And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations.
But his father refused and said, 'I know, my son, I know. He will also become a great nation, and he will be important too. But his younger brother will be greater than he is, and his descendants will become many nations.'
Jacob is telling Joseph that he knows what he's doing - while the older grandson will be great, the younger one will be even greater and father many nations.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Genesis, Jacob is nearing the end of his life and is blessing his sons and grandsons as part of passing on his legacy. Joseph brings his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, to Jacob for a blessing, assuming the older son, Manasseh, would receive the greater honor according to ancient cultural customs. However, Jacob crosses his hands to bless the younger Ephraim more abundantly, illustrating God's sovereign choice to favor the unexpected.
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