At he nears death, Israel asks Joseph to bury him in the land of his fathers.  He seals it with, "put your hand under my thigh and promise..."  making the oath by confirming the covenant of circumcision.

Jacob blesses his sons, the 12 tribes of Israel.

Click on this link (or copy and paste this link) for a beautiful video showing the banners for the 12 tribes of Israel. The pictures were taken at a Messianic Jew conference in Portland Oregon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZKkln_GeLM

Jacob singles out the sons of Joseph saying that Manasseh will become a nation and Ephraim will become a group of nations. Joseph was Jacob's favorite son so Joseph's sons are also favored.  At Joseph's death, these two sons not only have their own blessings from Jacob but will inherit Joseph's blessings as well.

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.  While we may not understand the fairness of these blessings, in God's eyes, they are just.  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. Pay careful attention to the blessings of Judah. Can you see a connection there with Jesus? Check out verse 10 in Chapter 49, "until he comes to whom it belongs" . KJV says "until Shiloh comes". Shiloh is the name of the Messiah in the Jewish Talmud. Hmmm....

Verse 11 - He will tether his donkey to a vine, his colt to the choicest branch;
The Hebrew definition for vine is Israel (figuratively). God, the Father chose Israel. His Son chose those who will believe in Him (that would be us). Hmmm....again....

See other connections???

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? Time to take another look back at our lives???