Genesis chs.47 to 50

"VaYechi"
AND HE LIVED

VaYechi
This weeks portion is named after the expression translated as lived in the first verse.

The notes below were used as a textual guide for the following broadcast: VaYechi: The Blessings to Ephraim and Manasseh and the Tribes of Israel (ca. 47 minutes)

s.1
[Genesis 47:28] AND JACOB LIVED IN THE LAND OF EGYPT SEVENTEEN YEARS: SO THE WHOLE AGE OF JACOB WAS AN HUNDRED FORTY AND SEVEN YEARS.
 
[Genesis 47:29] AND THE TIME DREW NIGH THAT ISRAEL MUST DIE: AND HE CALLED HIS SON JOSEPH, AND SAID UNTO HIM, IF NOW I HAVE FOUND GRACE IN THY SIGHT, PUT, I PRAY THEE, THY HAND UNDER MY THIGH, AND DEAL KINDLY AND TRULY WITH ME; BURY ME NOT, I PRAY THEE, IN EGYPT:

His seed was destined to inherit the Holy Land and he wished to at least be buried there.
<<I PRAY THEE>>: In Hebrew "NA". Yehudah Kiel (Daat Mikra, "Sefer Breaishit") points out that in Hebrew this word can mean both "please" (i.e. "I pray thee") and "now" and that here possibly both meanings are intended.
"NA" in Biblical Hebrew can mean "now" in English is listed as derived from the Old English "nu" and before that it probably did come from the Hebrew "na".

[Genesis 47:30] BUT I WILL LIE WITH MY FATHERS, AND THOU SHALT CARRY ME OUT OF EGYPT, AND BURY ME IN THEIR BURYINGPLACE. AND HE SAID, I WILL DO AS THOU HAST SAID.                     
 
[Genesis 47:31] AND HE SAID, SWEAR UNTO ME. AND HE SWARE UNTO HIM. AND ISRAEL BOWED HIMSELF UPON THE BED'S HEAD.                     
 
[Genesis 48:1] AND IT CAME TO PASS AFTER THESE THINGS, THAT ONE TOLD JOSEPH, BEHOLD, THY FATHER IS SICK: AND HE TOOK WITH HIM HIS TWO SONS, MANASSEH AND EPHRAIM.                     
 
[Genesis 48:2] AND ONE TOLD JACOB, AND SAID, BEHOLD, THY SON JOSEPH COMETH UNTO THEE: AND ISRAEL STRENGTHENED HIMSELF, AND SAT UPON THE BED.                     
 
[Genesis 48:3] AND JACOB SAID UNTO JOSEPH, GOD ALMIGHTY APPEARED UNTO ME AT LUZ IN THE LAND OF CANAAN, AND BLESSED ME,
 
[Genesis 48:4] AND SAID UNTO ME, BEHOLD, I WILL MAKE THEE FRUITFUL, AND MULTIPLY THEE, AND I WILL MAKE OF THEE A MULTITUDE OF PEOPLE; AND WILL GIVE THIS LAND TO THY SEED AFTER THEE FOR AN EVERLASTING POSSESSION.
 
[Genesis 48:5] AND NOW THY TWO SONS, EPHRAIM AND MANASSEH, WHICH WERE BORN UNTO THEE IN THE LAND OF EGYPT BEFORE I CAME UNTO THEE INTO EGYPT, ARE MINE; AS REUBEN AND SIMEON, THEY SHALL BE MINE.                     
 
[Genesis 48:6] AND THY ISSUE, WHICH THOU BEGETTEST AFTER THEM, SHALL BE THINE, AND SHALL BE CALLED AFTER THE NAME OF THEIR BRETHREN IN THEIR INHERITANCE.

BEGETTEST. Hebrew "holadetca" in the past tense. According to Onkelos (35-120 CE), Iben Ezra (1080-1164), Nachmanides (1194-127), Radak (1160-1235), HaNatziv (1817-1893), and others Joseph had sons apart from Ephraim and Manasseh. Opinion is divided as to whether these sons were born before this present blessing or after it.
Nachmanides believes he had had already other sons and was destined to have still more.
Nachmanides [on Genesis 48:15]:

##...that his other sons should be named after their brothers [Ephraim and Manasseh] and blessed as well in their blessing..."THY ISSUE, WHICH THOU [have already] BEGETTEST AFTER THEM, SHALL BE THINE". These words would not have been uttered in vain.##

Nachmanides is saying that since the blessing expressly mentions Joseph having other sons apart from Ephraim and Manasseh then he must have had them.
Why else would they be mentioned?
These other sons were assimilated into either Ephraim or Manasseh. This accounts for the apparent discrepancies between the accounts in Chronicles and those of Genesis 46 and Numbers 26. Chronicles lists the other sons who were counted as clans and families in Ephraim or Manasseh under the headings of either of the two.

