Bestowing A Blessing Gen 48:11-19 SS Lesson for 11/25/2007

Transcription

1 Bestowing A Blessing Gen 48:11-19 SS Lesson for 11/25/2007 Devotional Scripture: Ps 145:1-13 OUTLINE INTRODUCTION OVERVIEW AND APPROACH TO LESSON LESSON INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND From the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary From the Bible Expositor and Illuminator MAJOR THEME ANALYSIS ISRAEL'S BLESSING FROM GOD (GEN 48:11-12) Israel versus Jacob (from the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary) Blessing of joy Joy of the righteous (Ps 68:3) Joy in worship (Ps 100:2) Joy even in trials (Hab 3:17-19) Joy in fasts (Zech 8:19) Joy in hope (Rom 12:10-12) The Bible teaches to be joyful always (1 Thess 5:16) Blessing of family Blessing of family through kindness (Ruth 3:9-11) Blessing of family through taking up for one another (Gen 34:25-27) Blessing of family through service (Mark 15:40-41) Blessing of family through faith (2 Tim 1:5) Blessing of respect Respect of a committed family (Ps 128:3-4) Respect of a family that is mature in Christ (Deut 4:9) Respect of a family that praises each other (Prov 31:27-28) Respect of a family that is obedient to its head (1 Tim 3:4) Respect of a family that is committed to unity (Ps 133:1) ISRAEL'S BLESSING OF JOSEPH (GEN 48:13-15) Blessing of family nearness Nearness through being lost and now found (Luke 15:19-24) Nearness after yearning (Jer 31:20) Nearness of mother and only son (Luke 7:12-16) Nearness of father and daughter (Luke 8:49-56) Blessing of provisions Provisions through God using others (2 Cor 8:14) Provisions through God's supplying directly (2 Cor 9:10) Provisions of faith (1 Thess 3:10) Provisions that should evoke thanksgiving to God (2 Cor 9:12) Provisions through God's glorious riches (Phil 4:19) ISRAEL'S GENERAL BLESSING OF THE CHILDREN (GEN 48:16) Why was Israel blessing Joseph's sons (from the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary) Israel's Name upon them (Adam Clarke Commentary) Blessing of redemption by Angels that encamp (Ps 34:7) Blessing of Joseph's two sons become as sons of Israel (Gen 48:5) Blessing of Manasseh family were in the thousands (Deut 33:17) Blessing of Joseph's two son's families were numerous and powerful (Josh 17:17) ISRAEL'S SPECIFIC BLESSING OF THE CHILDREN (GEN 48:17-19) Reversed Blessing (from the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary) Bestowing a Blessing Page 1 of 11 SS Lesson for 11/25/2007

2 Blessing the younger first As with Jacob and Esau (Gen 25:23) As with Rachel and Leah (Gen 29:16-28) As with the prodigal son and older brother (Luke 15:25-28) Blessing of fruitfulness Fruitfulness that results in a great nation (Gen 12:2-3) Fruitfulness that results in blessing many nations (Rom 9:4-5) Fruitfulness that results in many off-springs (Gen 15:5) Fruitfulness of becoming a father of many nations (Gen 17:5) CONCLUSION AND OTHER THOUGHTS CONCLUDING THOUGHTS FROM THE NIV STANDARD LESSON COMMENTARY CONCLUDING THOUGHTS FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR PRACTICAL POINTS FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR HEART OF THE LESSON FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR A far greater blessing (Gen. 48:11-12) A spiritual heritage (Gen. 48:1315) God's constant presence (Gen. 48:16-19) THE JEWISH ASPECT FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR Bestowing a Blessing Page 2 of 11 SS Lesson for 11/25/2007

