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. 21:17). 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 47:13). 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.