Study Desk

Jacob said, "Make a vow that you will." Joseph made the vow, and Jacob gave thanks there on his bed.

Some time later Joseph was told that his father was ill. So he took his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, and went to see Jacob.

When Jacob was told that his son Joseph had come to see him, he gathered his strength and sat up in bed.

Jacob's eyesight was failing because of his age, and he could not see very well. Joseph brought the boys to him, and he hugged them and kissed them.

Then Joseph took them from Jacob's lap and bowed down before him with his face to the ground.

Joseph put Ephraim at Jacob's left and Manasseh at his right.

But Jacob crossed his hands, and put his right hand on the head of Ephraim, even though he was the younger, and his left hand on the head of Manasseh, who was the older.

Joseph was upset when he saw that his father had put his right hand on Ephraim's head; so he took his father's hand to move it from Ephraim's head to the head of Manasseh.

He said to his father, "Not that way, father. This is the older boy; put your right hand on his head."

His father refused, saying, "I know, son, I know. Manasseh's descendants will also become a great people. But his younger brother will be greater than he, and his descendants will become great nations."

Jacob called for his sons and said, "Gather around, and I will tell you what will happen to you in the future:

Judah is like a lion, Killing his victim and returning to his den, Stretching out and lying down. No one dares disturb him.

Judah will hold the royal scepter, And his descendants will always rule. Nations will bring him tribute And bow in obedience before him.

He ties his young donkey to a grapevine, To the very best of the vines. He washes his clothes in blood-red wine.

His eyes are bloodshot from drinking wine, His teeth white from drinking milk.

"Zebulun will live beside the sea. His shore will be a haven for ships. His territory will reach as far as Sidon.

But he sees that the resting place is good And that the land is delightful. So he bends his back to carry the load And is forced to work as a slave.

"Dan will be a ruler for his people. They will be like the other tribes of Israel.

His enemies attack him fiercely And pursue him with their bows and arrows.

But his bow remains steady, And his arms are made strong By the power of the Mighty God of Jacob, By the Shepherd, the Protector of Israel.