The Day Jacob Crossed His Arms


"But Israel reached out his right hand and put it on Ephraim's head, though he was the younger, and crossing his arms, he put his left hand on Manasseh's head, even though Manasseh was the firstborn." Genesis 48:14.

It would be easy to miss what happened here. Israel, who was formerly called Jacob, was standing in front of two of his grandchildren. Joseph's sons had been born in Egypt after he had endured slavery and prison, but had then been elevated to Prime Minister following his interpretation of Pharaoh's dream. His father had now been brought to Egypt and the family was restored. Joseph then brought his sons in to be blessed. 

 In the Hebrew culture the right hand represented the favored hand of blessing, and it was customary for this blessing to be given to the eldest child. To make things easier, Joseph positioned his sons according to their age. His eldest son knelt in front of his grandfather’s right hand, and the younger knelt before the left. Then Jacob did something unexpected. He crossed his arms. Jacob was advanced in years and his eyesight was fading so Joseph's first assumption was that his Dad had made a mistake, and he even pointed out to his father that the eldest son was already on the right. In fact, he had made no mistake at all. Led by God he had extended the right hand to the younger son.

I want to assure you today that no matter what position you were born into, or what label society has ever placed on you, God is able to change your position. You may feel like you're standing in the wrong place to receive from God, but he still crosses arms to place favor on whom he chooses.

 Trust in His promises, His timing, and His outstretched hand.

Following the Son,
James A Williams

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