Ephraim & Manasseh

Ephraim and Manasseh were Joseph's sons, born in Egypt during a time of plenty. Their names reminded Joseph that God had helped him forget much of his misery and had made him fruitful in a foreign land. When Jacob grew old, Joseph brought the boys to receive their grandfather's blessing. The room was quiet and solemn as Jacob stretched out his hands, but then he crossed them, placing the greater blessing on younger Ephraim instead of firstborn Manasseh. Joseph gently tried to correct him, yet Jacob understood that God's purposes do not always follow human custom. Both boys were received as part of Israel's family line and given a lasting place among the tribes. Their story shows that God's blessing can move in surprising ways.