Jacob Blesses Joseph's Sons

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.”

10Now 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.

11Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face again, and now God has allowed me to see your children too.”

12Then Joseph removed them from Israel’s knees and bowed down with his face to the ground. 13And 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. 14But 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. (Genesis 48) 

Thoughts: Ephraim became the ruling tribe of the ten northern tribes (that became the northern kingdom of Israel).  It is interesting how many times the normal human way is overturned in the providence of God.  So Jacob gets the birthright instead of the older son Esau.  Judah and Ephraim appear to be blessed though Reuben is the oldest.  Joseph tried to switch the hands of his father back to the oldest.  Jacob said he knew what he was doing.  Perhaps Jacob was thinking about getting his own blessing as the younger son.  So the younger Ephraim was blessed.  God does the unexpected.  God is knowable but He is also mysterious.   

Prayer: Lord, Keep me from thinking that the normal will always exist.  Give me a heart that allows you to surprise me.