Genesis 48
BSB1 Some time later Joseph was told, “Your father is ill.” So he set out with his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. 2 When Jacob was told, “Your son Joseph has come to you,” Israel rallied his strength and sat up in bed. 3 Jacob said to Joseph, “God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and there He blessed me 4 and told me, ‘Behold, I will make you fruitful and multiply you; I will make you a multitude of peoples, and will give this land to your descendants after you as an everlasting possession.’ 5 And now your two sons born to you in Egypt before I came to you here shall be reckoned as mine; Ephraim and Manasseh shall be mine, just as Reuben and Simeon are mine. 6 Any children born to you after them shall be yours, and they shall be called by the names of their brothers in the territory they inherit. 7 Now as for me, when I was returning from Paddan, to my sorrow Rachel died along the way in the land of Canaan, some distance from Ephrath. So I buried her there beside the road to Ephrath” (that is, Bethlehem). 8 When Israel saw the sons of Joseph, he asked, “Who are these?" 9 Joseph said to his father, “They are the sons God has given me in this place.” So Jacob said, “Please bring them to me, that I may bless them." 10 Now Israel’s eyesight was poor because of old age; he could hardly see. Joseph brought his sons to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them. 11 “I never expected to see your face again,” Israel said to Joseph, “but now God has let me see your children as well." 12 Then Joseph removed his sons from his father’s knees and bowed facedown. 13 And Joseph took both of them—with Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel’s right hand—and brought them close to him. 14 But Israel stretched out his right hand and put it on the head of Ephraim, the younger; and crossing his hands, he put his left on Manasseh’s head, although Manasseh was the firstborn. 15 Then he blessed Joseph and said: “May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, 16 the angel who has redeemed me from all harm— may He bless these boys. And may they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they grow into a multitude upon the earth." 17 When Joseph saw that his father had placed his right hand on Ephraim’s head, he was displeased and took his father’s hand to move it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s. 18 “Not so, my father!” Joseph said. “This one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head." 19 But his father refused. “I know, my son, I know!” he said. “He too shall become a people, and he too shall be great; nevertheless, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations." 20 So that day Jacob blessed them and said: “By you shall Israel pronounce this blessing: ‘May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh.’” So he put Ephraim before Manasseh. 21 Then Israel said to Joseph, “Look, I am about to die, but God will be with you and bring you back to the land of your fathers. 22 And to you, as one who is above your brothers, I give the ridge of land that I took from the Amorites with my sword and bow."
Study Notes — Genesis 48
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Genesis 48
- Themes from Genesis 48
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Genesis 48
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
In Genesis 48, Jacob, who is now an old man, calls for Joseph and his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, to come to him. Jacob begins to bless them, but he crosses his hands, putting his right hand on Ephraim's head and his left hand on Manasseh's head, even though Manasseh is the firstborn. Joseph tries to correct his father, but Jacob insists that Ephraim will be greater than Manasseh. Jacob then blesses all of his sons, giving each one a unique blessing according to their character and the will of God. This chapter is a beautiful display of God's sovereignty and Jacob's faith in the promises of God, as seen in Genesis 48:15-16, where Jacob says, 'The God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, the Angel who has delivered me from all harm - may He bless these boys.'
Context for the Chapter
Genesis 48 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Genesis, which tells the story of creation and the early history of God's people. This chapter is a beautiful display of God's sovereignty and Jacob's faith in the promises of God, and it sets the stage for the rest of the book, which will tell the story of the Israelites and their journey to the Promised Land. As seen in Genesis 48:3-4, Jacob's blessings to his sons are a recognition of God's promises to him and his descendants, and they point to the ultimate fulfillment of those promises in Jesus Christ.
Heart Application
As we read Genesis 48, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and seeking His blessing. We are also reminded of the importance of recognizing Christ as our Shepherd and Deliverer, and of trusting in His care for us. As we apply this chapter to our lives, we should seek to trust in God's sovereignty and to recognize His blessing in our lives, just as Jacob did.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Genesis 48 is about Jacob's final blessings to his grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Jacob, who is now an old man, calls for Joseph and his sons to come to him, and he begins to bless them. This chapter is a beautiful display of God's sovereignty and Jacob's faith in the promises of God, as seen in Genesis 48:15-16. Jacob's faith in God's sovereignty is a beautiful picture of the faith that we have in Jesus Christ, who is our Shepherd and Deliverer.
