Genesis 48

Chapter 48: Jacob Blesses Joseph's Sons

Background History and Timeline: Genesis, traditionally attributed to Moses, was written around the 15th century BCE. It covers events from the creation of the world to the patriarchs of Israel.

Locations Mentioned: The chapter primarily focuses on Egypt, where Jacob and his family reside.

Themes and Conflicts: Genesis 48 narrates Jacob's blessing of Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, and his prophecy regarding their future inheritance. It explores themes of succession, blessing, and the fulfillment of God's promises.

Main Characters: Jacob (Israel), Joseph, Ephraim, Manasseh, and the other sons of Jacob are the main characters in this chapter.

Specific Passages:

• Genesis 48:15-16: "And 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 long to this day, the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the boys; and in them let my name be carried on, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.'"

Explanation: Genesis 48 describes how Jacob, nearing the end of his life, adopts Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, as his own and blesses them. In a significant gesture, Jacob crosses his arms and places his right hand on Ephraim, the younger son, and his left hand on Manasseh, the older son, signifying his intention to bless Ephraim with the greater blessing.

Joseph protests, but Jacob insists on his actions, indicating that Ephraim will become greater than Manasseh, and his descendants will become a multitude of nations. Jacob also blesses Joseph, reaffirming God's covenant promises and the future inheritance of the land of Canaan.

The chapter underscores the importance of the blessing and the transfer of spiritual heritage from one generation to the next. It also highlights the theme of reversal, where the younger is blessed over the older, echoing similar instances in Jacob's own life and in the broader narrative of Genesis.

Genesis 48 emphasizes the continuity of God's promises and the establishment of the twelve tribes of Israel through Jacob's descendants. It sets the stage for the eventual division of the land among the tribes and the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Moses is traditionally attributed as the author of Genesis, including Chapter 48.