Genesis 48:8-9: “When Israel saw the sons of Joseph, he asked, ‘Who are these?’ — ‘They are the sons God has given me here,’ Joseph said to his father. Then Israel said, ‘Bring them to me so I may bless them.’”
Benjamin was at a loss as they walked away from their father’s tent. “Now what we’re gonna do?!” he exclaimed, “Are we telling Joseph that Gad and Dan wanted him dead?” Dan became flustered. “If you overheard the conversation between Gad and me, then you know full-well that I was not on board with this,” he said, “It was entirely Gad’s idea to deliver him into the hands of Pharaoh’s son.” Immediately, Gad snapped back at him. “Oh Dan – you’re such a hypocrite,” he exclaimed, “Admit it already: You hate it when Dad makes such a fuss about Joseph and his sons.”
Now Judah raised his voice: “Let’s stop this right here!” And as everybody got quiet he said: “Listen brothers! If Dad is partial to Rachel’s children so be it!” He paused, looked around and then he continued. “Have you forgotten how much pain we caused him in the past?” he asked, “What is wrong with you?!”
Benjamin reiterated: “Are we going to tell Joseph about this attempted treason or not?” Judah turned to Gad and Dan, challenging them: “You guys decide. Would you like us to bring your case to everybody’s attention or will you let go of your resentment and anger? I will give you a day to think about this.” And to Benjamin Judah said, “For the time being we will let go of this insanity. It’s bad enough that Dad is ill. Let’s not make it worse by airing dirty laundry today.”
Joseph was at a meeting with Pharaoh when one of his court officials came in with a message: “Your Majesty, two of Zaphnath-Paaneah’s brothers are waiting outside to take him to his father. He has fallen ill and wants to see him and his grandsons.”
Joseph turned pale and did not respond.
“We are so sorry to hear that”, Pharaoh replied and turning to Joseph he urged him to leave at once. “We are done here,” he said, “All other business can wait until tomorrow.” And as Joseph headed towards the door he called after him. “When you return bring back word of how your father is doing.”
Shocked, Joseph met with Judah and Benjamin who had waited outside. ”Dad is ill?” he asked deeply concerned, “How long has he been sick?”
“We didn’t know until today that his health is going downhill,” Judah replied and Benjamin added: “He also wants to see your two eldest sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.” Joseph nodded. “I will need to pick them up,” he said, “You go on ahead of me. I will see you guys later.”
Joseph and his sons reached Goshen in the late afternoon. Both of his sons were in their early twenties now and stood a little taller than their father. When Jacob was told that Joseph and his sons had arrived he rallied up his strength and sat up on the bed. His son and grandsons were ushered in and Jacob welcomed them warmly, saying [Genesis 48:3-4]:
“God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and there he blessed me and said to me, ‘I am going to make you fruitful and increase your numbers. I will make you a community of peoples, and I will give this land as an everlasting possession to your descendants after you.’”
Joseph nodded solemnly and explained to his sons: “Your grandfather is talking about the vision he had, long before he was married and had children.”
Squinting his eyes, Jacob gazed at Joseph’s sons and asked: “Who are these? Pardon me for asking, but my eyes are bad.” Joseph beamed with pride as he introduced his sons: “These are Manasseh and Ephraim, my two eldest sons.” Jacob was amazed: “How they have grown!” Joseph winced at his remark and began to apologize: “Sorry Dad, we should have visited you more often. I know my sons spent a lot more time in Goshen when they were younger.” However Jacob smiled reassuringly, saying: “Joseph, we did not come together to apologize, but to celebrate my homecoming. I am about to leave this earth and there are important things left for me to do.”
Joseph understood and directed his sons closer to their grandfather’s bed, Manasseh to his right and Ephraim to his left. Embracing them, Jacob put them at ease. “Your grandmother Rachel would have been so proud of you,” he said, “But her life was cut short in the land of Canaan while we were on our way to Bethlehem. In her honor I am going to adopt you. This means that you will inherit land along with your uncles when our family returns to Canaan.” As he touched the faces of his grandsons he noticed tears rolling down their cheeks. “Death is a natural thing,” he comforted them. “Don’t be sad. We will be reunited in the future.”
Crossing his arms, Jacob put his right hand on Ephraim and his left hand on Manasseh and began to pronounce his blessing [Genesis 48:15-16]:
“May the God before whom my fathers
Abraham and Isaac walked faithfully,
the God who has been my shepherd
all my life to this day,
the Angel who has delivered me from all harm
—may he bless these boys.
May they be called by my name
and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac,
and may they increase greatly
on the earth.”
Joseph was all tensed up and could hardly focus on his father’s prayer. Finally he burst out: “No, Dad – Manasseh is the firstborn. Place your right hand on him and your left on Ephraim.” Jacob smiled and replied: “Relax Joseph! I know what I’m doing. Both your sons will become prominent tribes, but the younger will exceed the older in size and importance.” And turning to his grandsons he finished his blessing, saying [Genesis 48:20]:
“In your name will Israel pronounce this blessing: ‘May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh.’”
Afterwards he reminded Joseph of the oath he took seventeen years ago: “I am about to die and you will bring me back to Canaan as promised and lay my bones to rest in the tomb of my grandfather Abraham and my father Isaac.”
As the visit wore on Jacob became exhausted. He leaned back to catch his breath before he continued. With all the earnestness he possessed he said to Joseph: “Don’t forget that we are foreigners and guests here in Egypt. One day God will lead us back to the land of our forefathers.” Now Joseph was crying. In an attempt to console him, his father touched his hand and said: “I give you one more ridge of land, the ridge I took from the Amorites with my sword and bow.” Then Jacob released Joseph and his sons with a last wish: “Please tell your brothers to come and meet me here at the same time tomorrow.”