13And 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. 14But 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. 15Then 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,
16the 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.”
Throughout the Bible the right hand is associated with strength and skill.
“Our text tells us that Jacob blessed Joseph, and we perceive that he blessed him through blessing his children; which leads us to the next remark, that no choicer favor could fall upon ourselves than to see our children favored of the Lord. Joseph is doubly blessed by seeing Ephraim and Manasseh blessed.” (Spurgeon)
“The old man’s voice faltered as he said, ‘The God which fed me all my life long.’ The translation would be better if it ran, ‘The God which shepherded me all my life long.’” (Spurgeon)
Notice Spurgeon’s remark “fed” is from the King James Version. I primarily use BSB because it claims to be the most up to date translation, the most accurate.
Do you want to see your children blessed, favored and shepherded by the Lord?
Are you praying for them daily?
Blessings, David
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