Joseph

by G.A. JONES | Category: Family Life | Jul 1963

The touching scene of Jacob blessing his twelve sons was preceded by his blessing the sons of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim. Jacob was sick with the sickness which was to end his remarkable life. He had known joys and sorrows, sorrows indeed which would have discouraged many a man. What kept him? He was a man in close touch with God. God was with him and for him, and this knowledge he never let go. His heart was steadfast with his God. Dimness of sight he knew, but his spiritual vision was unimpaired. It remained clear, giving him insight into things to come.

Joseph came to his father's sickbed with his two sons. Jacob briefly mentioned that God spoke with him at Luz (or Bethel), and He blessed him. Then he said to Joseph, "And now thy two sons, which were born unto thee in the land of Egypt, ... are mine; Ephraim and Manasseh, even as Reuben and Simeon, shall be mine" (Genesis 48.5). This was Joseph's double portion. The blessing of the firstborn was his, which Reuben forfeited through sin. Manasseh and Ephraim were to be tribes within a twelve-tribe nation. Israel kissed and embraced his two grandsons. We can well envisage the scene; the old grandfather, striken with age, Joseph, a man in the prime of life, and his two sons, youths. Jacob naturally being an old man spoke of Joseph's sons as lads. Israel knew God's purpose with Joseph's sons and he stretched forth his hands, guiding and crossing them wittingly. He placed his right hand on Ephraim's head and his left upon Manasseh's. Was there a mistake through Jacob's failing eyesight? Joseph thought so. But Jacob knew better. The greater blessing was to be Ephraim's, though Manasseh's blessing would be great.

The commentary of the epistle to the Hebrews on these two worthy men shows how clear was their spiritual vision: "By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff;" and "By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones" (Hebrews 11.21, 22). Each clung tenaciously to the unfailing promise of God who cannot lie! "And Israel said unto Joseph, Behold, I die: but God shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers" (Genesis 48.21). "And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: but God will surely visit you, and bring you up out of this land unto the land which He sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob" (Genesis 50.24).

We stay to write of two great family men. How significant that two leaders, the greater from Ephraim, and the lesser, though great, from Manasseh, should emerge to epitomize the truth of Jacob's words of blessing! Naturally our thoughts, would turn to Judah's tribe to provide a valiant stalwart of Joshua's calibre. But no! it was from Ephraim he came. Being one of the twelve men sent out by Moses to spy out the land he is named thus, "Of the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea (Joshua), the son of Nun" (Numbers 13.8, 16). The true measure of the man Joshua is seen preeminently in God's choice of him to be leader of His people, Israel. We read of him being in the forefront of the battle warring against Amalek (Exodus 17.8-16). He was with Moses in the mountain (32.15-19), and in the Tent, with Moses (33. 9-11). Joseph's example in family life found its true echo in Joshua, a son of Ephraim's tribe. (See Joshua 24. 14-15). Joshua's choice set the example for a nationwide choice, "And Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua" (Joshua 24.81).

We now consider one of Manasseh's descendants. Israel was in great weakness through sin, but God had His man ready, namely Gideon. Although a mighty man of valour, he recognized his own weakness, as will be observed from a reading of Judges 6.15. His lowly Opinion of himself was exactly what God required, for He can work only with those of such a humble spirit. Gideon fought the LORD'S battle in the strength of God. Thus he finds his place in Hebrews 11, with other of God's worthy men.

Remembering these worthy examples, let us take heart from the words of Asaph,

"Give ear, 0 Shepherd of Israel,

Thou that leadest Joseph like a flock;

Thou that sittest upon the cherubim, shine forth.

Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh, stir up Thy might,

And come to save us" (Psalm SO. 1-2).

G.A. JONES | Jul 1963
Family Life