God’s central intention in creating man is that man would bear His image to express Him (Gen. 1:26). He considered them as his own sons Rueben and Simeon: However, retaining the birthright promises is conditional. He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance: to bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom” – (Psalm 105:17-22). "Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel - he was indeed the firstborn, but because he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph, the son of Israel, so that the genealogy is not listed according to the birthright" (I Chronicles 5:1). The blessings would then be fulfilled through the descendants of these two boys. Starting with Abraham, the Hebrew people were given a God ordained birthright title. In The Testament of the Twelve Patriarchs, Levi says: ‘Whosoever teacheth noble things and doeth them, shall be enthroned with kings, as was Joseph my brother’ (Testament of Levi). Joseph returned good for evil, and placed them in the most fruitful part of Egypt, the land of Goshen. Paul uses a similar phrase when he exhorts the Corinthians to ‘flee fornication’. ‘For this my son was dead, and is alive again’. Esau could have overcome the sale of his birthright; Isaac was still prepared to give him the blessing due the firstborn. From Abraham to Isaac, to Jacob, and then to Joseph. They hated Joseph because he received his father’s undivided attention and affection. He is thy son whom thy heart’s desire hath begotten; let not thy heart drift away from him.’ According to Genesis 25:27, ‘Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents.’ The margin says ‘a perfect man, dwelling in tents’. And you are not your own: for you were dearly bought; therefore honor Yahweh with your body’ – (I Corinthians 6:18-20). ‘Neither was there a man born like unto Joseph, a governor of his brethren, a stay of the people, whose bones were regarded of Yahweh’ – (Ecclesiasticus 49:15). 5:1). Reply Re-typeset, A.D. 2000 A notable and immensely significant sign of the times is the revival of interest in (48:5,21,22) The birthright is passed through Joseph and goes to Ephraim and Manasseh, but Ephraim is given the greater blessing (48:12-20) . Although Joseph is the eleventh son of Jacob (Israel), he is Rachel’s firstborn, so in a sense he is both firstborn and favored. The fact that Reuben was the first born and possessor of the Birthright, and the cause of his losing it, are set forth in connection with the declaration that the Birthright had been given to Joseph, as follows: "Now the sons of Reuben, (for he was the first-born; but forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel: and the genealogy [of Reuben's sons] is … After this, with Joseph out of the way, Judah dominated the sons of Jacob, and with great cunning won the confidence of his father Israel. Jacob lived seventeen years in the land of Egypt, the happiest years of his life. Thus, two peoples carrying these blessings would arise from these boys. All Rights Reserved, HEBREW AND ENGLISH – FIVE LEADING SCHOLARS PROVE THE LINK EXISTS, MUMMIES, TEXTILES OFFER EVIDENCE OF EUROPEANS IN FAR EAST, HOW A JEW DISCOVERED THAT JESUS WAS THE MESSIAH AND THE ANGLO-SAXONS ARE THE LOST TRIBES OF ISRAEL, CHAPLAIN’S PAGE: “THEY SHALL BE ASHAMED OF ME”. Now that you have sinned, however, the birthright has been given to Joseph, the priesthood to Levi, and royalty to Judah. It was unconditional, but it was withheld for 2,520 years. AND JOSEPH'S BIRTHRIGHT An Analysis of the Prophecies of the Scriptures in regard to the Royal Family of Judah and the Many Nations of Israel, the Lost Ten Tribes By J. H. ALLEN Originally published, 1902. Birthright services are always free, confidential and available to any woman regardless of age, race, circumstances, religion, marital status or financial situation. Even then, Jacob blessed the younger son, Ephraim, above the elder, Manasseh (Genesis 37:19-22; Genesis 49:1-4; Genesis 49:22-26). Although Joseph was the eleventh-born son in order of birth, he was second in line for the birthright because he was the firstborn son of the second wife. ‘These are the generations of Jacob. Genesis 49: 22-26 22. ESV - 1 The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel ( for he was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father's couch, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel, so that he could not be enrolled as the oldest son. A significant fact, and one which has not yet been fully realized. So he is not reckoned according to birthright. We must keep in mind the fact that the Lord cast Israel afar off to the isles of the sea, and then, through the prophet Isaiah, commanded silence for a certain period, or until the people should have renewed their strength. He is not listed in the genealogy according to birthright. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come (Hebrews 11: 20).. ESV - 1 The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel ( for he was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father's couch, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel, so that he could not be enrolled as the oldest son. Even though Joseph was a foreigner (a Hebrew) in Egypt, he had been … Notice in the story of Jacob and Esau, Esau was older and so had the birthright…but Jacob stole it from him. The astonishing and vital fact that many have overlooked is “the birthright is Joseph’s.” And, as we shall see later, neither Joseph nor his descendants were Jews! Now the sons of Reuben the first-born of Israel (for he was the first-born, but because he defiled his father’s bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel; so that he is not enrolled in the genealogy according to the birthright. Jacob adopted the two sons of Joseph and split the birthright title between his own son, Judah, and … AND JOSEPH'S BIRTHRIGHT An Analysis of the Prophecies of the Scriptures in regard to the Royal Family of Judah and the Many Nations of Israel, the Lost Ten Tribes By J. H. ALLEN Originally published, 1902. Reuben, the eldest son of Jacob, lost the birthright by his unlawful intercourse with his father’s concubine. Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall: 23. From Joseph, Manasseh was first to separate: hence he is the elder; but Ephraim, increasing in importance and number, outstrips the brother clan. While a birthright belonged to the firstborn son, anyone could receive a blessing. God is giving us many hints at the conditions of ‘names’ dealing with heritage with this idea of Joseph carrying over the Name Israel. Classical rabbinical sources argue that the birthright had included the right of his descendants (the tribe of Reuben) to become ruler over the tribes (transferred to Judah) and priests (transferred to Levi). As we have learned over the years, the birthright contained a two-fold promise: physical promises and spiritual promises. Head men, ‘with the vail of their heart’, cannot understand two heart-men like Jacob and Joseph. From Joseph, Manasseh was first to separate: hence he is the elder; but Ephraim, increasing in importance and number, outstrips the brother clan. He was given a special gift by his father - a richly ornamented coat. JUDAH'S SCEPTRE AND JOSEPH'S BIRTHRIGHT By J. H. ALLEN Originally published, 1902. Notice in the story of Jacob and Esau, Esau was older and so had the birthright…but Jacob stole it from him. Yahshua Himself said to the Jews the Kingdom of Yahweh would be taken from them and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof” – (Matthew 21:43). The Bible also tells us that Jacob ignored his oldest son and gave the birthright to the sons of Joseph. They would be blessed by “one portion” above the descendants of the other 11 tribes (verse 22). The birthright should have been yours, priesthood yours, and royalty yours. Because the prophecies about Judah point to the Western democracies, then the last part of Genesis 49:26 becomes a major clue: “because you are the leader of your brothers” (Contemporary English Version).. But the transgressors shall be destroyed together’ – (Psalm 37:37,38). Now we come to the fourth case, the case of the shifting of the birthright from Manasseh to Ephraim (48:12-20). It was supposed to go to the oldest son but it rarely did. We learn two things. For example, "Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel-he was indeed the firstborn, but because he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph, the son of Israel, so that the genealogy is not listed according to the birthright; yet Judah prevailed over his brothers, and from him came a ruler, although the birthright was Joseph's" (I Chronicles 5:1-2). Though he was the firstborn, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, because Reuben defiled his father’s bed. The Sonship was instead given to his brother Joseph, and the dominion mandate was given to his brother Judah. He did not receive the birthright itself, but Jacob did give him the dominion mandate portion. They had hated Joseph when he told them of his dreams. Ephraim, being blessed with the right hand, received the greater blessing. The Bible tells us in Genesis 25 that Jacob was cooking a stew when Esau came in from hunting. That went to Joseph's sons instead. The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (for he was the firstborn; but, because he defiled his father's couch, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel; and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright. All rights reserved. We use cookies on this website to enhance your experience of the site and help us understand how the site can be improved. If indeed this coat signaled that Joseph held the birthright, which may have been in question among the brothers because there were four firstborn sons in Jacob’s family, this fact would explain the intense hostility and jealousy the coat provoked among the other sons of Jacob. The text specifically notes that “Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his children, because he was the son of his old age; and he had made him a long robe with sleeves. Meanwhile, Joseph was given visions by God showing him that his father's household would bow down to him. Genesis is very emphatic about the fact that ‘Yahweh was with Joseph’. v. 1, indicates the gradual disintegration of the tribe of Reuben, and the rise to prominence of the Joseph division. Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (for he was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel; so that he is not enrolled in the genealogy according to the birthright. Genesis Ch.49,vs. are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine" (verse 5). Joseph was indeed ‘the son of his old age’. THE BIRTHRIGHT . If he does what is right, and if he imitates thee in thy actions, and hearkens to thy teaching, and his behaving is perfect in thy house, and he cares for thy property as if it were his own, seek thou for him every kind of honor. ‘How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against Yahweh?’ – (Genesis 39:9). The name Joshua translated into the Hebrew becomes Yahshua. You can read more about how cookies are used in our Privacy Policy. The king sent and loosed him; even the ruler of the people, and let him go free. Jacob, before his death, took the two sons of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh, and counted them as the two eldest sons of Reuben and Simeon. 