The 12 tribes of Israel were the families of Jacob’s 12 sons. But there was no tribe of Joseph! However something better happened. Joseph’s two sons were elevated to this honor. In those days, the eldest son received twice as much as the others (Deut. 21:1717But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath: for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his. (Deuteronomy 21:17)). But Joseph was not the eldest son! Turn to 1 Chronicles 5:1 and you will see that Joseph was given the birthright and why! So he received the double portion. (Read also Ezekiel 47:1313Thus saith the Lord God; This shall be the border, whereby ye shall inherit the land according to the twelve tribes of Israel: Joseph shall have two portions. (Ezekiel 47:13)). Adam was like the first-born, but because he sinned, he lost the blessing. The Lord Jesus — being like the second one (1 Cor. 15:47) — has received the double portion — the church, His bride, composed of two peoples, the believing Jews and the believing Gentiles.
V.1-4 A special blessing for Joseph.
V.5-22 Joseph’s two sons. Jacob knew better than Joseph what God wanted. Even though Jacob was blind, he could see better! Some times when we are more blind to the things of this world, we see better God’s things (2 Cor. 4:18). The younger son is raised above his older brother. Again like Adam and Christ.
V.15-16 What a happy ending to Jacob’s long life, and what a lovely thing to say about God’s care for him.