Genesis 48:5-22 We continue the account of Jacob's adoption and blessing of Joseph's two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. What is this about the young men being at the knees of Jacob? Why did Joseph bow down before his father, who had earlier bowed to him? How is this a metaphor of our own adoption by God? Why did Joseph arrange his sons the way he did? Once again we find the rule of primogeniture set aside in the story of the patriarchs. What can we learn from this repeated disregard of this cultural norm? In what three ways does Jacob identify the God whom he invokes in his blessing? How are these significant? How has Jacob changed as he grew older? What brought about these changes in his life? How is the end of Jacob's life instructive to us? (67 min.)

Keywords Jacob, Joseph, Blessing, Adoption, Ephraim, Manasseh

Genesis 48:1-4 In this week's lesson we consider the second of the three key things which Jacob did at the end of his life. The first was to arrange for his burial in Canaan. The second is to adopt and bless the two sons of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim. It is important not to view this passage as the ramblings of an aged and ailing man. What is the significance of Jacob collecting his strength to sit up on the bed? Why does the narrator refer to him as Israel at that moment? How has Jacob changed from his early life? Why does Jacob recall for Joseph his own experience at Luz in Canaan (Bethel)? What are the key aspects of God's appearance to him at Luz which Jacob mentions here? What three subtle differences in how Jacob retells the story of Bethel reflect his current frame of mind here at the end of his life? (53 min)

Keywords Jacob, Joseph, Bethel, Ephraim, Manasseh

Genesis 47:27-31 In this passage a dramatic contrast is shown between the condition of the Egyptians and that of the family of Israel. Why did God bless Israel in contrast to the Egyptians? Why does God bless us? We also encounter in this section the first of three experiences in Jacob's life as he nears death. Each of these incidents reveal a man who has moved from fatalism to faith. What is the significance of Jacobs age? What are the two aspects to Jacob's request of Joseph? What is the meaning of the gesture of Joseph placing his hand under Jacob's thigh? Why was it important to Jacob that he be buried in the cave of Machpelah with his ancestors? How does this story about Jacob serve as an instruction to us? (56 min)

Keywords Jacob, Joseph, Faith, Death