Voices from the Church
“The blessings of God are not limited to the firstborn, but are available to all who trust in Him. As Jacob blessed Ephraim and Manasseh, so God blesses all who come to Him in faith.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The sovereignty of God is a beautiful thing, and it is a comfort to know that He is in control of all things. As Jacob recognized God's sovereignty, so we should recognize it in our lives and trust in His care for us.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Jacob's Final Blessings (48:1-7) — Jacob calls for Joseph and his sons to come to him, and he begins to bless them. He crosses his hands, putting his right hand on Ephraim's head and his left hand on Manasseh's head, even though Manasseh is the firstborn.
- The Blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh (48:8-22) — Jacob blesses Ephraim and Manasseh, giving each one a unique blessing according to their character and the will of God. He also prophesies that Ephraim will be greater than Manasseh.
- The Blessing of the Sons of Israel (49:1-33) — Jacob blesses all of his sons, giving each one a unique blessing according to their character and the will of God. This section is not part of Genesis 48, but it is a continuation of the blessings that Jacob gives to his family.
- The Death of Jacob (49:33-50:14) — This section is not part of Genesis 48, but it tells the story of Jacob's death and the mourning of his family. It is a beautiful picture of the faith of Jacob and his trust in God's sovereignty.
- Conclusion (50:14-26) — This section is not part of Genesis 48, but it concludes the story of Jacob and his family. It is a beautiful picture of the faith of Jacob and his trust in God's sovereignty, and it sets the stage for the rest of the book of Genesis.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- Genesis 48 teaches us about the sovereignty of God, who is in control of all things. Jacob recognizes God's sovereignty and trusts in His care for him and his family.
- The Importance of Faith
- This chapter emphasizes the importance of faith in God's promises and sovereignty. Jacob's faith in God's sovereignty is a beautiful picture of the faith that we have in Jesus Christ.
- The Pre-Incarnate Christ
- The Angel who appears to Jacob is a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. This is a beautiful picture of Christ's care for His people and His desire to bless them.
- The Blessing of God
- Genesis 48 teaches us about the blessing of God, which is available to all who trust in Him. Jacob's blessings to his sons are a recognition of God's sovereignty and a desire for His blessing.
Lessons from Genesis 48
- The Importance of Faith — Genesis 48 teaches us about the importance of faith in God's promises and sovereignty. Jacob's faith in God's sovereignty is a beautiful picture of the faith that we have in Jesus Christ.
- The Sovereignty of God — This chapter emphasizes the sovereignty of God, who is in control of all things. Jacob recognizes God's sovereignty and trusts in His care for him and his family.
- The Blessing of God — Genesis 48 teaches us about the blessing of God, which is available to all who trust in Him. Jacob's blessings to his sons are a recognition of God's sovereignty and a desire for His blessing.
- The Pre-Incarnate Christ — The Angel who appears to Jacob is a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. This is a beautiful picture of Christ's care for His people and His desire to bless them.
- The Importance of Trusting in God's Promises — Genesis 48 teaches us about the importance of trusting in God's promises and sovereignty. Jacob's faith in God's sovereignty is a beautiful picture of the faith that we have in Jesus Christ.
Themes from Genesis 48
- The Sovereignty of God — Genesis 48 emphasizes the sovereignty of God, who is in control of all things. Jacob recognizes God's sovereignty and trusts in His care for him and his family.
- The Importance of Faith — This chapter teaches us about the importance of faith in God's promises and sovereignty. Jacob's faith in God's sovereignty is a beautiful picture of the faith that we have in Jesus Christ.
- The Blessing of God — Genesis 48 teaches us about the blessing of God, which is available to all who trust in Him. Jacob's blessings to his sons are a recognition of God's sovereignty and a desire for His blessing.
- The Pre-Incarnate Christ — The Angel who appears to Jacob is a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. This is a beautiful picture of Christ's care for His people and His desire to bless them.
- The Importance of Trusting in God's Promises — Genesis 48 teaches us about the importance of trusting in God's promises and sovereignty. Jacob's faith in God's sovereignty is a beautiful picture of the faith that we have in Jesus Christ.
Questions for Meditation
- What does Genesis 48 teach us about the sovereignty of God?
