The Watchman

In Genesis Chapter 48 during the blessing of Joseph’s two sons, Jacob (Israel) performs an interesting and seemingly special action:

14 And Israel sent forth his right hand and put it on the head of Ephraim; and he was the younger. And he put his left hand on the head of Manasseh, crossing his hands; for Manasseh was the first-born. 15 And he blessed Joseph and said, The Elohim before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the Elohim who has fed me since I was born until today; 16 The Messenger that redeemed me from every evil, may He bless the youths; and may my name be called on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they like fishes grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth. 17 And Joseph saw that his father was putting his right hand on the head of Ephraim; and it was evil in his eyes. And he took hold of his father’s hand to turn it from Ephraim’s head to the head of Manasseh. 18 And Joseph said to his father, Not so, my father! For this one is the first-born; put your right hand on his head. 19 And his father refused and said, I know, my son, I know. He also shall be a people, and he shall become great. But his younger brother shall become greater than he, and his seed shall become the fullness of the nations.

I would like the readers of this blog to make comments as to the significance of this event and why it would make a difference which son “shall become greater” … “and his seed shall become the fullness of the nations.”

Please comment,