• Joseph
    Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 2

    • Jacob Blesses Joseph and Other Sons. Later, Jacob, on his deathbed, called all his sons to him and blessed them individually. He likened Joseph to “the offshoot of a fruit-bearing tree.” That “fruit-bearing tree” was the patriarch Jacob himself, and Joseph became one of the prominent branches. (Ge 49:22) Though harassed by archers and an object of animosity, Joseph’s bow “was dwelling in a permanent place, and the strength of his hands was supple.” (Ge 49:23, 24) This could have been said of Joseph personally. His half brothers harbored animosity and figuratively shot at him to destroy him. Yet Joseph repaid them with mercy and loving-kindness, these qualities being like arrows that killed their animosity. The enemy archers did not succeed in killing Joseph nor in weakening his devotion to righteousness and brotherly affection.

      Prophetically, though, Jacob’s words could apply to the tribes that were to spring from Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, and their future battles. (Compare De 33:13, 17; Jg 1:23-25, 35.) It is of interest that the tribe of Ephraim produced Joshua (Hoshea; Jehoshua), Moses’ successor and the leader of the fight against the Canaanites. (Nu 13:8, 16; Jos 1:1-6) Another descendant of Joseph, Gideon of the tribe of Manasseh, with the help of Jehovah, defeated the Midianites. (Jg 6:13-15; 8:22) And Jephthah, evidently also of the tribe of Manasseh, subdued the Ammonites.​—Jg 11:1, 32, 33; compare Jg 12:4; Nu 26:29.

      Other aspects of Jacob’s prophetic blessing also find a parallel in Joseph’s experiences. When Joseph, instead of taking vengeance, made provision for the entire household of Jacob, or Israel, he was as a shepherd and a stone of support to Israel. Since Jehovah had guided matters so that he could serve in this capacity, Joseph had come from the hands of the “powerful one of Jacob.” Being from God, Joseph had Jehovah’s help. He was with the Almighty in that he was on Jehovah’s side and therefore was a recipient of his blessing.​—Ge 49:24, 25.

      The blessing of Jehovah also was to be experienced by the tribes to descend from Joseph through Ephraim and Manasseh. Said Jacob: “He [the Almighty] will bless you with the blessings of the heavens above, with the blessings of the watery deep lying down below, with the blessings of the breasts and womb.” (Ge 49:25) This assured Joseph’s descendants of needed water supplies from heaven and from underground, as well as a large population.​—Compare De 33:13-16; Jos 17:14-18.

      The blessings that Jacob pronounced upon his beloved son Joseph were to be like an ornament to the two tribes to spring from Joseph. These blessings were to be an ornament superior to the blessings of forests and springs that adorn the eternal mountains and the indefinitely lasting hills. They were to be a permanent blessing, continuing upon the head of Joseph and of those descended from him just as long as mountains and hills continued.​—Ge 49:26; De 33:16.

      Joseph was “singled out from his brothers” because God chose him to perform a special role. (Ge 49:26) He had distinguished himself by displaying excellence of spirit and ability to oversee and organize. It was therefore appropriate that special blessings descend upon the crown of his head.