the Lord reiterates his covenant promises.
God would be with Jacob when he went south to Egypt, as he was with him when he went north to Haran.

 5 Then Jacob left Beersheba, and Israel’s sons took their father Jacob and their children and their wives in the carts that Pharaoh had sent to transport him. 6 So Jacob and all his offspring went to Egypt, taking with them their livestock and the possessions they had acquired in Canaan. 7 Jacob brought with him to Egypt his sons and grandsons and his daughters and granddaughters—all his offspring.
 8 These are the names of the sons of Israel (Jacob and his descendants) who went to Egypt:
   Reuben the firstborn of Jacob.
 9 The sons of Reuben:
   Hanok, Pallu, Hezron and Karmi.
 10 The sons of Simeon:
   Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jakin, Zohar and Shaul the son of a Canaanite woman.
 11 The sons of Levi:
   Gershon, Kohath and Merari.
 12 The sons of Judah:
   Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez and Zerah (but Er and Onan had died in the land of Canaan).
   The sons of Perez:
   Hezron and Hamul.
 13 The sons of Issachar:
   Tola, Puah,b]’>[b] and Shimron.
 14 The sons of Zebulun:
   Sered, Elon and Jahleel.
 15 These were the sons Leah bore to Jacob in Paddan Aram,d]’>[d] Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi and Areli.
 17 The sons of Asher:
   Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi and Beriah.
   Their sister was Serah.
   The sons of Beriah:
   Heber and Malkiel.
 18 These were the children born to Jacob by Zilpah, whom Laban had given to his daughter Leah—sixteen in all.
 19 The sons of Jacob’s wife Rachel:
   Joseph and Benjamin. 20 In Egypt, Manasseh and Ephraim were born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On.f]’>[f] who had been born to Joseph in Egypt, the members of Jacob’s family, which went to Egypt, were seventyh]’>[h] and wept for a long time.
Joseph, the great and soft of heart.
 30 Israel said to Joseph, “Now I am ready to die, since I have seen for myself that you are still alive.”
 31 Then Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household, “I will go up and speak to Pharaoh and will say to him, ‘My brothers and my father’s household, who were living in the land of Canaan, have come to me. 32 The men are shepherds; they tend livestock, and they have brought along their flocks and herds and everything they own.’ 33 When Pharaoh calls you in and asks, ‘What is your occupation?’ 34 you should answer, ‘Your servants have tended livestock from our boyhood on, just as our fathers did.’ Then you will be allowed to settle in the region of Goshen, for all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians.”
Joseph uses his God-given administrative skills to ensure that his family settles safely in Egypt. He decides that Goshen would be the best location for them (thus preventing them assimilating into Egyptian society) and through skilful preparation and diplomacy, he ensures that Pharaoh confirms this choice of territory.

Joseph’s Miraculous Forgiveness of his Brothers, Genesis 45

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Genesis 45

Joseph Makes Himself Known

 1 Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, “Have everyone leave my presence!” So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. 2 And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household heard about it.

 3 Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence.
Joseph is a wonderful person–affectionate, caring and loving. He wears his heart on his sleeve, and it is a warm, loving, heart.
 4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! 5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here,
Inexplicable kindness. God has changed his heart in his years of suffering, and his years of exaltation.
because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. 6 For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. 7 But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
Forgiveness is somewhat easier when you can see how God has worked out all things for good.

8 “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God.
NIV notes–God had a purpose to work through the brother’s jealous and cruel act.
” He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt. 9 Now hurry back to my father and say to him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; don’t delay. 10 You shall live in the region of Goshen and be near me—you, your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and all you have. 11 I will provide for you there, because five years of famine are still to come. Otherwise you and your household and all who belong to you will become destitute.’
 12 “You can see for yourselves, and so can my brother Benjamin, that it is really I who am speaking to you. 13 Tell my father about all the honor accorded me in Egypt and about everything you have seen. And bring my father down here quickly.”
The love between father and son is mutual.
 14 Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping. 15 And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterward his brothers talked with him.
In the previous chapter, the brothers have acknowledged their guilt regarding Joseph, and have expressed concern for their father and younger brother. This enables the reconciliation between them and Joseph.
Joseph’s forgiveness still has something of the miraculous about it–and was only possible because God had changed his heart.
 16 When the news reached Pharaoh’s palace that Joseph’s brothers had come, Pharaoh and all his officials were pleased. 17 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Tell your brothers, ‘Do this: Load your animals and return to the land of Canaan, 18 and bring your father and your families back to me. I will give you the best of the land of Egypt and you can enjoy the fat of the land.’
 19 “You are also directed to tell them, ‘Do this: Take some carts from Egypt for your children and your wives, and get your father and come. 20 Never mind about your belongings, because the best of all Egypt will be yours.’”
 21 So the sons of Israel did this. Joseph gave them carts, as Pharaoh had commanded, and he also gave them provisions for their journey. 22 To each of them he gave new clothing, but to Benjamin he gave three hundred shekels[b] of silver and five sets of clothes. 
Joseph had been sold into slavery for twenty shekhels of silver.
23 And this is what he sent to his father: ten donkeys loaded with the best things of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain and bread and other provisions for his journey. 24 Then he sent his brothers away, and as they were leaving he said to them, “Don’t quarrel on the way!”
How well he knew them! He wanted them to avoid mutual accusation and recrimination about the past.
 25 So they went up out of Egypt and came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan. 26 They told him, “Joseph is still alive! In fact, he is ruler of all Egypt.” Jacob was stunned; he did not believe them. 27 But when they told him everything Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the carts Joseph had sent to carry him back, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. 28 And Israel said, “I’m convinced! My son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.”
Miracles do happen