ESV Reformation Study Bible – Gen 48:17–20
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Gen 48:17–20

48:17–20 An explanatory notice appended here to the ritual so as not to interrupt the narrative (v. 1 note).

younger brother shall be greater. Against social convention, the younger is blessed, as in the divine choices of Isaac over Ishmael (17:18, 19), Jacob over Esau (25:23), and Joseph over Reuben (v. 1 note). God’s sovereign choice overrode the natural ways of men (cf. Is. 55:8, 9).