创48:9They are the sons God has given me here, Joseph said to his father. Then Israel said, "Bring them to me so I may bless them."

创48:10Now Israel's eyes were failing because of old age, and he could hardly see. So Joseph brought his sons close to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them.

创48:11Israel said to Joseph, "I never expected to see your face again, and now God has allowed me to see your children too."

创48:12Then Joseph removed them from Israel's knees and bowed down with his face to the ground.

创48:13And Joseph took both of them, Ephraim on his right toward Israel's left hand and Manasseh on his left toward Israel's right hand, and brought them close to him.

创48:14But Israel reached out his right hand and put it on Ephraim's head, though he was the younger, and crossing his arms, he put his left hand on Manasseh's head, even though Manasseh was the firstborn.

创48:15Then he blessed Joseph and said, "May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day,

创48:16the Angel who has delivered me from all harm -may he bless these boys. May they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they increase greatly upon the earth."

创48:17When Joseph saw his father placing his right hand on Ephraim's head he was displeased; so he took hold of his father's hand to move it from Ephraim's head to Manasseh's head.

创48:18Joseph said to him, "No, my father, this one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head."

创48:19But his father refused and said, "I know, my son, I know. He too will become a people, and he too will become great. Nevertheless, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his descendants will become a group of nations."

创48:20He 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.

创48:21Then Israel said to Joseph, "I am about to die, but God will be with you and take you back to the land of your fathers.

创48:22And to you, as one who is over your brothers, I give the ridge of land I took from the Amorites with my sword and my bow."

创49:1Then Jacob called for his sons and said: "Gather around so I can tell you what will happen to you in days to come.

创49:2Assemble and listen, sons of Jacob; listen to your father Israel.

创49:3Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, the first sign of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power.

创49:4Turbulent as the waters, you will no longer excel, for you went up onto your father's bed, onto my couch and defiled it.

创49:5Simeon and Levi are brothers- their swords are weapons of violence.

创49:6Let me not enter their council, let me not join their assembly, for they have killed men in their anger and hamstrung oxen as they pleased.