Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

The blessings of Israel on Joseph’s sons are given in Genesis 48.  Manasseh and Ephraim are brought to their Grandfather to be blessed and he crosses his arms to give the blessing for the elder to the younger as he tricked his Father into doing with, he and Esau.  Jacob tells his son that any more children born to him will be counted as the sons of these two boys who become his own sons instead of their Father.  This increases the Israelite tribes to thirteen.  We will see the reason for this in Exodus.

The promises of God to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are passed to the next generations.  The land of Canaan is not all that is included.  Many nations will come from this line, including these two youngsters.

The blessings that Jacob gives to his sons are in chapter forty-nine of Genesis. Reuben, the oldest is strong, but will not excel. Levi and Simeon are violent and will be scattered throughout Israel. Judah will be a ruler. This is the clan that produces David and his heirs.

Zebulun will live by the sea. Issachar will submit to forced labor. Dan will provide justice. Gad will be attacked and defend himself. Asher will feed a King. Naphtali will have beautiful children.

God’s blessings will fall on Joseph. Benjamin is described as a wolf.

Just before Israel dies, he requests his sons to return him to Canaan and bury him where Abraham and Sarah are buried. He will not be the last to rest there.

We have reached the end of the first book of the Bible. The fiftieth chapter of Genesis sets the scene for Moses’ second book, Exodus.

Israel’s death brings up the problem of revenge by Joseph against his ten brothers.   After the burial of their father, the brothers believe their lives are in danger. They beg Joseph to spare their lives and make them his slaves. The second highest ruler in Egypt informs them that God planned this for good despite their evil intentions.

Joseph requested that his remains be taken to Canaan when the Israelites return home.  We leave The Beginnings to go to The Exit in two days.

Tomorrow we make a detour, to be chronological. Be ready for some riveting reading.

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger