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Verse Takeaways
1
The Birthright Transferred
All commentators agree that this verse marks the official transfer of the firstborn's birthright from Reuben to Joseph. By adopting Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons, on par with Reuben and Simeon, Jacob grants Joseph a double portion of the inheritance. This act establishes two distinct tribes from Joseph's line, fulfilling a key part of Israel's tribal structure.
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Genesis
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Commentaries
5
Albert Barnes
On Genesis 48:1–22
18th Century
Theologian
The right of primogeniture has been forfeited by Reuben. The double portion in the inheritance is now transferred to Joseph. He is the first-born o…
Charles Ellicott
On Genesis 48:5
19th Century
Bishop
As Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine. —That is, Ephraim shall be regarded as my firstborn, and Manasseh as my second …
John Calvin
On Genesis 48:5
16th Century
Theologian
And now your two sons. Jacob confers on his son the special privilege that he, being one person, should establish two tribal heads; that i…
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John Gill
On Genesis 48:5
17th Century
Pastor
And now your two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh
Ephraim was the youngest, but is mentioned first, as he afterwards was p…
Matthew Henry
On Genesis 48:1–7
17th Century
Minister
The deathbeds of believers, with the prayers and counsels of dying persons, are suited to make serious impressions upon the young, the carefree, an…