3 Introduction Overview and Approach to Lesson The concept of the outline of the lesson came from a review of the main points of the selected Scriptural passage. The lesson examines Blessings. The study's aim is to learn the significance of patriarchal blessings and to understand the manner in which Jacob bestowed it on his descendents. The study's application is to understand that God's blessing is recognition of His goodness. Lesson Introduction and Background From the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary One of the joys of life is that of sharing things with others. Parents know this. Thus they frequently share things with their children. The things they share range from bequests of small amounts of cash now and then all the way up to the transfers of large estates upon the parents death. But how many of us really grasp the idea of sharing a spiritual inheritance or passing along a spiritual legacy? This should be of even greater joy than that of sharing material wealth. Sharing testimonies has long been a part of what believers do, but we realize that our spiritual legacies include the entirety of their life examples? All of us can adopt children in the faith (compare 1 Timothy 1:2). Today s lesson will help everyone readjust their thinking about the importance of passing along a spiritual heritage to that next generation of church leaders. Joseph s brothers followed his instructions concerning their move. They took the wagons Pharaoh gave them, returned to Canaan, and brought Jacob (their father) and the rest of the family to Egypt. All together, 70 souls ended up in the land of Egypt. These included Joseph and his children, who were already there (Genesis 46:27; Exodus 1:5). It was a stirring moment when Jacob and Joseph met. They clung to one another and wept for a long time (Genesis 46:29, 30). Some of the family even were privileged to meet Pharaoh. At that point Jacob (also known as Israel) was 130 years old (47:9); he lived another 17 years (47:28). Jacob was nearly blind as he approached the time of his death (Genesis 47:29; 48:10). Like his father before him, Jacob sensed the urgency to settle his affairs (compare Genesis 27:1 4). A primary task was to bestow blessings on his sons and grandsons. This was an intentional ceremony, not a casual afterthought. Joseph, through his two sons Manasseh and Ephraim, received the double portion. Judah received the blessing that stated that the line of the Messiah would pass through his tribe (compare Genesis 49:9 12 with Hebrews 7:14; Revelation 5:5). Our lesson today looks at the blessing given to Manasseh and Ephraim, Jacob s grandsons. The year is about 1860 B.C. From the Bible Expositor and Illuminator The concept of giving and receiving a blessing is less common in our culture than it was in biblical times. Most children nevertheless recognize that receiving approval from their parents is extremely important. In our study of Genesis we have already seen how Esau sold his birthright and then how Jacob stole the paternal blessing from him. Since words were considered both powerful and irrevocable, even a stolen blessing was considered valid. Of particular significance in the world of the Bible was the father's blessing upon his son. This was no mere formality, either. It actually passed on property rights and authority to the one being blessed. Not only could a blessing be received, but it was also possible for a person to "be a blessing" (Gen. 12:2). In the history of Israel, the nation was promised blessing upon blessing when they obeyed God (Deut. 28:1-14). Conversely, if Israel disobeyed, "all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee" (vs. 15). This did not mean they were no longer God's people, but chastisement would result from their disobedience (cf. Heb. 12:6). Imagine this scene. A grandfather has just passed away. All the family members are present. His attorney is ready to read his will. He was rich and generous. There is a sense of expectancy that hovers over the sadness of his passing. This is a loose parallel to the blessing that was given by the patriarch of the family when he got closer to the time of his death. It was the legacy that he left behind. It was done by laying hands on the one on whom the blessing was bestowed. Jacob the patriarch was about to give his blessing to his children and grandchildren before he died. It was an exciting Bestowing a Blessing Page 3 of 11 SS Lesson for 11/25/2007

4 and at the same time somewhat tense moment. Our lesson this week shows us the significance of this blessing in the Old Testament culture. Major Theme Analysis (Scriptural Text from the New King James Version; cross-references from the NIV) Israel's Blessing from God (Gen 48:11-12) 11 And Israel said to Joseph, "I had not thought to see your face; but in fact, God has also shown me your offspring!" 12 So Joseph brought them from beside his knees, and he bowed down with his face to the earth. Israel versus Jacob (from the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary) Don t get confused by names, Israel was the new name given to Jacob after he wrestled the mysterious man at Peniel (Genesis 32:24 30). Thus, Israel and Jacob are one and the same person. The name Israel means one who struggles with God ; this depicts the entire life of Jacob. Jacob s original name meant something like heel-grabber or, figuratively, manipulator. Jacob s new name, Israel, is a covenant name. The importance of this name is seen in the fact that the designations Israel and Israelite(s) appear more than 2,500 times in the Bible! Blessing of joy Joy of the righteous (Ps 68:3) 3 But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. Joy in worship (Ps 100:2) 2 Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Joy even in trials (Hab 3:17-19) 17 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. 19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. Joy in fasts (Zech 8:19) 19 This is what the LORD Almighty says: "The fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh and tenth months will become joyful and glad occasions and happy festivals for Judah. Therefore love truth and peace." Joy in hope (Rom 12:10-12) 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. The Bible teaches to be joyful always (1 Thess 5:16) 16 Be joyful always; Bestowing a Blessing Page 4 of 11 SS Lesson for 11/25/2007

