GENESIS—NOTE ON Genesis 48:3 Jacob refers to the appearance of God at Bethel, recalling God’s promises there (see Genesis 28:13). He elevates his grandsons Ephraim and Manasseh to the status of full sons, on par with Reuben and Simeon (Genesis 48:5). Later, this will result in Joseph’s descendants being viewed as two separate tribes. When the land in Canaan is assigned (Joshua 13:1), Joseph’s descendants receive one-sixth of the territory. This double portion confirms that Joseph was designated “firstborn” in place of Reuben (see 1 Chronicles 5:1; and note on Gen. 35:22–23). By naming Ephraim before Manasseh (compare Genesis 48:1), Jacob anticipates what will happen in vv. Genesis 48:13.

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