As per Jacobs narration, What was contained in God’s blessing? (Genesis 48:3-4)
What is the blessing given by Jacob for Ephraim & Manasseh? (Genesis 48:5-7)
Observe Israel / Jacob’s state of mind in Genesis 48:11
How did Jacob position his hands when he blessed Joseph's sons, and what was Joseph's reaction to this? (Genesis 48:13-14, 17-19)
How does Jacob bless Joseph ? (Genesis 48:15-16, 20-22)
Observe what Jacob has to say about each of his sons? Does he say anything different for Judah & Joseph? (Genesis 49)
What did Jacob do in the middle of his pronouncements over his sons? (Genesis 49:18)
Observe the various titles of God in Gen 49:22-26
What did Jacob request for in Genesis 49:28-33
INTERPRETATION
What does it mean?
Comparing the blessing pronounced by God in Genesis 35:11 with this verse in Genesis 48:3-4, observe if there is any difference? (Hint: Jacob acknowledges that God and the work of God in his life)
Why did Jacob adopt his grandchildren Ephraim and Manasseh as his own children? What does it entail? Did they do anything to deserve the blessing? (Hint: probably in gratitude for Joseph's work of preserving God’s people among other reasons)
Why is Jacob's action of crossing his hands so important? What recurring theme from Genesis does it highlight? (Genesis 48:13-14, 17-19) (Hint: Sovereign Election, God’s grace)
What does Jacob's blessing of Joseph reveal about God's nature and His relationship with His people? (Genesis 48:15-16, 20-22) (Hint: He wants Joseph to see that God is faithful and it was not Jacob’s cunning wisdom that got him where he is, but it is purely by God’s grace!)
What do we learn from the blessing given by Jacob to his children? (Genesis 49:3-4) (Hint: Sin will have consequences, and it is serious. Obedience will be blessed)
APPLICATION
What will I do?
Thank God for his grace and for Sovereignly choosing us to receive the gift of salvation.
May we repent for the times when we have boasted of our strength without acknowledging God.
May we teach our children and lead them in God’s ways.