5 Blessing of family Blessing of family through kindness (Ruth 3:9-11) 9 And he said, "Who are you?" So she answered, "I am Ruth, your maidservant. Take your maidservant under your wing, for you are a close relative." 10 Then he said, "Blessed are you of the LORD, my daughter! For you have shown more kindness at the end than at the beginning, in that you did not go after young men, whether poor or rich. 11 "And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you request, for all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman. Blessing of family through taking up for one another (Gen 34:25-27) 25 Now it came to pass on the third day, when they were in pain, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brothers, each took his sword and came boldly upon the city and killed all the males. 26 And they killed Hamor and Shechem his son with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah from Shechem's house, and went out. 27 The sons of Jacob came upon the slain, and plundered the city, because their sister had been defiled. Blessing of family through service (Mark 15:40-41) 40 There were also women looking on from afar, among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the Less and of Joses, and Salome, 41 who also followed Him and ministered to Him when He was in Galilee; and many other women who came up with Him to Jerusalem. Blessing of family through faith (2 Tim 1:5) 5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. Blessing of respect Respect of a committed family (Ps 128:3-4) 3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your sons will be like olive shoots around your table. 4 Thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD. Respect of a family that is mature in Christ (Deut 4:9) 9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. Respect of a family that praises each other (Prov 31:27-28) 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Respect of a family that is obedient to its head (1 Tim 3:4) 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. Respect of a family that is committed to unity (Ps 133:1) 1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! Israel's Blessing of Joseph (Gen 48:13-15) Bestowing a Blessing Page 5 of 11 SS Lesson for 11/25/2007

6 13 And Joseph took them both, Ephraim with his right hand toward Israel's left hand, and Manasseh with his left hand toward Israel's right hand, and brought them near him. 14 Then Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh's head, guiding his hands knowingly, for Manasseh was the firstborn. 15 And he blessed Joseph, and said: "God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has fed me all my life long to this day, Blessing of family nearness Nearness through being lost and now found (Luke 15:19-24) 20 So he got up and went to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 "The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' 22 "But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate. Nearness after yearning (Jer 31:20) 20 Is not Ephraim my dear son, the child in whom I delight? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore my heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him," declares the Lord. Nearness of mother and only son (Luke 7:12-16) 12 As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, "Don't cry." 14 Then he went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. He said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!" 15 The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. 16 They were all filled with awe and praised God. "A great prophet has appeared among us," they said. "God has come to help his people." Nearness of father and daughter (Luke 8:49-56) 49 While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. "Your daughter is dead," he said. "Don't bother the teacher any more." 50 Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed." 51 When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child's father and mother. 52 Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. "Stop wailing," Jesus said. "She is not dead but asleep." 53 They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But he took her by the hand and said, "My child, get up!" 55 Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. 56 Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened. Blessing of provisions Provisions through God using others (2 Cor 8:14) 14 At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, Provisions through God's supplying directly (2 Cor 9:10) 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. Bestowing a Blessing Page 6 of 11 SS Lesson for 11/25/2007

7 Provisions of faith (1 Thess 3:10) 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. Provisions that should evoke thanksgiving to God (2 Cor 9:12) 12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Provisions through God's glorious riches (Phil 4:19) 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Israel's General Blessing of the Children (Gen 48:16) 16 The Angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; let my name be named upon them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth." Why was Israel blessing Joseph's sons (from the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary) Reuben is Israel s firstborn. But because he committed a sexual sin, Israel is giving Reuben s blessing rights to Joseph s sons (Genesis 49:1 4; 1 Chronicles 5:1, 2). Those sons are Manasseh and Ephraim. Elsewhere in Genesis, bowing depicts a greeting to someone worthy of great honor (Genesis 24:52; 33:3; 42:6; 43:26). That is undoubtedly the case here as Joseph shows respect to his father, who is near death. Joseph lives in a world where respect is openly demonstrated. Joseph s respect toward his father is not an act of worship, but of esteem. Israel's Name upon them (Adam Clarke Commentary) "Let them be ever accounted as a part of my own family; let them be true Israelites-persons who shall prevail with God as I have done; and the name of Abraham-being partakers of his faith; and the name of Isaac-let them be as remarkable for submissive obedience as he was. Let the virtues of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob be accumulated in them, and invariably displayed by them!" These are the very words of adoption and by the imposition of hands, the invocation of the Redeemer, and the solemn blessing pronounced, the adoption was completed. From this moment Ephraim and Manasseh had the same rights and privileges as Jacob's sons which as the sons of Joseph they could never have possessed. Blessing of redemption by Angels that encamp (Ps 34:7) 7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Blessing of Joseph's two sons become as sons of Israel (Gen 48:5) 5 "Now then, your two sons born to you in Egypt before I came to you here will be reckoned as mine; Ephraim and Manasseh will be mine, just as Reuben and Simeon are mine. Blessing of Manasseh family were in the thousands (Deut 33:17) 17 In majesty he is like a firstborn bull; his horns are the horns of a wild ox. With them he will gore the nations, even those at the ends of the earth. Such are the ten thousands of Ephraim; such are the thousands of Manasseh." Blessing of Joseph's two son's families were numerous and powerful (Josh 17:17) 17 But Joshua said to the house of Joseph to Ephraim and Manasseh "You are numerous and very powerful. You will have not only one allotment Bestowing a Blessing Page 7 of 11 SS Lesson for 11/25/2007

