Joseph’s sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, are the two tribes of Israel named after them. They were born in Egypt and became significant figures in the biblical narrative, with Ephraim often symbolizing the Northern Kingdom of Israel and Manasseh receiving a large portion of land in the Promised Land.
Scripture
50 Before the year of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph.
51 Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh. “For,” he said, “God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s house.”
52 The name of the second he called Ephraim, “For God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.”
Joseph’s Sons in the Bible: Definition
The sons of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim, hold a prominent place in the biblical narrative, especially as symbols of the tribes of Israel and the larger themes of blessing and inheritance. Their births in Egypt (Genesis 41:50-52) represent not only Joseph’s rise to power in a foreign land but also the preservation and continuation of the Israelite identity during a time of hardship. In Genesis 48, when Jacob (Israel) adopts Joseph’s sons as his own, he blesses them, thereby elevating them to the status of founders of their own tribes. This act signifies the importance of Joseph’s lineage within the broader narrative of Israel’s destiny. Ephraim, stemming from the blessings given by Jacob, often connotes prosperity and growth, whereas Manasseh represents peace and forgetfulness, as Joseph named him to signify that God had made him forget his troubles (Genesis 41:51).
Beyond their individual symbolism, Manasseh and Ephraim’s tribal divisions foreshadow the more extensive political and spiritual landscapes of Israelite society. Ephraim’s ascendancy often came to symbolize the Northern Kingdom of Israel, especially after the split following Solomon’s reign, while Manasseh, with its substantial land allocation, played a vital role in the stability of the southern territories. The tensions and interactions between these two tribes often reflected broader themes of unity, division, faithfulness, and the impact of leadership on the community’s spiritual journey. The depiction of these tribes throughout Old Testament narratives illustrates the complexities of Israel’s relationship with God, as seen in scriptures like Joshua 17:14-18, where the descendants of Joseph express their entitlement and claim over land, emphasizing the need for faith and humility amid prosperity. The legacy of Manasseh and Ephraim thus encapsulates the multifaceted dynamics of God’s people, their struggles, and the ever-present hope woven through their history.
The definition of Joseph’s sons extends beyond their immediate narratives to embody pivotal themes in the books following Genesis. As leaders among the tribes, Ephraim and Manasseh highlight the interconnections between lineage, identity, and divine promise. In later texts, such as the prophetic books, references to Ephraim often symbolize the collective fate of the Northern Kingdom, emblematic of the struggles faced by Israel in the context of their unfaithfulness and the consequences of idolatry. The prophetic echoes frequently invoke Ephraim’s name as a representation of both blessing and warning, illustrating how the legacy of Joseph’s sons plays a role in unfolding the covenantal relationship between God and Israel.
Additionally, the designation of land among Joseph’s sons further reflects the themes of inheritance and divine providence. The allocation of territories in the Conquest narratives underscores the fulfillment of God’s promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Within this context, Manasseh received a unique split inheritance, which presented both opportunities and challenges for unity among the tribes. In particular, the geographical positioning of Manasseh allowed for interaction with neighboring nations, influencing Israel’s sociopolitical and cultural engagements. This interplay among the tribes rooted in Joseph’s lineage emphasizes not only their individual identities but also the collective narrative of a people striving to live out God’s commandments amid the complexities of their environment. The stories and legacies of Ephraim and Manasseh thus serve to remind future generations of the importance of honoring their heritage while remaining faithful to their divine calling.
The Significance of Names
Joseph’s sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, carry names that reflect profound meanings. Manasseh, meaning “causing to forget,” symbolizes Joseph’s ability to move past his painful experiences in Canaan and embrace his new life in Egypt. Ephraim, meaning “fruitful,” represents the blessings and prosperity that Joseph experienced in his new environment. Their names encapsulate themes of resilience and divine favor, illustrating how personal trials can lead to growth and abundance.