5:1, 2, She was spared when Judah was forced to admit that he was the guilty man. This was the man who taught the boy Joseph. THE SCEPTER AND THE BIRTHRIGHT. Birthright Never Given to the Jews. It is somewhat remarkable that when the book of Genesis gives us ‘The generations of Jacob’, it comes to a sudden stop. Birthright also offers support and resources for anyone supporting her journey and wanting to know how they can help. So why did he care so little for his birthright? Strange that Joseph’s birthright son was named Ephraim, which means ‘fruitful’. Nineteenth Edition. Although Joseph was the chief son, yet ‘learned he obedience by the things which he suffered’ – (Hebrews 5:8). Fewer still have understood that these great national material promises were never given to the Jews! 2 And though Judah prevailed over his brothers and a ruler came from him, the birthright belonged to … Judah was bitterly humbled. WEB. FOR Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him came the chief ruler; but the birthright was Joseph’s – (I Chronicles 5:2). Thus, it legally belonged to Jacob. Looking at the characteristics provided in this scripture and other places in Genesis, and comparing them with the historical record and the migrations of peoples, it is clear that these blessings to Joseph were fulfilled in those of American and British descent. Reuben lost his birthright through one act of lust. That the birthright of Reuben is given to Joseph's sons, as is stated in I Chron. Although Moses was given the task of giving the law to the Hebrews in the wilderness, neither he nor Aaron entered ‘the Promised Land’, but Joseph’s son or descendant Joshua was granted that great honor. Since the Bible is word for word the true Word of Yahweh, every occasion that is included in the Bible narrative is there for a specific purpose, not merely for interest or as a story. Ephraim and Manasseh were merely individual tribes among the 12 tribes. Ancient Jews observed the law of the firstborn… or the one who had the birthright. In addition to assuming the leadership role in the family, the recipient of the birthright inherited twice that received by the other sons. v. 1, indicates the gradual disintegration of the tribe of Reuben, and the rise to prominence of the Joseph division. For the remainder of his life, Reuben bore the shame and regret of having lost the prestige and power of being the firstborn son. The ‘generations of Jacob’, it would appear, are in and through Joseph. How often did she give me over to punishment, and then call me back and threaten me: when I was unwilling to company with her, she said to me, “Thou shalt be lord of me, and all that is in my house, if thou wilt give thyself to me, and thou shalt be as our master”. When Reuben proved to be unworthy by committing adultery with Bilhah (see Gen. 35:21–22; Gen. 49:3–4), the birthright went to the firstborn son of the second wife—Joseph, the son of Rachel (see 1 Chr. Reuben's behaviour angered Jacob to the extent that he gave Reuben's birthright (as firstborn) to Joseph: a comment within 1 Chronicles 5:1 makes the same point. Now he sins against his own daughter-in-law. Genesis 49:26 In Genesis 49, besides Judah, one other tribe is given prominence over his brothers—Joseph. We read of this in 1 Chron. In the time of the patriarchs, such blessings acted as a “last will and testament” and were highly prized as a means of revealing God’s will. However, Jacob chose to give Ephraim the greater blessing—even though Joseph objected. . In truth, Jacob bought the birthright from Esau. According to the Targums, the ‘tents’ were really ‘Academies of Learning’, and Jacob is represented as a life-long scholar. Thus Ephraim received the birthright of Joseph, and Joseph received the birthright of Jacob (Israel). Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (for he was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel; so that he is not enrolled in the genealogy according to the birthright. Ferrar Fenton translates this ‘Fly from fornication. The only other mention of this occurs in 1 Chronicles 5:1, where the Chronicler begins, “The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel,” but then adds: “(He was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph, son of Israel, so that he is not enrolled in the genealogy according to the birthright;” Nineteenth Edition. . For Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him came the chief ruler; but the birthright was Joseph’s) (1 Ch 5:1-2) An act of lust. After the father died, or in the father’s absence, the firstborn son assumed the father’s authority and responsibilities. The British peoples, spread throughout the world through an empire and later a commonwealth, represent Ephraim. Twenty-two years later, in the time of the famine, Joseph’s dreams came true. Manasseh was the firstborn (v. 14). Thus, two peoples carrying these blessings would arise from these boys. All of his attention were given to things of the world, and to pleasures of the flesh. According to Jewish tradition, Abraham was born under the name Abram in the city of Ur in Babylonia in the year 1948 from Creation (circa 1800 BCE). But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know. Joseph– “Joseph is a fruitful vine....” (vs. 22). The birthright was instead given to Joseph’s sons (1 Chronicles 5:1). Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (for he was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel; so that he is not enrolled in the genealogy according to the birthright. Reuben (the first born) does not receive the blessings and birthright promises and neither does Judah (as assumed). the birthright was joseph’s By William Helm To arrive at a true picture of today’s events, and to be able to judge properly the significance of each incident as it occurs, it is often necessary to go back, as it were, into the Old Testament and to make a study of parallels, and the experiences of our forefathers. Jacob offered to sell him the soup in exchange for the birthright, and Esau agreed. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren … and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report. WYC. The phrase ‘the son of his old age’ speaks of a future tense, for Benjamin was younger than Joseph. Why was the scepter part of the birthright inheritance given to Judah instead of Joseph? Reuben was the eldest, but the birthright was given to Joseph’s sons. 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