8 Israel's Specific Blessing of the Children (Gen 48:17-19) 17 Now when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on the head of Ephraim, it displeased him; so he took hold of his father's hand to remove it from Ephraim's head to Manasseh's head. 18 And Joseph said to his father, "Not so, my father, for this one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head." 19 But his father refused and said, "I know, my son, I know. He also shall become a people, and he also shall be great; but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his descendants shall become a multitude of nations." Reversed Blessing (from the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary) We have another instance of reversed blessing. Traditionally, the oldest son was to receive the greater honor. But Isaac was chosen over Ishmael, and Jacob over Esau. Now it s Ephraim over Manasseh. He too will become a people indicates that Manasseh still will have tribal status in the land when the Israelites take Canaan. This alone is a great blessing both to Manasseh and to Joseph. There will be no singular tribe of Joseph that receives land. But through his sons, Joseph actually will have the share of two tribes. The words his descendants shall become a multitude of nations is a figurative expression that establishes that Ephraim s descendants will be of more significance than those of his brother. He blessed them that day and said, In your name will Israel pronounce this blessing: May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh. So he put Ephraim ahead of Manasseh (Genesis 48:20). We see here a demonstration of the faith of the aged patriarch. He knows what God wants him to do, and he will do God s will over the protests of even his favorite son. Shortly after the exodus begins hundreds of years later, the tribe of Ephraim will be about 25 percent larger than the tribe of Manasseh (Numbers 1:32, 34). Shortly after blessing the children of Joseph, Israel gives blessing and benediction to the rest of his sons (Genesis 49). Jacob then breathes his last and his body is embalmed (50:2). His body is carried back to Canaan and placed in a cave (49:29 50:14). Blessing the younger first As with Jacob and Esau (Gen 25:23) 23 The Lord said to her, "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger." As with Rachel and Leah (Gen 29:16-28) 16 Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. 17 Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel was lovely in form, and beautiful. 18 Jacob was in love with Rachel and said, "I'll work for you seven years in return for your younger daughter Rachel." 19 Laban said, "It's better that I give her to you than to some other man. Stay here with me." 20 So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her. 21 Then Jacob said to Laban, "Give me my wife. My time is completed, and I want to lie with her." 22 So Laban brought together all the people of the place and gave a feast. 23 But when evening came, he took his daughter Leah and gave her to Jacob, and Jacob lay with her. 24 And Laban gave his servant girl Zilpah to his daughter as her maidservant. 25 When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, "What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn't I? Why have you deceived me?" 26 Laban replied, "It is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older one. 27 Finish this daughter's bridal week; then we will give you the younger one also, in return for another seven years of work." 28 And Jacob did so. He finished the week with Leah, and then Laban gave him his daughter Rachel to be his wife. As with the prodigal son and older brother (Luke 15:25-28) 25 "Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe Bestowing a Blessing Page 8 of 11 SS Lesson for 11/25/2007

