Manasseh and Ephraim

Ephraim in the Bible

Christianity Oasis has provided this Manasseh and Ephraim Bible Study on the Manasseh and Ephraim in the Bible story. We'll look into all aspects of the Christian Walk bringing forth truth, understanding and peace.


Daily Bread Devotional Bible Study
The First Book of Moses Called Genesis
Chapter 48


Manasseh and Ephraim Bible Study

Manasseh and Ephraim in the Bible Story

Welcome to our Christianity Oasis Daily Bread study program. This is our Manasseh and Ephraim Bible Study looking into the Manasseh and Ephraim in the Bible story and how it affects your be-YOU-tiful Christian walk.

Manasseh and Ephraim Bible Event
Manasseh and Ephraim in the Bible on Birthright

Great to have you back again at Daily Bread. Today we're going to start off with a Daily Bread Stick. Traditionally in Bible times, the oldest born son inherits the birthright and the blessing of his father. Now, that doesn't mean that the rest of the children were out of luck, but rather that the position as the head of the family and the majority of the wealth, whether it be flocks or herds or family business or money, went to the eldest son. The eldest son also acquired the best of the blessings which was like a prophetic prayer for God to shower the receiver with an abundant life.

Now, Joseph heard that Israel was sick, so he took his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim with him to see his father. When Israel heard that Joseph was coming to see him, he gathered up enough strength to sit up.

He told Joseph that God appeared to him and blessed him in Bethel, and that He would make him a multitude of people and give the land of Canaan to his descendants for an everlasting possession.

Then Israel said, Your two sons are mine, just as Reuben and Simeon are mine. Any children that you have after them will be yours.

Manasseh and Ephraim Bible Concern
Manasseh and Ephraim in the Bible on the Switch

Israel (Jacob) could not see because of his old age and he asked Joseph, Who is with you? And Joseph answered, They are my sons. Israel told Joseph to bring them near so that he could bless them. He hugged and kissed them and said to Joseph, I thought I'd never see your face again, and look, God has shown me your children too. Joseph bowed down in front of Israel, then took his sons and set Manasseh near Israel's right hand and Ephraim near his left hand.

But, Israel reached over and purposely put his right hand on the younger son Ephraim's head, and his left hand on the firstborn Manasseh's head. And he blessed Joseph, and said God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day, the Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.

When Joseph noticed that Israel's right hand was on Ephraim's head, it upset him and he held up Israel's hand to move it to Manasseh's head. Joseph said, Not so, my father, this is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head. But, Israel refused and said, I know it, my son, I know it. He will also become a people and he'll be great, but truly, his younger brother will be greater than him and his descendants will become a multitude of nations.

Then Israel set Ephraim in front of Manasseh and said to Joseph, God make you like Ephraim and like Manasseh. He was telling him that even though he was younger that, he would be before.

Manasseh and Ephraim Bible Truth
Manasseh and Ephraim in the Bible Explained

And Israel said to Joseph, I am dying, but God will be with you and bring you to the land of your fathers again. Also, I have given you one share more than your brothers.

And now here's a little Daily Bread Crumb to finish with. Notice that Isaac was younger than Ishmael, and Jacob was younger than Esau. Both the younger sons received the birthright. Now Israel has chosen to give the firstborn's blessing to the Ephraim instead of Manasseh, and to Joseph instead of Reuben. Just an interesting little fact to think about. Jesus said, There are last which shall be first, Luke 13:30.

Manasseh and Ephraim Summary
Manasseh and Ephraim in the Bible Conclusion

God knows who each soul is going to be, despite what man believes. We have seen a lot of that thus far and there is more to come. Join us next time as Israel blesses each of his twelve sons. Will there be surprises ahead for them? Come back and see in your Daily Bread.