So at the end of Chapter 47 we saw that Jacob was about to die. He made Joseph swear that he would bury him with his ancestors. Now the story goes a little farther into Jacob’s last days and what he does with those days in chapter 48. Jacob, just like most people who know they are close to death, is getting his business in order. He is making sure all of the dots are dotted, and that all of the T’s are crossed.

In verse 1, Joseph is informed his father is getting closer to death, so he goes to visit him. Once Jacob was told Joseph was there, he sat up in his bed. Jacob begins to recall the Lord’s appearance to him at Luz and the blessing he was given. The blessing was that Jacob would be fruitful and numerous, and a company of peoples. It also included the land belonging to his descendants forever as Jacob continued in verse 4.

Then after speaking about Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, Jacob talks about how the inheritance will affect them and their offspring. He basically adopts them for the sake of the current blessing, just like he blessed his own first two sons. Then Jacob, knowing he was going to die soon, also gives a blessing to any children Joseph might have after he dies.

The next important thing that happens is Joseph brings his sons to Jacob for the blessing. Jacob put his older son to Jacob’s right hand and younger son to his left. Jacob purposely crosses his hand to offer Ephraim his right hand and Manasseh his left. Joseph was displeased with this, but Jacob did not stop. He told Joseph that Ephraim’s decedents would become a greater nation, although Manasseh would birth a great nation. In verse 20 Jacob said, “By you Israel will pronounce blessing, saying,‘May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh!’” So Ephraim was put before Manasseh.

After Jacob blesses Joseph’s sons, he then tells Joseph his people will someday return to the land of his fathers. He also tells Joseph that he will receive one portion more of land than his brothers. This was the land that Jacob took form the Amorite with his sword and bow. I am amazed at the formality exercised with such simplicity and reverence. In today’s world, there is much bickering and fighting over someone’s estate. I am not saying this is new, but the way Israel handled his inheritance was directed by God the whole time. God was at every step, directing the events exactly how He saw fit. I love it!