Israel crossed his arms and placed his right hand on the head of the younger Ephraim and his left hand on the head of the eldest Manasseh.
Christopher Francis – Vatican
“Your father is sick,” Joseph was told. Immediately he took his two brothers, Manasseh and Ephraim.
Jacob saw Joseph’s sons and said, “Bring them to me; I bless them.” For Israel’s sight had dimmed with age, and he could see nothing. When Joseph brought them close to him he kissed and embraced them. Then, Joseph dropped his children from his lap and fell on his face to the ground in worship. Then Joseph brought Abraham to Israel’s left with his right hand and Manasseh with his left to Israel’s right and placed them both beside him. But Israel crossed his arms and placed his right hand on the head of the younger Ephraim and his left hand on the head of the eldest Manasseh.
Joseph did not like his father’s right hand on Ephraim’s head. So he tried to take his father’s hand from Ephraim’s head to place it on Manasseh’s head. Joseph said to his father, “Father! This is not correct; He is the eldest son. Put your right hand on his head.” But his father refused and said, “I know, my son. He will also multiply as a people. But, his younger brother is also bigger than him. He said that his descendants will multiply as people. After translating these, their father blessed each of them and gave greetings.
After Jacob had finished giving his orders to his sons, he folded his feet into the bed and died, and was gathered to his people.