There is so much to wonder and marvel at in the Torah portion of Va Yechi (Genesis 47:28-50:26). One of the more famous passages is chapter 48. This is the story of Joseph and his two sons (Manasseh and Ephraim) visiting and attending to Jacob, who was elderly and unwell. As you read this account in the scriptures, take note of the order given to Joseph’s two sons in verse 1. Manasseh is the older of the two boys and that is why he is named first.
We know in this story, that Jacob adopts Joseph’s two boys to become his own and hold rank in the family in much the same legal manner that Reuben and Simeon did (Genesis 48:3-6). And again, take note of the order given to the two boys. This time it is Ephraim first and then Manasseh second (verse 5).
As the story in Genesis 48 progresses, Joseph guides these two boys to Jacob, so that the older boy, Manasseh is to Jacob’s right hand and the second born boy, Ephraim is at Jacob’s left hand. Firstborn sons are supposed to receive the right hand blessing. But we know what happens next; Jacob crosses his hands, so that the right hand is upon the head of Ephraim and the left hand is upon the head of Manasseh.
Joseph steps in to correct Jacob, but Jacob is stirred by something powerful; “I know it my son, I know it…”, he says and then proceeds to bless the second born son Ephraim first and then secondly, the first born son Manasseh.
So, this brings up a question or two. Why did Jacob cross his hands? Why didn’t he just get the boys to switch places?
The answer is compelling and powerful.
Sages say that Ephraim was focused solely on spiritual matters. Manasseh was focused on spiritual matters while not totally shunning worldly matters. Each boy excelled in their focus. Yet, each boy’s focus was for one purpose - to excel in a way that promoted the will of Yah. In the case of Manasseh, who dealt with worldly matters, he knew how to balance and control the influence of the world so that he, while in it, would perform Yah’s will. He was able to do this because he understood a powerful point. Even though we are sanctified and must come out of this world, we are not severed from this world – we must contend with it. Much like having our own coffee or tea cup, it is a personal item and only the owner of the cup can use it – no one else. This is what is meant by being sanctified. But what part of the cup represents not being severed from this world? The cup remains in (not severed from) the house or office or job site. That is the spiritual analogy. Manasseh understood this and Jacob recognized this in him, thus Jacob gave him the place of honour to be on his right side, while still given Ephraim the status of firstborn blessing.
The sages agree that the spiritual and worldly skills of Ephraim and Manasseh were highly beneficial to the whole family of Israel. Jacob clearly understood this and that is why he gave them the legal status equal to Reuben and Simeon. One example of the benefit of these boys can be found in the settling of the tribes when the people of Israel finally entered The Land. Gad and Reuben wanted to stay on the east side of the Jordan River and not cross over into The Land, for that land was very lush for their cattle. Moses was highly concerned that this might be a repeat of the fiasco 40 years earlier when the whole nation of Israel wouldn't cross the Jordan and received the penalty of wandering for that 40 year period. Eventually, Moses agreed to allow this BUT with one important condition, he also stationed half of the tribe of Manasseh there too (Numbers 32:33 and Deuteronomy 3:13). Why?
Again, the sages say that Moses wanted to make sure that Gad and Reuben would have strong Torah neighbours and a strong Torah influence which the tribe of Manasseh could offer. This does raise yet another question. If the need was for a stronger Torah and spiritual influence, why not place half the tribe of Ephraim with Gad and Reuben? As we see in the character of Ephraim himself, he studied Torah exclusively and the sages say that he shunned worldly matters. Since the east side of the Jordan required the tribes to contend with worldly nations who did not know Yah, the skills of Manasseh suited the situation.
We can understand Ephraim’s lack of worldly leadership skills in the scripture that outlines the camping placement of the tribes (Numbers 2:3, 12, 18, 27). Even though Ephraim was given the right hand blessing status, it becomes clear in verse 20 that he and his descendants were not skilled as worldly leaders (though powerful as spiritual leaders).
The other tribal encampment leaders were acknowledged with prominence, but when Ephraim is mentioned, his prominence is diminished so that it becomes almost equalize with Manasseh. In verse 20 Manasseh is acknowledged as standing beside Ephraim..."and BY HIM shall be the tribe of Manasseh." This phrase 'by him' is only used with Ephraim and Manasseh. And again, another example is during the census taking in the Torah portion of Pinchas (Numbers 25:10 – 30:1, specifically Numbers 26:28), Manasseh is mentioned first. This clearly acknowledges the leadership qualities of Manasseh. Thus, Moses was very wise to place half of this tribe with Gad and Reuben.
As we look back on the actions of Jacob, it’s not hard to see that he was inspired by the Spirit of Yah to make the profound act of crossing his hands when he blessed Ephraim and Manasseh. This simple action became a prophecy concerning these two boys. If the two boys had switched places, we would not have two tribes that balance each other and benefit the whole family. Ephraim was given the status of firstborn blessing (and we know the prophetic nature of that blessing) and Manasseh was given the status of being the son at his right side (and we know the prophetic nature of the blessing given to him too). Both are powerful.
Just one more thing… why do we bless our sons on erev Shabbat with “May you be like Ephraim and Manasseh”? Why not bless them to be like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob? Well, it may be for this reason. Nowhere is it recorded that Ephraim and Manasseh were at odds with each other. There is always a sense that these two boys and their descendants WORKED TOGETHER in life for the will of Yah. All other examples of siblings indicate conflict; Ishmael and Isaac, Esau and Jacob; ten of Jacob’s sons and Joseph. Yet, that is not the case with Ephraim and Manasseh. Clearly, this is a great way to bless our sons and grandsons.
Ephraim and Manasseh, or Manasseh and Ephraim… both these tribes (whether their name placement in the scriptures is first or second) offer powerful insights for us to use today on how to contend with this world, how to immerse in Torah and how to be a benefit to the whole nation of Israel – together in unity.
Let this mind be in you that is in Messiah, Yeshua.
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