Genesis 49:22-26 – Steadfastness and fruitfulness are linked

Jacob saved his best words for Joseph, who stood head and shoulder over the rest of his brothers. Earlier on hearing that his father was sick, Joseph visited him with his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. During that visit, Jacob formerly adopted Joseph’s two sons and blessed them. In his blessing he gave pre-eminence to the younger son, Ephraim over Manasseh, the older. Then he summoned for the rest of his brothers so that he could say his lasts words over each one of them. We have dealt with his words to all his sons except for Joseph. So here in verse 22, Jacob began pronouncing his blessing over Joseph.

He began by announcing that Joseph was a fruitful and well-watered tree, which had branches full of fruit hanging over the walls. Verses 22-24 view Joseph’s life retrospectively. In talking about the attack of the archer, Jacob was making reference to the vicious attack he experienced at the hands of his brothers, and that of Mrs Potiphar. However, the vicious attacks did not weaken him. He remained strong and firm and true to God and self instead. Everything he did, he honoured and glorified God. The key reason for Joseph’s success was God. His ability came from the power of “The Mighty God of Jacob,” who had also been his shepherd. God has been referenced to as the Mighty God, the Shepherd, the Stone and the Almighty or El Shaddai in these verses. The significance cannot be missed. Joseph’s experience from the pit, to the prison and then to the palace was accompanied by God and His mighty deliverance. 

In verses 24-26, the blessing of Jacob on Joseph looked ahead. He talked about the prospect of his future. Joseph would experience blessings from every which way by God the Almighty, who had guided him thus far. The blessing from above would refer to rain that will fall abundantly on his lot. Joseph would also experience blessings from beneath, these would be springs and water for his land. The blessings of the breasts and of the womb certainly referred to his off-springs. Joseph would have many descendants. The blessing pronounced over Joseph could be summed up in one word – fruitfulness. Incidentally, Ephraim means fruitfulness.

In the blessings Jacob pronounced over his sons, Reuben, Judah and Joseph’s blessings stood out. Reuben was condemned for his unrestrained lust, Judah was blessed after his transformed life and Joseph was blessed for his godliness. How did Joseph get to the place where he was so richly blessed? It could be traced to his steadfastness. From the pit, to the prison and to the palace, Joseph’s steadfastness stood out. And his relationship with God never wavered. He did not allow the low moments or the high moments to alter his allegiance to God. Joseph remained steadfast to the end. We must learn from him. Regardless of the circumstances we encounter in life, our focus must be firmly riveted in God. Learn to be faithful and steadfast, till fruitfulness overtakes us. This is abundant life!