July 30, 2023

Before passing, Jacob blessed the sons of Joseph and adopted them as his own, treating them equally with his sons. He also gave Joseph an extra portion of inheritance above his brothers; what's interesting is that it was a land that he had conquered by sword and bow. Was this a repayment for what his brothers did to him by selling him? He cut his sons' inheritance by giving Ephraim and Manasseh a portion, but he also gave Joseph a more significant portion than his brothers. He may have also done that to ensure they wouldn't stay in Egypt and follow their dad's leadership there. If I'm right, Ephraim and Manasseh, once Joseph passed, probably inherited his portion too. So it didn't matter that Joseph's brothers were a part of the blessed people; they still had to pay for their misdeeds towards him, but they weren't cut off. We all still sin and do not have to face eternal consequences for those sins because of Jesus, but there may still be a price to pay here on earth, though maybe not as harsh as those who are not Christ-followers. You can bet the devil will eventually come to collect from those not part of God's family. 

The adoption: “And now thy two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, which were born unto thee in the land of Egypt before I came unto thee into Egypt, are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine.” Genesis 48:5

The blessing: “And he blessed them that day, saying, In thee shall Israel bless, saying, God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh: and he set Ephraim before Manasseh.” Genesis 48:20 

The extra portion: “Moreover I have given to thee one portion above thy brethren, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.” Genesis 48:22