Kelly - Genesis 48

This is one of those points in scripture where the situation doesn't register to me on the first reading. I'm used to Israel being the most important person in the story, so the significance of this blessing isn't something I question.

But I don't think Joseph's sons saw it that way. Although they seem to be rather small in the story (sitting on his knees), they probably questioned what was going on. From their point of view, they lived their lives as Joseph's sons - who was second only to Pharaoh in the land. Their dad was powerful and rich, and their futures tied to that strength. But here their father brings them to be blessed and "adopted" by an old man who had little to no power in the land, and who had run out of food in the famine and had to relocate his clan into Egypt. He was a foreigner and a despised shepherd. I don't believe it seemed like that great of a deal to them.

What's surprising, too, is that Joseph still esteems his father. His own power and wealth hasn't kept him from wanting the blessings of the old man for his sons.

It is an interesting story of faith. And of remembering what's important despite the way the social hierarchy appears.