Genesis 48:8-16

8When Israel saw Joseph’s sons, he asked, “Who are these?”

9Joseph said to his father, “They are the sons God has given me in this place.” His father said, “Bring them to me so I may bless them.”

10Now Israel’s eyes were failing because of his age; he was not able to see well. So Joseph brought his sons near to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them.

11Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see you again, but now God has allowed me to see your children too.”

12So Joseph moved them from Israel’s knees and bowed down with his face to the ground.

13Joseph positioned them; he put Ephraim on his right hand across from Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh on his left hand across from Israel’s right hand. Then Joseph brought them closer to his father.

14Israel stretched out his right hand and placed it on Ephraim’s head, although he was the younger. Crossing his hands, he put his left hand on Manasseh’s head, for Manasseh was the firstborn.

15Then he blessed Joseph and said, “May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked – the God who has been my shepherd all my life long to this day,

16the Angel who has protected me from all harm – bless these boys. May my name be named in them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac. May they grow into a multitude on the earth.”