- How does Jacob's faith in God's sovereignty relate to our faith in Jesus Christ?
- What does the chapter teach us about the importance of seeking God's blessing?
- How does the pre-incarnate Christ appear in Genesis 48, and what does this teach us about His care for His people?
- What does the chapter teach us about the importance of trusting in God's promises and sovereignty?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Jacob's Final Blessings (48:1-7)
| 48:1 | Jacob calls for Joseph and his sons to come to him, and he begins to bless them. |
| 48:2 | Israel strengthened himself and sat up in bed, and Jacob tells Joseph that God has appeared to him and has blessed him. |
| 48:3 | Jacob reminds Joseph of the promises that God has made to him and his descendants, and he tells Joseph that he wants to bless his sons. |
| 48:4 | Jacob tells Joseph that God has promised to make him fruitful and to multiply his descendants, and that they will be a multitude of people. |
| 48:5 | Jacob adopts Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons, and he gives them the same status as Reuben and Simeon. |
| 48:6 | Jacob tells Joseph that any other children he has will be considered as part of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. |
| 48:7 | Jacob tells Joseph about the death of Rachel, and how he buried her on the way to Ephrath. |
2. The Blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh (48:8-22)
| 48:8 | Jacob sees Joseph's sons and asks who they are, and Joseph tells him that they are his sons. |
| 48:9 | Joseph brings his sons to Jacob, and Jacob says that he wants to bless them. |
| 48:10 | Jacob's eyes are dim with age, but he is able to see Ephraim and Manasseh and to bless them. |
| 48:11 | Jacob says that he never expected to see Joseph again, but now he is seeing his grandchildren, and he is blessed. |
| 48:12 | Joseph takes his sons and brings them to Jacob, and Jacob kisses them and embraces them. |
| 48:13 | Joseph puts Ephraim on his right hand and Manasseh on his left hand, but Jacob crosses his hands and puts his right hand on Ephraim's head and his left hand on Manasseh's head. |
| 48:14 | Joseph tries to correct Jacob, but Jacob insists that Ephraim will be greater than Manasseh. |
| 48:15 | Jacob blesses Ephraim and Manasseh, saying that the God who has been his shepherd all his life will bless them. |
| 48:16 | Jacob says that the Angel who has delivered him from all harm will bless Ephraim and Manasseh, and that they will be called by his name and the names of his fathers, Abraham and Isaac. |
| 48:17 | Joseph is displeased that Jacob has put his right hand on Ephraim's head, but Jacob insists that he knows what he is doing. |
| 48:18 | Joseph says that Manasseh is the firstborn, but Jacob says that Ephraim will be greater than Manasseh. |
| 48:19 | Jacob says that Manasseh will also become a people, and he will become great, but Ephraim will be greater than he. |
| 48:20 | Jacob blesses Joseph and says that Ephraim and Manasseh will be like Reuben and Simeon to him. |
| 48:21 | Jacob tells Joseph that he is about to die, but God will be with Joseph and will bring him back to the land of his fathers. |
| 48:22 | Jacob gives Joseph one portion more than his brothers, which he took from the Amorites with his sword and bow. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Jacob crossing his hands when blessing Ephraim and Manasseh?
Jacob crossing his hands is a sign of the sovereignty of God, who can do as He pleases. It also shows that Jacob recognizes God's plan for Ephraim and Manasseh, and that he is submitting to God's will.
Why does Jacob adopt Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons?
Jacob adopts Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons because he wants to give them the same status as Reuben and Simeon, and to make them part of the tribes of Israel.
What is the significance of the Angel who appears to Jacob?