9 and sound.' 28 "The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. Blessing of fruitfulness Fruitfulness that results in a great nation (Gen 12:2-3) 2 "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." Fruitfulness that results in blessing many nations (Rom 9:4-5) 4 the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. 5 Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen. Fruitfulness that results in many off-springs (Gen 15:5) 5 He took him outside and said, "Look up at the heavens and count the stars--if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be." Fruitfulness of becoming a father of many nations (Gen 17:5) 5 No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. Conclusion and Other Thoughts Concluding Thoughts from the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary How important it is to leave a legacy! Israel (Jacob) had received a legacy from his father, who had received it in turn from his father. Then it was Israel s turn to leave it to the following generation. Life goes on a generation at a time. Each generation builds upon (or destroys) what the previous generation leaves behind. A legacy can be thought of as a kind of inheritance. Usually when we think of an inheritance, we think of cash and various physical assets. A much more important inheritance is a spiritual one. What kind of people will live in and lead the next generation? Very often, people follow the example of those who precede them, whether good or bad. So the example set is vitally important. Church leaders have a great responsibility in this regard (see 1 Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:7). We are responsible for the legacy we leave behind in life and teaching. Our legacy includes our sense of humility, the way we interact with others, and a holy lifestyle. We will be remembered longest for what we did, not what we said. The condemnation of those who set a bad example will be severe (Mark 9:42). Concluding Thoughts from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator God had chosen His people, who would become the Jews. In Genesis we see the development of that nation and the preservation of God's people. God had promised to make Abraham into a great nation and to give him the land we know today as Israel. As Genesis ends, we see the people in Egypt. God sent them there to preserve them. He would later lead them out into the Promised Land, which we see as the book of Exodus begins. Starting with Abraham, God had blessed this family, and the blessing had been passed down from generation to generation. As the book of Genesis winds to a close, we see that blessing being passed down again. This time Jacob blessed the two sons of Joseph. Just as had happened several times before, the younger son was blessed above the older one. Joseph questioned his father's blessing of Ephraim over Manasseh, but Jacob knew what God had in mind and gave the primary blessing to the younger Ephraim. This was the fourth consecutive generation in which God blessed the younger above the older. This perhaps was done to show that God's ways are not our ways. Human nature would be to bless Bestowing a Blessing Page 9 of 11 SS Lesson for 11/25/2007

10 the elder first or to give the leadership role to the elder, but God had other ways to operate. It took both Jacob and Joseph a lifetime to learn that God's ways are not man's ways. However, they did obey the leading of God in this situation. They also had faith that they would someday be led back into the land that had been promised to Abraham years before. They had only a glimpse of the plan of God, which to them involved the promise of a land they would receive at some point in the future. They also had faith that God was with them and would keep them. They were looking forward to a better land, just as we Christians are today. We have been promised an inheritance, though we do not see it in place at this time. Eventually the people of Israel would come out of Egypt and enter the Promised Land. There is an analogy here for us as Christians. Just as they would later come out of bondage in Egypt, so we come out of bondage to the world when we are saved. We then may enter the Promised Land. Jacob and Joseph had faith to stay in Egypt because that was God's plan for them at that time. However, their descendants would have trouble believing in the Promised Land at times, and they would struggle to enter the land. We have the same struggle today in our spiritual lives. Just as Jacob and Joseph saw that God's ways are not the same as ours, so we need to have faith in the working of God in our lives. Perhaps if we look back we can see how God has worked in our lives to bring us to where we are today. We can use that experience as something to build our faith on. God still has a plan, and He is working it out in our lives even today. The Hebrews perhaps did not realize all that God had in store for them. Neither do we, but we do know that God has a plan and is working it out in the world. Practical Points from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator 1. Never cease to recognize, appreciate, and proclaim God's goodness (Gen. 48:11) 2. It is important to keep honoring your parents no matter how influential or prominent you may be (Gen. 48:12; Exod. 20:12) 3. God's leading, not human tradition, should guide our decisions and acts (Gen. 48:13-14). 4. The best inheritance to leave to your family is a personal testimony of God's working in your life (vs ) 5. The right thing to do may be misunderstood even by those closest to us (vs ) 6. God's plan is not the same for everyone, but it is the best plan for each one (vs. 19) Heart of the Lesson from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator This quarter's lessons have been spiritually enlightening. Studying how God created a people has been very refreshing. It is always good to be reminded of God's power in creation and His sovereignty. God is awesome! The earth is filled with His splendor and majesty. Let us continue to worship God, the Creator and Sustainer of life. He is worthy. A far greater blessing (Gen. 48:11-12) Joseph had been taken away from his family when he was a boy. He had been sold as a slave and taken to Egypt. Jacob, his father, had not expected to see him again. His other sons deceived him, making him think Joseph was dead. Joseph was kept alive because of God's divine intervention. God is in control of our lives. Even when situations seem hopeless, we can always trust Him to help us. When Jacob saw Joseph again, he was married and had two sons. You can probably imagine Jacob's excitement to know that his son was alive. Jacob was blessed to see not only his son Joseph but also the sons of Joseph. A spiritual heritage (Gen. 48:1315) Joseph was told that his father was sick. He took his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, with him to see his father. The aged Jacob told Joseph how God had appeared to him at Luz and blessed him. God had promised to make him fruitful and to multiply his descendants. He would make of him a multitude of people. Jacob also told Joseph about God's promise to give the land of Canaan to his family (Gen. 48:4). A spiritual heritage is more valuable than money. It is important to make our children aware of both God's spiritual blessings and His natural blessings. We should also testify to others about God's goodness. Our testimonies about God can help encourage others. Joseph showed respect to his father by bowing before Bestowing a Blessing Page 10 of 11 SS Lesson for 11/25/2007

