Jacob singles out the sons of Joseph saying that Manasseh will become a nation and Ephraim will become a group of nations.

Jacob pronounces blessings on his sons. Their sins are not forgotten in the blessings that are given out. Reuben slept with Rachel’s maidservant. The men of Shechem were killed by Simeon and Levi. They are held accountable when the time comes for the blessings. It is at this point that Judah is given the scepter promise, the line of kingship. Later the kings will rightfully come only from the line of Judah.

Joseph’s response to his brothers concern that he held a grudge against them is laid to rest when Joseph makes this great statement, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good…”
How many times in our lives can we look back on events in our lives that seemed at the time to be devastating and yet God intended it for good?