[Genesis 48:7] AND AS FOR ME, WHEN I CAME FROM PADAN, RACHEL DIED BY ME IN THE LAND OF CANAAN IN THE WAY, WHEN YET THERE WAS BUT A LITTLE WAY TO COME UNTO EPHRATH: AND I BURIED HER THERE IN THE WAY OF EPHRATH; THE SAME IS BETHLEHEM. 

There were two places called Beth-Lehem, one to the north of Jerusalem somewhere between Ramallah and Shiloh and one to the south of Jerusalem in the territory of Judah. The place known as Beth-Lehem today is south of Jerusalem.

 [Genesis 48:8] AND ISRAEL BEHELD JOSEPH'S SONS, AND SAID, WHO ARE THESE?

Adapted from "Ephraim":
 
ISAIAH AND THE RETURN OF THE LOST TEN TRIBES
 
The Lost Ten Tribes will also return. The Jews of Judah will meet the return of the Lost Ten Tribes with mixed reactions:
 
ISAIAH (49:21) DESCRIBES HOW THE JEWISH PEOPLE UPON SEEING MASSES OF LOST ISRAELITES RETURNING TO THE HOLY LAND WILL HAVE A SERIOUS QUESTION:
 
            "THEN SHALT THOU SAY IN THY HEART, WHO HATH BEGOTTEN ME THESE, SEEING I HAVE LOST MY CHILDREN, AND AM DESOLATE, A CAPTIVE, AND REMOVING TO AND FRO? AND WHO HATH BROUGHT UP THESE ? BEHOLD, I WAS LEFT ALONE; THESE WHERE HAD THEY BEEN?" (Isaiah 49:21)
 
In other words, the Jews will ask where were all those now identified as Israel when the Jews needed help and were alone?
            On the one hand those few people among the Gentiles as individuals who have helped the Jews have more often than not belonged to the Lost Ten Tribes. Nations that have been the most favorable towards the Jews have been those in which descendants of the Lost Ten Tribes are dominant. On the other hand these nations were powerful and rich ones and they could have done much more to help than they did. There were times even when the Lost Ten Tribes had acted as the adversaries of Judah.
            A reflection on this future conundrum is provided by a passage in the Zohar.                 
            "The Zohar" is a collection of writings mainly purporting to transcribe the ethical and mystical teachings of certain Talmudic sages of the 2nd century CE. Some modern scholars now claim it was written in Spain in the 1270s CE when it was first revealed. This claim is mistaken but some re-writing of much older material did take place. Previously "The Zohar" was thought by savants to be the culmination over many decades, even centuries, of a continuous editing process of mystical works. The present general orthodox view is that the Zohar was written close to the events it purports to describe, i.e. around the 100s CE. The Zohar certainly does reflect ancient traditions and insights of a primordial nature.  Even if it was not written at an early date it contains genuine traditions from ancient times.
            Most Orthodox Jews who study "The Zohar" consider it to be inspired. You may take it or leave it but the work does contain insights into Scripture worth considering.  It contains observations of value for the understanding of Scripture and also concerning the LOST TEN TRIBES. The Zohar (Breishit, VaYechi, 88m, Sulam edition) comments on the expression WHO HATH BEGOTTEN ME THESE " [Hebrew: "Eyleh"] in the verse we are here concerned with (Isaiah 49:21). The Zohar notes an emphasis in the question on the Hebrew word translated as " THESE " i.e. "Eyleh":
 
            The verse says: "THEN SHALT THOU SAY IN THY HEART, WHO HATH BEGOTTEN ME THESE , SEEING I HAVE LOST MY CHILDREN, AND AM DESOLATE, A CAPTIVE, AND REMOVING TO AND FRO? AND WHO HATH BROUGHT UP THESE ? BEHOLD, I WAS LEFT ALONE; THESE WHERE HAD THEY BEEN?" (Isaiah 49:21)
 
            The Zohar emphasizes the emphasis on the expression these: "WHO HATH BEGOTTEN ME THESE .....? AND WHO HATH BROUGHT UP THESE ...THESE , WHERE HAD THEY BEEN?"
            The Zohar then refers back to the time when the Patriarch Israel was about to die and his son Joseph had brought his grandsons, Ephraim and Menasseh, to him to receive a final blessing.
 
            "WHEN ISRAEL SAW JOSEPH'S SONS, HE SAID, WHO ARE THESE ?" (Genesis 48:8).
 
