Genesis, 48
9. He responded, “They are my sons, whom God gave to me as a gift in this place.” “Bring them to me,” he said, “so that I may bless them.”
9. He responded, “They are my sons, whom God gave to me as a gift in this place.” “Bring them to me,” he said, “so that I may bless them.”
Genesis 48 narrates the moment when Jacob blesses his grandchildren Efraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph. Jacob grants the blessing of the firstborn to Ephraim, the youngest, instead of Manasseh the oldest, which was unusual in the culture of the time. The following five verses were selected for their relevance with the topics addressed in this chapter.
1 Timothy 4:14: "The gift that is in you is not despised, which was given to prophecy, with the imposition of the hands of the elder." Jacob's blessing on Ephraim and Manasseh is an example of how a leader can identify and bless those who have special gifts and skills, even if they are not the elders or more obvious.
Romans 8:17: "And if we are children, we are soon heirs too, heirs of God, and co-heirs of Christ: if it is certain that we suffer with Him, that we may be glorified with Him." The blessing of the birthright granted to Ephraim and not Manasseh is an example of how God often chooses the least obvious or apparently less capable of receiving blessings and honors.
Proverbs 17:6: "Old crown are the children of their children; and the glory of their children are their parents." Jacob demonstrates love and care for their grandchildren, blessing them and recognizing the importance of the next generation for the continuity of family and legacy.
1 Peter 2:9: "But you are the elected generation, the royal priesthood, the holy nation, the acquired people, that you may announce the virtues of him who called you from darkness to his wonderful light." The blessing granted to Ephraim and Manasseh is an example of how God can use the next generation to perform His purposes and transmit His values.
Hebrews 11:21: "By faith, Jacob, close to death, blessed each of Joseph's sons, and loved it, inclined over the end of his border." Jacob's blessing on his grandchildren is an example of how faith can inspire a father or grandfather to bless and transmit spiritual values to the next generation.
“Quanto maiores forem os dons, maior deve ser sua humildade, lembrando de que tudo lhe foi dado como empréstimo.” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
