Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 48 NKJV; Ch. 49-50 NIRV

Support

Please remember that this is a listener supported show. Your support of any amount is needed and very much appreciated. Find out how by clicking here.

Thoughts

When I read in chapter 48 of Jacob’s blessing of Joseph’s sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, I wondered why Jacob insisted on blessing Ephraim over Manasseh. Manasseh was the older of the two, so custom would put him first. Joseph thought Jacob was perhaps making a mistake, since he couldn’t see. But Jacob insisted. So I thought, “What gives?”

In doing the research, I could only find that in fact, what would become Ephraim’s tribe did prosper much more than Manasseh’s. As a matter of fact, it became so large that in some places in scripture, when the nation of Israel is referenced, it is called Ephraim. Also, some of Ephraim’s descendants became very important. There was Joshua, Samuel and Jeroboam. All men of God. 

I found a fascinating study of this at thetorah.com. This is a Jewish website, with Jewish scholars writing at least some of the articles. I love getting the perspective of Jewish people on the Bible. And since Genesis is the first book of the Torah, I am especially interested in what they have to say at thetorah.com. I recommend you take a look at this article. There is so much more there than I have time for on this show.

Also, thinking about the burial place of Jacob. Remember, it was in the cave purchased by Abraham for Sarah. And then Abraham was laid to rest there, then Isaac and Rebekah, then Jacob laid his beloved Leah there. 

This past week, I received a phone call from a long-time listener and supporter of LifespringMedia, who is on a multi-month vacation. Part of his travels took him to the holy land.  He told me that on one of the tours he took, he was actually able to visit this very cave! I have to say that on one hand, I am skeptical that they still know where it is, but on the other hand, why would they not know where it is? After all, multiple generations of Jews knew where it was, and Abraham, Isaac and Jacob have been more than important for thousands of years, so why wouldn’t people keep track of the location of their resting site? It’s known as the Cave of the Patriarchs, the Tomb of the Patriarchs, and to Jews as the Cave of Machpelah. Either way, I was somewhat envious when my friend told me he got to see it. I asked him to send some pictures of his travels. When I get some, I’ll post them if he gives permission.