The Role in Israel’s Tribal Structure
Joseph’s sons play a crucial role in the formation of the tribes of Israel. Instead of Joseph receiving a single tribal inheritance, his two sons each become heads of their own tribes, effectively granting Joseph a double portion in the land of Canaan. This arrangement highlights the importance of Joseph’s legacy and the fulfillment of God’s promises to him. It also emphasizes the theme of inclusion and the expansion of God’s chosen people, as the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim become integral to the identity of Israel.
Symbolism of Unity and Division
The relationship between Joseph’s sons can be seen as a representation of unity and division within the nation of Israel. While they are brothers and share a common heritage, their distinct tribes often reflect the complexities of unity among the Israelites. Ephraim, often associated with the northern kingdom, and Manasseh, which straddles both sides of the Jordan River, symbolize the diverse paths that the tribes of Israel would take. This duality serves as a reminder of the challenges and blessings that come with communal identity and the need for harmony amidst differences.
How to Embrace the Lessons of Ephraim and Manasseh
Embracing the lessons of Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph, invites us to reflect on the beauty of unity and the importance of our spiritual heritage. In Genesis 48, we see Jacob blessing these two boys, symbolizing how God can work through our families, regardless of their complexities. As you strive to be a better Christian, consider how Ephraim and Manasseh represent the blending of different backgrounds and experiences, reminding us that God’s grace is available to all. Embrace the idea of reconciliation and support within your own family and community, recognizing that each person brings unique gifts to the table. By fostering love and understanding, you not only honor your own spiritual lineage but also create a legacy of faith that can inspire future generations. Let their story encourage you to seek harmony and to be a vessel of God’s blessings in your relationships.
Bible References to Joseph’s Sons:
Genesis 48:1-6: 1 After this, Joseph was told, “Behold, your father is ill.” So he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.
2 And it was told to Jacob, “Your son Joseph has come to you.” Then Israel summoned his strength and sat up in bed.
3 Then Jacob said to Joseph, “God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed me,
4 and said to me, ‘Behold, I will make you fruitful and multiply you, and I will make of you a company of peoples and will give this land to your offspring after you for an everlasting possession.’
5 And now your two sons, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you in Egypt, are mine; Ephraim and Manasseh shall be mine, as Reuben and Simeon are.
6 And your offspring, whom you father after them, shall be yours. They shall be called by the name of their brothers in their inheritance.
Genesis 48:8-20: 8 When Israel saw Joseph’s sons, he said, “Who are these?”
9 And Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons, whom God has given me here.” And he said, “Bring them to me, please, that I may bless them.”
10 Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, so that he could not see. So Joseph brought them near him, and he kissed them and embraced them.
11 And Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face; and behold, God has let me see your offspring also.”
12 Then Joseph removed them from his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth.
13 And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel’s right hand, and brought them near him.
14 And Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on the head of Ephraim, who was the younger, and his left hand on the head of Manasseh, crossing his hands (for Manasseh was the firstborn).
15 And he blessed Joseph and said, “The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life long to this day,
16 the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the boys; and in them let my name be carried on, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.”
17 When Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on the head of Ephraim, it displeased him, and he took his father’s hand to move it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head.
18 And Joseph said to his father, “Not this way, my father; since 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. Nevertheless, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations.”
20 So he blessed them that day, saying, “By you Israel will pronounce blessings, saying, ‘God make you as Ephraim and as Manasseh.’” So he put Ephraim before Manasseh.
Joshua 14:4: 4 For the people of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim. And no portion was given to the Levites in the land, but only cities to dwell in, with their pasturelands for their livestock and their substance.
Joshua 16:1-4: 1 The allotment of the people of Joseph went from the Jordan by Jericho, east of the waters of Jericho, into the wilderness, going up from Jericho into the hill country to Bethel.
2 Then it goes down westward to the territory of the Japhletites, as far as the territory of Lower Beth-horon, then to Gezer, and it ends at the sea.
3 Then it goes down westward to the territory of the Japhletites, as far as the territory of Lower Beth-horon, then to Gezer, and it ends at the sea.
