The blessing of the tribe of Joseph is a significant event in the biblical narrative, reflecting the favor and prosperity bestowed upon Joseph and his descendants. This blessing is primarily recorded in the Book of Genesis and the Book of Deuteronomy, where Jacob and Moses pronounce blessings over the tribes of Israel.

Jacob's Blessing (Genesis 49:22-26):
In Genesis 49, Jacob, also known as Israel, gathers his sons to bless them before his death. Joseph receives a particularly abundant blessing, reflecting his favored status among Jacob's sons. Jacob describes Joseph as a "fruitful bough by a spring, whose branches climb over the wall" (Genesis 49:22). This imagery signifies prosperity, growth, and influence. Jacob acknowledges the adversities Joseph faced, yet emphasizes his strength and resilience, attributing these qualities to the help of "the Mighty One of Jacob" and "the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel" (Genesis 49:24).

Jacob's blessing continues with a series of rich promises: "by the God of your father who helps you, and by the Almighty who blesses you with blessings of the heavens above, blessings of the depths below, blessings of the breasts and womb" (Genesis 49:25). The blessing culminates in a declaration of preeminence, as Jacob states that Joseph's blessings surpass those of his ancestors, extending to "the utmost bounds of the everlasting hills" (Genesis 49:26). This indicates a legacy of enduring prosperity and divine favor.

Moses' Blessing (Deuteronomy 33:13-17):
Moses, before his death, also blesses the tribes of Israel, including the tribe of Joseph. In Deuteronomy 33, Moses' blessing for Joseph is marked by a call for abundant material and spiritual blessings. He prays for the "precious things of heaven, with the dew, and the deep that lies beneath" (Deuteronomy 33:13), as well as the "precious fruits of the sun and the rich yield of the seasons" (Deuteronomy 33:14). This reflects a comprehensive blessing over the land and its produce.

Moses further invokes the "best gifts of the ancient mountains and the bounty of the everlasting hills" (Deuteronomy 33:15), emphasizing the richness and fertility of the land allotted to Joseph's descendants. The blessing concludes with a reference to Joseph's strength and leadership, likening him to a "firstborn bull" with "the horns of a wild ox" (Deuteronomy 33:17), symbolizing power and majesty. This imagery underscores the tribe's role in driving out nations and expanding their territory.

Tribal Inheritance and Significance:
The tribe of Joseph is unique among the tribes of Israel, as it is divided into two half-tribes: Ephraim and Manasseh, named after Joseph's sons. This division is a direct result of Jacob's adoption of Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons, granting them equal status with his other sons (Genesis 48:5). Consequently, the tribe of Joseph receives a double portion of inheritance in the Promised Land, reflecting the double blessing bestowed upon Joseph.

Ephraim and Manasseh play significant roles in the history of Israel. Ephraim, in particular, becomes a leading tribe in the northern kingdom of Israel, often representing the entire northern kingdom in biblical texts. The blessings pronounced over Joseph and his descendants highlight themes of divine favor, resilience, and leadership, which are evident in the historical and spiritual legacy of the tribe.

The blessings of Joseph, as articulated by Jacob and Moses, underscore the enduring covenantal relationship between God and the descendants of Joseph, promising prosperity, strength, and a prominent place among the tribes of Israel.