Jacob Blesses Joseph's Two Sons

Jacob is old and near death. Joseph brings his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, to his father. Jacob tells Joseph how God appeared to him at Luz and promised to make him into a great people. Then he formally adopts Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons, on a level with Reuben and Simeon. Joseph places the older son Manasseh at Jacob's right hand and the younger Ephraim at his left, but Jacob crosses his hands, laying his right hand on Ephraim's head. When Joseph tries to correct him, Jacob explains he knows what he is doing — the younger will be greater than the older. Then Jacob solemnly blesses both boys.