The Blessing of Joseph's Sons
Israel was dying so Joseph brought his two sons Ephraim and Manasseh to his father Isaac who took these two as his own (adopted them) and therefore placed them ahead of Joseph's brothers. Israel also blessed the youngest Ephraim ahead of his older brother and declared that the youngest would become great. Joseph protested that Manasseh was first-born and Isaac acknowledged that while both sons would be successful, but that Ephraim's destiny was to be greater.
Issac also acknowledged to Joseph that he was "over his brothers" and would inherit an extra portion of his land, a section that Israel gained in battle with the Amorites.
Everything is occurring according to God's plan of placing the younger child over the oldest: Isaac over Ishmael, Jacob over Esau, Joseph over Reuben.
In the first and second paragraphs, each "Isaac" should be "Jacob." Joseph's father was Jacob, not Isaac. Isaac was Joseph's grandfather.
Posted by: imram | May 09, 2011 at 10:48 AM
This book is credited with my love for Italian culture, fascination with this particular painting and embracing of humanities.
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