336. Genesis 47-48: Why Does Jacob Bless Pharaoh—and Cross His Hands? cover art

336. Genesis 47-48: Why Does Jacob Bless Pharaoh—and Cross His Hands?

336. Genesis 47-48: Why Does Jacob Bless Pharaoh—and Cross His Hands?

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Genesis 47–48 comes alive in this episode as Joseph settles his family in Goshen, navigates Pharaoh’s court, and preserves Israel’s identity “in Egypt but not of it.” We trace Jacob blessing Pharaoh and describing his years as “few and evil,” then watch the famine-era centralization that leads to Pharaoh owning land, livestock, and labor (and the lasting 1/5 tax). Finally, we enter Jacob’s deathbed scene where he adopts Ephraim and Manasseh and famously crosses his hands—placing the greater blessing on the younger. Along the way we connect archaeology (Avaris/Hyksos), discipleship (“prophet + priest” tension), and why Israel multiplies in a foreign land. Stick around for the rich theological takeaways and practical applications—and don’t miss the twist with Ephraim before Manasseh. If this helped you, please like, drop a comment with your takeaway, and subscribe for the next chapter!

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