4 So the people of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim, received their inheritance.
Joshua 17:1-6: 1 Then allotment was made to the people of Manasseh, for he was the firstborn of Joseph. To Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead, were allotted Gilead and Bashan, because he was a man of war.
2 allotment was for the rest of the people of Manasseh by their clans, for the people of Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida. These were the male descendants of Manasseh the son of Joseph, by their clans.
3 Now Zelophehad the son of Hepher, son of Gilead, son of Machir, son of Manasseh, had no sons, but only daughters, and these are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
4 They approached Eleazar the priest and Joshua the son of Nun and the leaders and said, “The Lord commanded Moses to give us an inheritance along with our brothers.” So according to the mouth of the Lord he gave them an inheritance among the brothers of their father.
5 Thus there fell to Manasseh ten portions, besides the land of Gilead and Bashan, which is on the other side of the Jordan,
6 because the daughters of Manasseh received an inheritance along with his sons. The land of Gilead was allotted to the rest of the people of Manasseh.
1 Chronicles 5:1-2: 2 Joel, Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son,
2 Joel, Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son,
1 Chronicles 7:14-29: 14 The sons of Manasseh: Asriel, whom his Aramean concubine bore; she bore Machir the father of Gilead.
15 And Machir took a wife for Huppim and for Shuppim. The name of his sister was Maacah. They were the offspring of Ephraim, in the land of Gilead, and they had born to them.
16 The sons of Michael: Ishpah, Obadiah, and Hanan. These were the sons of Michael.
17 The sons of Ulam were men who were mighty warriors, bowmen, having many sons and grandsons, 150. All these were Benjaminites.
18 His sister Hammolecheth bore Ishhod, Abiezer, and Mahlah.
19 The sons of Shemida: Ahian, Shechem, Likhi, and Aniam.
20 The sons of Ephraim: Shuthelah, and Bered his son, Tahath his son, Eleadah his son, Tahath his son,
21 The sons of Ephraim: Shuthelah, and Bered his son, Tahath his son, Eleadah his son, Tahath his son,
22 Their father Ephraim mourned many days, and his brothers came to comfort him.
23 He went in to his wife, and she conceived and bore a son, and he called his name Beriah, because disaster had befallen his house.
24 His daughter was Sheerah, who built both Lower and Upper Beth-horon, and Uzzen-sheerah.
25 Now their kinsmen belonging to their clans also came in as they came up with them from the east.
26 Non his son, Jehoshua.
27 Non his sons, Bela, Becher, and Jediael.
28 Their possessions and settlements were Bethel and its towns, and to the east Naaran, and to the west Gezer and its towns, Shechem and its towns, and Ayyah and its towns;
29 Alongside their kinsmen of the house of their fathers, they also lived in Jerusalem, for the Levites had no portion or inheritance with them.
1 Chronicles 12:31-32: 31 Of the half-tribe of Manasseh 18,000, who were expressly named to come and make David king.
32 Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their command.
1 Chronicles 27:20-22: 20 Over the tribes of Israel: the chief of the Reubenites was Eliezer the son of Zichri. Of the Simeonites, Shephatiah the son of Maacah.
21 the half-tribe of Manasseh in Gilead, Iddo the son of Zechariah;
22 Adah’s son was Shamhuth. Shimei’s son was Jahath.
Ezekiel 47:13-14: 13 Thus says the Lord God: “This is the boundary by which you shall divide the land for inheritance among the twelve tribes of Israel. Joseph shall have two portions.
14 And you shall divide equally what I swore to give to your fathers. This land shall fall to you as your inheritance.
Rev. François Dupont is a dedicated church minister with a wealth of experience in serving spiritual communities. With a calm and serene demeanor, he has been devoted to sharing the message of love, compassion, and tolerance for over two decades. Through his thoughtful sermons, compassionate counseling, and unwavering support, Rev. Dupont has touched the lives of countless individuals, allowing them to find solace and strength during difficult times. His serene presence and deep understanding of the human condition make him a trusted guide for those seeking spiritual nourishment and guidance.