            [Said Rabbi Yehudah bar Shalom, "And why did he did he not   recognize them?" Had he not been familiar with them?... "And now he asks, Who are these?"..."But rather he must have foreseen [through Divine Inspiration] Jeroboam son of Nebat and Ahab son of Omri [both future kings of the northern separated Ten-Tribes of Israel] who would arise from Ephraim and worship idolatry" Midrash Tanchuma, VaYichi,6.]
 
  The Zohar relates:
            "Rabbi Abba began to explain [the above question of the Patriarch Israel, "Who are these?"] by relating it to [the verse in Isaiah 49;21] "then shalt thou  say in thy heart: `Who hath begotten me these?': What does this verse imply?
            -That the Heavenly Patriarch Israel foresaw the Children of Israel assembling before him in the future: `In that day the LORD shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people which shall be left [FROM ASSYRIA, AND FROM MITSRAYIM, AND FROM PATHROS, AND FROM CUSH, AND] FROM ELAM, AND FROM HAMATH, AND FROM THE ISLES OF THE SEA" (Isaiah 11:11).
 
            The above place names are those to where the Lost Ten Tribes were taken or went shortly after their Exile. Isaiah continues to speak of the ingathering of the Lost Tribes as well as that of Judah and of reconciliation between the Lost Tribes and Judah:
 
[Isaiah 11:12] HE WILL RAISE AN ENSIGN FOR THE NATIONS, AND WILL ASSEMBLE THE OUTCASTS OF ISRAEL, AND GATHER THE DISPERSED OF JUDAH FROM THE FOUR CORNERS OF THE EARTH.                     
 
[Isaiah 11:13] THE JEALOUSY OF EPHRAIM SHALL DEPART, AND THOSE WHO HARASS JUDAH SHALL BE CUT OFF; EPHRAIM SHALL NOT BE JEALOUS OF JUDAH, AND JUDAH SHALL NOT HARASS EPHRAIM.
 
            The question concerning these therefore refers to the Lost Ten Tribes (Ephraim) in the End Times.
            The Zohar goes on to explain Isaiah 49:21, the question "WHO HATH BEGOTTEN ME THESE ?"
 
            "And they shall assemble together and be multitudinous; the Divine Presence [i.e. Heavenly Israel] will wonder and ask, `Where did you all come from?'
`And is it not possible that there exists amongst you someone blemished, of foreign seed?'
"They will answer, `We are all your sons. There is no foreigner amongst us'.
            "And they will divide off from each other. The foreign non Israelite element will voluntarily separate from them, and they [i.e. the returning Israelites] will be circumcised, and convert, and these converts will return with [and to] Israel, and they shall be one."
 
            In other words the Zohar says that the returning Israelites will be renew the Covenant and be re-united with Israel meaning (in terms of the Zohar) with the Jewish people. In Biblical terms Israel can mean all of the 12 tribes together or it can mean the Lost Tribes (Israel) as distinct from Judah or it can stand for the Jews and Judah alone. In religious terms Israel can mean those of Israel who did not lose their identity meaning Judah. In this case members of the Lost Ten Tribes will be rejoined to the spiritual reality of Israel represented by the Jews of Judah.

[Genesis 48:9] AND JOSEPH SAID UNTO HIS FATHER, THEY ARE MY SONS, WHOM GOD HATH GIVEN ME IN THIS PLACE. AND HE SAID, BRING THEM, I PRAY THEE, UNTO ME, AND I WILL BLESS THEM.                     
 
s.2
[Genesis 48:10] NOW THE EYES OF ISRAEL WERE DIM FOR AGE, SO THAT HE COULD NOT SEE. AND HE BROUGHT THEM NEAR UNTO HIM; AND HE KISSED THEM, AND EMBRACED THEM.
 
[Genesis 48:11] AND ISRAEL SAID UNTO JOSEPH, I HAD NOT THOUGHT TO SEE THY FACE: AND, LO, GOD HATH SHEWED ME ALSO THY SEED.
 
[Genesis 48:12] AND JOSEPH BROUGHT THEM OUT FROM BETWEEN HIS KNEES, AND HE BOWED HIMSELF WITH HIS FACE TO THE EARTH.
 
[Genesis 48:13] AND JOSEPH TOOK THEM BOTH, EPHRAIM IN HIS RIGHT HAND TOWARD ISRAEL'S LEFT HAND, AND MANASSEH IN HIS LEFT HAND TOWARD ISRAEL'S RIGHT HAND, AND BROUGHT THEM NEAR UNTO HIM.
 
[Genesis 48:14] AND ISRAEL STRETCHED OUT HIS RIGHT HAND, AND LAID IT UPON EPHRAIM'S HEAD, WHO WAS THE YOUNGER, AND HIS LEFT HAND UPON MANASSEH'S HEAD, GUIDING HIS HANDS WITTINGLY; FOR MANASSEH WAS THE FIRSTBORN.

