Jacob, speaking to Joseph, said: “And now thy two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, which were born unto thee in the land of Egypt, before I came unto thee into Egypt, are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine.” It was no mere sentimental whim that led the aged man to make this statement which claimed a relationship with the boys closer than that of grandfather. To understand this more clearly it is necessary to turn back to Genesis 35:2222And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israel heard it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve: (Genesis 35:22) where Scripture records the dark blot in Reuben’s life in connection with his father’s concubine.
Reuben, the eldest son, inherited a birthright that qualified him for a double portion of his father’s inheritance, as prescribed by the custom of that day. No matter what a father’s feelings might become toward his firstborn, he could not by himself change this provision. But the son could change it, either by selling it to another, as Esau did, or by forfeiting it in some other manner. This was the case with Reuben. The father did not forget the wicked act of his son and determined the birthright should go to another. But the question would arise: To whom should it go? Simeon, the second oldest, would be the first consideration, but his life had been cruel and violent and the father was not happy to pass the privileges on to him. It appears that the father considered Judah (his fourth son) in this connection, but God had other purposes marked out for him from whose family the “Chief Ruler,” Jesus Himself, was to be born into this world.
Joseph, as we well know, was the son of his father’s delight. It was natural that he should determine that the double portion should come to him and he arranged to do so through Joseph’s two sons. Yet here was another problem. The mother of the two boys was an Egyptian woman and this fact prohibited their qualifying for the special place. At a later date the law would not recognize them in that relationship.
But the wise old patriarch had an answer to this difficulty — God, no doubt, directing his decision — he would adopt the two sons as his own! “As Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine,” he declared, thus definitely putting these two in the birthright position in the place of the unfaithful sons. Although this was not mentioned at the time of the immoral act it was confirmed later: “... for he (Reuben) was the firstborn; but, forasmuch as he defiled his father’s bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph.” 1 Chronicles 5:11Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he was the firstborn; but, forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel: and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright. (1 Chronicles 5:1).
What a remarkable solution to the father’s problem, providing a loving reward to Joseph, who had borne the reproach of his brethren and whose path of faith had so well qualified him for this inheritance through his sons. And Jacob continued: “And thy issue, which thou begettest after them, shall be thine, and shall be called after the name of their brethren in their inheritance.” verse 6. Jacob left no doubt as to his intent. Ephraim and Manasseh were no longer to be considered Joseph’s — they belonged to the old father by adoption. Any other children that might be born to Joseph after would be his own and receive their normal family inheritance.
ML 01/07/1968