The Angel who appears to Jacob is a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. This is a beautiful picture of Christ's care for His people and His desire to bless them.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 48:15 → Psalm 23:1 | Both Genesis 48:15 and Psalm 23:1 speak of God as our Shepherd, who guides and protects us. |
| 2 | Genesis 48:16 → Hebrews 13:20 | Both Genesis 48:16 and Hebrews 13:20 speak of the God of peace, who brings us peace and blessing through Jesus Christ. |
| 3 | Genesis 48:3 → Genesis 35:11 | Both Genesis 48:3 and Genesis 35:11 speak of God's promise to make Jacob fruitful and to multiply his descendants. |
| 4 | Genesis 48:4 → Genesis 28:13-15 | Both Genesis 48:4 and Genesis 28:13-15 speak of God's promise to Jacob and his descendants, and of the blessing that God will give to them. |
| 5 | Genesis 48:5 → Genesis 29:32-33 | Both Genesis 48:5 and Genesis 29:32-33 speak of the adoption of Ephraim and Manasseh as Jacob's own sons, and of the status that they will have as part of the tribes of Israel. |
| 6 | Genesis 48:6 → Genesis 30:1-24 | Both Genesis 48:6 and Genesis 30:1-24 speak of the other children that Joseph will have, and of the status that they will have as part of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. |
| 7 | Genesis 48:7 → Genesis 35:16-20 | Genesis 48:7 speaks of the death of Rachel, and of the burial of her on the way to Ephrath. This is a reference to Genesis 35:16-20, where Rachel dies and is buried. |
| 8 | Genesis 48:11 → Genesis 37:33-35 | Both Genesis 48:11 and Genesis 37:33-35 speak of the reunion of Jacob and Joseph, and of the blessing that Jacob gives to Joseph and his sons. |
| 9 | Genesis 48:13 → Genesis 29:1-14 | Both Genesis 48:13 and Genesis 29:1-14 speak of the meeting of Jacob and his sons, and of the blessing that Jacob gives to them. |
| 10 | Genesis 48:16 → John 1:1 | Both Genesis 48:16 and John 1:1 speak of the pre-incarnate Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. |
Sermons on Genesis 48
| Sermon | Description | |
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(Genesis) Genesis 48:7-13 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on a passage from the Bible, specifically Genesis 48. The passage describes the interaction between Jacob, Joseph, and Joseph's sons, Ephraim a |
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(Genesis) Genesis 48:15-22 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob blessing his grandsons Ephraim and Manasseh. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing God as the ultimate redeemer in |
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(Genesis) Genesis 48:1-3 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a young couple who came forward every Sunday seeking all that God had for them. However, they were expecting a sensational and mom |
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(Genesis) Genesis 48:4-6 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the promises made by God to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God promised to make them fruitful and multiply them, and to give them the land as an |
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(Genesis) Genesis 48:14 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the new birth and how God does not choose individuals based on their natural abilities or birth order. The preacher uses t |
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Genesis #25 Ch. 46-48 & 50 Jacob's & Joseph's Faith by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, Chuck Missler discusses Genesis chapters 46, 47, 48, and 50. He highlights the provision of God for His people, as seen in Pharaoh giving the land of Goshen to the |
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(Revelation) No Trumpets Sounding by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and authority of the Lord over all creation. He describes how the Lord has control over the land and sea, and how no angel can com |
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Our Rock by G.W. North | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the audience and asks them to reflect on their identity and purpose. They emphasize the power of thoughts, emotions, and the body in shaping o |
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Jacob Before Pharaoh by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith focuses on the actions of Jacob as he is brought before Pharaoh. Joseph brings his father Jacob to Pharaoh, and Jacob blesses Pharaoh. Pastor Chu |
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Laying on of Hands by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch discusses the principle of the laying on of hands, tracing its origins from the Old Testament where Jacob blessed Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, by crossing his h |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Genesis 48
In Genesis 48, we see Jacob, who is now an old man, blessing his grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Jacob's faith in God's sovereignty is a beautiful picture of the faith that we have in Jesus Christ, who is our Shepherd and Deliverer. The chapter teaches us about the importance of trusting in God's promises and sovereignty, and of recognizing the pre-incarnate Christ, who appears to Jacob as the Angel who has delivered him from all harm. As Matthew Henry says, 'The blessing of God makes a man truly blessed, and it is the duty of parents to bless their children, and to pray for them, that they may be blessed.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Jacob's Faith
Jacob's faith in God's sovereignty is a beautiful picture of the faith that we have in Jesus Christ. Despite his old age and physical limitations, Jacob trusts in God's promises and desires to bless his grandsons.
The Importance of Blessing
The chapter emphasizes the importance of seeking God's blessing and recognizing His sovereignty over all things. Jacob's blessings to his sons are not just empty words, but are rather a recognition of God's sovereignty and a desire for His blessing.
The Pre-Incarnate Christ
The Angel who appears to Jacob is a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. This is a beautiful picture of Christ's care for His people and His desire to bless them.