Observation: As the chronicler outlines the tribes and clans from the patriarchs, the section about Reuben begins with this clarification ... that the firstborn birthright was given not to him, but to the sons of Josheph (those would be Ephraim and Manasseh). This is an interesting clarification that I have often overlooked - or I should say, misunderstood - in Genesis.
Reuben, the firstborn, angered Jacob by sleeping with one of his wives and spent much of his later life trying to appease his father, but never did. His punishment was removal of his birthright. Simeon and Levi - the next two sons by birth - also angered Jacob in the matter concerning their revenge for the rape of Dinah. Their punishment was the declaration they would not receive an allotment in the promised land, and neither tribe did (Simeon was absorbed within Judah, Levi became the priestly servants without land). The fourth son, Judah ... received the greatest of prophetic blessings from Jacob, was declared a strong leader, and stated he would produce the greatest of all kings, and of course both David and Jesus come from Judah. That always sounded like "birthright" to me.
However, Chronicles is saying the birthright actually went to Ephraim and Manasseh, likely through the act when he laid hands on them to adopt them as his own sons (with his right hand resting on the younger Ephraim). Joseph was the first born of Rachel, the wife Jacob wished to originally marry, therefore there is logic in the idea that the birthright should pass to this firstborn line.
Then again ... Jacob wasn't that into firstborn birthrights. He stole the birthright from his older brother. His father was also not the firstborn of Abraham, but was the firstborn of Sarah.
As for the nation of Israel, there is some interesting context that supports Joseph's sons as the inheritance of Israel. When the nation splits after Solomon's reign, the name 'Israel' goes with the non-Davidic kings. The northern capital, Samaria, will end up within the land of Manasseh. As Israel sins and shrinks, the last tribe standing is Ephraim ... a few of the prophets even use the name Ephraim interchangeably with Israel as the name of the country.
Still, in my mind, this idea that Joseph's sons received Jacob's birthright/blessing is new news to me. I always assumed it was Judah who received this, and that blessing culminated in Jesus being of the tribe of Judah.
Application: I have good skill in understanding written information and interpreting metaphors, allegories, and symbolism. At one time, I would have said that was my greatest intellectual skill. I have used this skill to understand the bible as best I can. Today I am reminded that I still have so much to learn, and so many details to discover.
OF COURSE the birthright involved laying on of hands by the patriarch near the time of his death, and that only occurs with Ephraim and Manasseh. OF COURSE if that act had only been an act of adoption, which son had which hand doesn't matter much, but Josheph himself called out the significance of Jacob crossing his hands and placing his right on the younger Ephraim.
I lack some of the knowledge needed to understand certain components of the bible ... cultural context, ancient languages, memorization of names, geography knowledge, etc. However, the Holy Spirit does not lack these! I need to rely upon the Holy Spirit more often to guide my mind, and allow him to show me the word the Lord has for me each day.
Prayer: Lord, I do read the bible so I can hear you and your word, not just so I can exercise my mind. May there be less of my thoughts, and more of your Holy Spirit in my mind and my ears and my heart every day as I read your word. Amen.
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