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Genesis 48:9 - Grandfather's divine blessing awaits

Genesis 48:9 - בראשית 48:9

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יוֹסֵף אֶל־אָבִיו בָּנַי הֵם אֲשֶׁר־נָתַן־לִי אֱלֹהִים בָּזֶה וַיֹּאמַר קָחֶם־נָא אֵלַי וַאֲבָרֲכֵם׃

English Translation

And Yosef said to his father, They are my sons, whom God has given me in this place. And he said, Bring them, I pray thee, to me, and I will bless them.

Transliteration

Vayomer Yosef el-aviv banai hem asher-natan-li Elohim bazeh vayomar kachem-na elai va'avarechem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יוֹסֵף֙ אֶל־אָבִ֔יו בָּנַ֣י הֵ֔ם אֲשֶׁר־נָֽתַן־לִ֥י אֱלֹהִ֖ים בָּזֶ֑ה וַיֹּאמַ֕ר קָֽחֶם־נָ֥א אֵלַ֖י וַאֲבָרְכֵֽם׃
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יוֹסֵף֙ אֶל־אָבִ֔יו בָּנַ֣י הֵ֔ם אֲשֶׁר־נָֽתַן־לִ֥י אֱלֹהִ֖ים בָּזֶ֑ה וַיֹּאמַ֕ר קָֽחֶם־נָ֥א אֵלַ֖י וַאֲבָרְכֵֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Yosef's Recognition of Divine Providence

The verse states, "They are my sons, whom God has given me in this place" (בָּנַי הֵם אֲשֶׁר־נָתַן־לִי אֱלֹהִים בָּזֶה). Rashi explains that Yosef emphasizes "in this place" (בָּזֶה) to acknowledge that even in the foreign land of Egypt, where he was separated from his family, Hashem granted him the blessing of children. This reflects Yosef's unwavering faith in Divine Providence, recognizing that his sons, Menashe and Ephraim, were gifts from Hashem despite his challenging circumstances.

Yaakov's Request to Bless Yosef's Sons

When Yaakov says, "Bring them, I pray thee, to me, and I will bless them" (קָחֶם־נָא אֵלַי וַאֲבָרֲכֵם), the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 97:3) highlights that Yaakov sought to bestow upon them the spiritual inheritance of Avraham, Yitzchak, and himself. The term "נָא" (I pray thee) indicates urgency, as Yaakov, sensing his approaching death, wished to ensure the continuity of the covenant through Yosef's descendants.

The Significance of the Blessing

  • Elevation of Yosef's Sons: The Ramban notes that by blessing Menashe and Ephraim, Yaakov elevated them to the status of tribes, equal to his own sons, as seen later in the tribal divisions of Israel (Bamidbar 1:10).
  • Overcoming Exile: The Sforno explains that Yosef's mention of "this place" (Egypt) underscores that even in exile, the Jewish people can thrive spiritually, as evidenced by his righteous sons.
  • Parental Role in Blessing: The Talmud (Moed Katan 28a) derives from this verse that parents have the privilege and responsibility to bless their children, a custom perpetuated in the Friday night parental blessing.

Yaakov's Role as the Conduit of Blessing

The Kli Yakar emphasizes that Yaakov, as the patriarch, served as the channel for Divine blessing. By bringing Yosef's sons close (קָחֶם־נָא אֵלַי), Yaakov demonstrated that blessings are most potent when transmitted through physical proximity and emotional connection, a principle later reflected in the Kohen's blessing (Birkat Kohanim).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 16b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the blessings given by Jacob to Ephraim and Manasseh, highlighting the significance of parental blessings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Yosef mean when he says 'They are my sons, whom God has given me in this place'?
A: Yosef is acknowledging that his two sons, Menashe and Ephraim, were born in Egypt during his time of hardship, yet he recognizes that they are a gift from Hashem. This reflects Yosef's faith that even in exile, Hashem provides blessings (Rashi on Genesis 48:9).
Q: Why did Yaakov want to bless Yosef's sons?
A: Yaakov wanted to bless Menashe and Ephraim because he saw in them great spiritual potential. According to the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 97:1), Yaakov was inspired by the Divine Presence to bless them, elevating them to the status of tribes alongside his own sons.
Q: What can we learn from Yosef bringing his sons to Yaakov for a blessing?
A: We learn the importance of seeking blessings from righteous people, especially parents and grandparents. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 85a) teaches that a parent's blessing has special power, and Yosef understood the spiritual value of Yaakov's bracha for his children's future.
Q: How does this verse relate to the concept of parental blessings today?
A: This verse establishes the tradition of parents blessing their children, which continues today, especially on Shabbat and holidays. The Rambam (Hilchot Berachot 11:5) discusses the importance of parental blessings, showing how Yaakov's act set a precedent for generations.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Yosef's sons were born 'in this place' (Egypt)?
A: The Torah emphasizes this to show that despite being born in exile, Menashe and Ephraim remained connected to their heritage. As Rashi explains, Yosef was saying: Even in impure Egypt, Hashem gave me these pure sons who are worthy of your blessing.