Joseph's Two Sons
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Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, is a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the Book of Genesis. His life account, marked by trials and triumphs, culminates in his rise to power in Egypt. During his time in Egypt, Joseph marries Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, and together they have two sons: Manasseh and Ephraim.

Manasseh

Manasseh is the firstborn son of Joseph and Asenath. His name, meaning "causing to forget," reflects Joseph's sentiment of moving past the hardships he endured in his father's house. Genesis 41:51 records Joseph's words: "God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s house." Manasseh's birth signifies a new beginning for Joseph, as he establishes his family in a foreign land.

Manasseh's descendants become one of the tribes of Israel, known for their significant territory on both sides of the Jordan River. The tribe of Manasseh plays a crucial role in the history of Israel, contributing to the military and spiritual life of the nation. Despite being the firstborn, Manasseh does not receive the primary blessing from Jacob, as his younger brother Ephraim is given precedence.

Ephraim

Ephraim, the second son of Joseph and Asenath, is named to signify fruitfulness. Genesis 41:52 states, "The second son he named Ephraim, saying, 'God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.'" Ephraim's name reflects Joseph's prosperity and success in Egypt, despite the adversities he faced.

In a significant event recorded in Genesis 48, Jacob, also known as Israel, blesses Joseph's sons. Contrary to the traditional practice of bestowing the greater blessing on the firstborn, Jacob crosses his hands and places his right hand on Ephraim's head, indicating a greater blessing for the younger son. Genesis 48:19 records Jacob's words: "His younger brother will be greater than he, and his descendants will become a multitude of nations."

Ephraim's descendants become a dominant tribe in Israel, often representing the northern kingdom in biblical texts. The tribe of Ephraim is known for its leadership and influence, playing a pivotal role in the history and spiritual life of the Israelites.

Significance in Israel's History

The tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim, collectively known as the "house of Joseph," hold a significant place in the history of Israel. Their territories are strategically located, and their influence is felt throughout the biblical narrative. The blessing of Jacob upon Ephraim and Manasseh sets a precedent for the future of the tribes, with Ephraim often taking a leading role.

The account of Joseph's two sons highlights themes of redemption, divine providence, and the fulfillment of God's promises. Through Manasseh and Ephraim, the legacy of Joseph continues, impacting the nation of Israel and its unfolding account as God's chosen people.
Subtopics

Joseph

Joseph Barnabas

Joseph Barsabbas

Joseph of Arimathaea

Joseph: A Designation of the Ten Tribes of Israel

Joseph: A Priest

Joseph: A Returned Exile

Joseph: Also Called Barsabas, Surnamed Justus: One of the Two Persons Nominated in Place of Judas

Joseph: Father of Igal, the Spy

Joseph: Husband of Mary

Joseph: Husband of Mary: An Angel Appears and Testifies to the Innocence of his Betrothed

Joseph: Husband of Mary: Attends the Annual Feast at Jerusalem With his Family

Joseph: Husband of Mary: Belongs to the Town of Bethlehem

Joseph: Husband of Mary: Goes to Bethlehem to be Enrolled

Joseph: Husband of Mary: His Genealogy

Joseph: Husband of Mary: Jesus Born To

Joseph: Husband of Mary: Lives at Nazareth

Joseph: Husband of Mary: Presents Jesus in the Temple

Joseph: Husband of Mary: Returns to Nazareth

Joseph: Husband of Mary: Warned in a Dream to Escape to Egypt in Order to Save the Infant's Life

Joseph: Husband of Mary: Warned in a Dream to Return to Nazareth

Joseph: of Arimathaea: Begs for the Body of Jesus for Burial in his own Tomb

Joseph: of the Sons of Asaph

Joseph: Sells the Stores of Food to the People of Egypt

Joseph: Son of Jacob

Joseph: Son of Jacob is Bought by Potiphar, an officer (Lxx Has "Eunuch") of Pharaoh

Joseph: Son of Jacob is Falsely Accused, and Thrown Into Prison

Joseph: Son of Jacob is Falsely Reported to his Father As Killed by Wild Beasts

Joseph: Son of Jacob is Promoted to Authority Next to Pharaoh at Thirty Years of Age

Joseph: Son of Jacob is Prospered of God

Joseph: Son of Jacob of Pharaoh

Joseph: Son of Jacob of the Two Prisoners

Joseph: Son of Jacob was a Prophet

Joseph: Son of Jacob: Death of

Joseph: Son of Jacob: Descendants of

Joseph: Son of Jacob: Exacts a Pledge from his Brothers to Convey his Remains to Canaan

Joseph: Son of Jacob: Exempts the Priests from the Exactions

Joseph: Son of Jacob: Exports the Produce of Egypt to Other Countries

Joseph: Son of Jacob: God's Providence With

Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Faith

Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Father Sends Down Into Egypt to Buy Corn (Grain)

Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Father's Favorite Child

Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Father's Partiality For, Excites the Jealousy of his Brethren

Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Humility

Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Name is Changed to Zaphnath-Paaneah

Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Piety

Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Prophetic Dreams of his Fortunes in Egypt

Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Sons Jointly Called Joseph

Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Two Sons

Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Wisdom

Joseph: Son of Jacob: Joseph's Integrity

Joseph: Son of Jacob: Kindness of Heart

Joseph: Son of Jacob: Marries the Daughter of the Priest of On

Joseph: Son of Jacob: Mourns the Death of his Father

Joseph: Son of Jacob: Personal Appearance of

Joseph: Son of Jacob: Provides Against the Seven Years of Famine

Joseph: Son of Jacob: Reveals Himself to his Brothers

Joseph: Son of Jacob: Sold As a Slave Into Egypt

Joseph: Three Ancestors of Joseph

Joseph's Dreams

Nepotism of Joseph

Select Readings: Joseph Revealing his Identity

Statecraft: Joseph

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Joseph's Test of Integrity
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