11 him in the presence of his children. Jacob offered to bestow a blessing on Ephraim and Manasseh. There are other instances in the Bible showing the father blessing his children. Joseph directed Manasseh toward his father's right hand, for he was the firstborn. He directed Ephraim to his left hand. Customarily, the firstborn was to receive the greater blessing. This was acknowledged by laying the right hand on his head. But Jacob laid his right hand on Ephraim's head and his left hand on Manasseh's head to bless them. Joseph was not pleased at what he probably thought was a mistake, but God had revealed to Jacob that the older son would serve the younger one. Again, God's sovereignty is shown. We must accept the will of God. God's constant presence (Gen. 48:16-19) Jacob knew God's presence was with him and his fathers. God had fed him and kept him from all evil. Jacob prayed for the same blessings upon Ephraim and Manasseh. Parents are obligated to pray for their children. Prayer is needed for God's protection upon them and for His continued blessings for them. We should also teach our children by example of the importance of prayer. God is present in our lives today. Parents should teach their children to be grateful for God's presence in their lives. Many generations have passed, and God never changes. Just as our forefathers were blessed by God to have their needs met, so we too can depend on God to supply our needs. The Jewish Aspect from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator Even devout believers who would recoil at the thought of speaking a blasphemous utterance use the words "blessing" or "blessed" so casually that their meaning sometimes seems degraded. We politely say, "God bless you," when someone sneezes. We automatically pray and thank the Lord "for the blessings we are about to receive," often with little conscious thought to what we are saying. During the days of the patriarchs and for many generations, the potential benefits and power of a blessing were not taken casually or lightly, nor were the possible damages of a curse. In the biblical period and for centuries after, a blessing was understood to be more than a hopeful prayer or wish for the welfare of an individual or group. During the Old Testament era, it was accepted that "such blessing or cursing did not involve the use of empty words, but implied the exercise of a real power; the word once pronounced was no more under the control of the speaker (Gen. 27:35), and must perforce accomplish its mission" (Adier, ed., The Jewish Encyclopedia, Funk and Wagnalls). The irrevocable legal nature of the blessing explains Isaac's consternation in Genesis 27:33 when he realized that he had given his blessing to Jacob instead of to Esau as he had intended. "The paternal blessing was the most valuable heritage that parents could bequeath to children" (Adier). Esau was deeply aware that the patriarchal blessing was significant and powerful, for he cried to his father, Isaac, "Hast thou but one blessing, my father? bless me, even me also, O my father. And Esau lifted up his voice, and wept" (Gen. 27:38). Eventually the blessing of children became less of a legal oath given at the end of the father's life and more of a regular invocation of God's favor. In traditional Jewish homes, it has become customary for the father to bless his children on Friday night as the Sabbath begins. The blessing of children generally follows standard forms. The one for sons is based on Genesis 48:20: "God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh." The blessing for daughters is "'May God make you like Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel and Leah.' The Priestly Benediction is then recited in both cases. A personal prayer may also be added" (Wigoder, ed., The Encyclopedia of Judaism, Macmillan). The blessings are said as the "parent places both hands on the head of the child while pronouncing the blessing, which is given to adult children as well" (Werblowsky, ed., The Oxford Dictionary of the Jewish Religion, Oxford). Much of the priestly benediction used by the father, which is recited by the priest or rabbi in many services and ceremonies, would be familiar to those who attend various churches. It is based on the blessing God commanded Moses to say over the children of Israel in Numbers 6:2-27. "May the Lord bless you and guard you. Amen! May the Lord shine His countenance upon you and be gracious to you. Amen. May the Lord display kindness toward you and grant you peace. Amen!" (Werblowsky). All who believe in the Messiah Yeshua are "the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus" (Gal. 3:26). "Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin" (Rom. 4:7-8). Bestowing a Blessing Page 11 of 11 SS Lesson for 11/25/2007