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The Stick Of Joseph In The Hand Of Ephraim

Al Foster

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In the tapestry of biblical history, the enigmatic figure of Joseph holds a pivotal place, his life and legacy unfolding as a profound allegory of God's intricate plan for His chosen people. At the heart of Joseph's story lies a curious object – the stick he held in his hand – which carries profound prophetic implications for the tribe of Ephraim and the future of Israel.

Joseph's Stick: A Symbol of Authority and Dominion

In Genesis 49, as the patriarch Jacob lies on his deathbed, he bestows prophetic blessings upon his sons, each one foreshadowing the destiny of the tribe he would father. To Joseph, he prophesies:

> "Joseph is a fruitful vine, > A fruitful vine by a well; > Whose branches run over the wall. > The archers have bitterly grieved him, > Shot at him and hated him. > But his bow remained in strength, > And his arms were supple > By the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob > (From there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel)" (Genesis 49:22-24 NKJV)

The Stick of Joseph in the Hand of Ephraim

by Gordon MacQuarrie

4.7 out of 5

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In this poetic imagery, Jacob compares Joseph to a flourishing vine that extends its branches beyond its enclosure, symbolizing his far-reaching authority and dominion. The archers who attack him represent the challenges and adversity he faced, but his bow and arms remain strong, empowered by the mighty God of Jacob.

The stick in Joseph's hand becomes an extension of this authority, a symbol of his leadership and the divine favor that rests upon him. As Joseph becomes governor of Egypt, the stick serves as a tangible representation of his power, a scepter by which he directs the affairs of a great nation.

The Tribe of Ephraim: Joseph's Inheritance

Before his death, Joseph prophetically blesses his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. To Ephraim, he declares:

> "May God make you fruitful and increase your numbers; > May you become a multitude of nations; > And may the blessing of the Lord be upon the wild mountains > And on the utmost bounds of the everlasting hills" (Deuteronomy 33:17 NKJV)

This blessing indicates that the tribe of Ephraim would become a powerful and numerous nation, possessing a vast territory that would extend from the mountains to the distant hills. Significantly, Jacob places the stick of Joseph in Ephraim's hand, signifying that the authority and dominion held by Joseph would be inherited by his descendants.

Ephraim's Role in Israel's Future

In the prophetic visions of the book of Ezekiel, Ephraim emerges as a central figure in the restoration and reunification of Israel. In Ezekiel 37, the prophet describes a vision of a valley filled with dry bones, representing the scattered and dispossessed people of Israel. As the bones come together and are clothed with flesh, God prophesies the resurrection of His people and their return to their land.

> "And I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken it and performed it," says the Lord" (Ezekiel 37:14 NKJV)

In this vision, Ephraim plays a leading role in the regathering of the tribes. The Lord declares:

> "Thus says the Lord God: "Surely I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel, his companions; and I will join them with it, with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they will be one in My hand"' (Ezekiel 37:19 NKJV)

The merging of the stick of Joseph and the stick of Judah symbolizes the unification of the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel under the leadership of Ephraim. Ephraim, entrusted with the inheritance and authority of Joseph, becomes the conduit through which God's restoration plan for His people is fulfilled.

The Prophetic Significance: A Call to Leadership and Unity

The Stick of Joseph in the Hand of Ephraim serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises and the prophetic role of Ephraim in the future of Israel. It challenges us to embrace the authority we have been given in Christ, to exercise leadership with integrity and compassion, and to work towards the unity and restoration of God's people.

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Image 1: Joseph holding a wooden stick, symbolizing his authority and dominion
Image 2: Israelites gathered around the dry bones, representing the rebirth of the nation
Image 3: Ephraim and Judah holding the combined stick, representing the reunification of Israel

The Stick of Joseph in the Hand of Ephraim

by Gordon MacQuarrie

4.7 out of 5