The Bible (Genesis 48:8-17) tells us that Joseph brought his two sons Ephraim and Manasseh to receive a blessing from Jacob.
Manasseh was the older and Joseph placed him to his left facing the right-hand side of Jacob.
Ephraim was the younger so Joseph placed him to his right facing the left-hand side of Jacob.
Jacob however crossed his hands over. He placed his righthand on the head of Ephraim and his left on the hand of Manasseh. He placed Ephraim before Manasseh. He did not however change the position of the boys. Manasseh remained on his right and Ephraim on his left. There are Rabbinical explanations that say the crossing over of the hands did not change the relative importance of the two but it did change the time schedule. From now on Ephraim was to receive his blessing BEFORE Manasseh.
Britain is Ephraim and has the characteristics of Ephraim. Manasseh was to become great AFTER Ephraim.
The USA is Manasseh and time-wise it did become great after Britain had enjoyed its power peak for quite some time.
In the blessing of Jacob to the boys:
Ephraim was to the right of Joseph facing the left side of Jacob.
Manasseh was to the left of Joseph facing the right side of Jacob.
The "Bnei Yissachar"(Tzvi Elimelech Shapira of Dinov (1784-1840) writes:

##Why did Jacob not command that Manasseh be placed on his left side and Ephraim on his right?
Why did Jacob have to cross his hands over?
The truth is that Manasseh is the firstborn!
This is why it says "GUIDING HIS HAND WITTINGLY" (Genesis 48:14). He did not change Manasseh over to the left side) for in truth Manasseh is the firstborn and the most important but he put Ephraim before Manasseh concerning the chronological precedence##.

This Sage is saying that: Manasseh remained on the right hand side of Jacob. He fulfilled the destiny of Jacob and expressed more the inner being of Jacob. The left hand of Jacob was on the head of Manasseh. The left hand is the weaker hand and the slower one. It indicated that Manasseh would be slower to reach fruition.

Fishel Mael ("Hashevetim" p.490) based on the above and other sources comments:

##The order of placing of the sons was important both in regards to their positioning concerning Joseph and in that concerning Jacob. Concerning Joseph....Ephraim is the one who fulfills his place and most continues his path...Therefore Joseph set Ephraim on his right-hand side to show that Ephraim is the main principle of his might and the continuer of his path...However concerning Jacob it is just the opposite. Manasseh is closer ... to the path of Jacob...Jacob however guided his hands wittingly to indicate that the greatness of Manasseh would not be revealed so soon...Jacob agreed only that Manasseh remain at his right-hand side for he is destined to complete the quality ...of Jacob himself in the building of the Third Temple##.

The USA is Manasseh. Britain is Ephraim. The USA became great AFTER Britain.
This was what the blessing and the change of hands entailed.
Manasseh was to become great AFTER Ephraim!
Britain is Ephraim and has the characteristics of Ephraim. Manasseh was to become great AFTER Ephraim.
The USA is Manasseh. The USA became great AFTER Britain.

[Genesis 48:15] AND HE BLESSED JOSEPH, AND SAID, GOD, BEFORE WHOM MY FATHERS ABRAHAM AND ISAAC DID WALK, THE GOD WHICH FED ME ALL MY LIFE LONG UNTO THIS DAY,
 
[Genesis 48:16] THE ANGEL WHICH REDEEMED ME FROM ALL EVIL, BLESS THE LADS; AND LET MY NAME BE NAMED ON THEM, AND THE NAME OF MY FATHERS ABRAHAM AND ISAAC; AND LET THEM GROW INTO A MULTITUDE IN THE MIDST OF THE EARTH.

It says that Jacob blessed Joseph but then it does not say any specific blessing to Joseph only to his children. The Commentary "Tosafoth Brochah" (R. Baruch ben Yechiel Michel HaLevi Epstein, 1860-1942) explains this to show that when the children are blessed so is the parent.

 
s.3
[Genesis 48:17] AND WHEN JOSEPH SAW THAT HIS FATHER LAID HIS RIGHT HAND UPON THE HEAD OF EPHRAIM, IT DISPLEASED HIM: AND HE HELD UP HIS FATHER'S HAND, TO REMOVE IT FROM EPHRAIM'S HEAD UNTO MANASSEH'S HEAD.
 
[Genesis 48:18] AND JOSEPH SAID UNTO HIS FATHER, NOT SO, MY FATHER: FOR THIS IS THE FIRSTBORN; PUT THY RIGHT HAND UPON HIS HEAD.
 
[Genesis 48:19] AND HIS FATHER REFUSED, AND SAID, I KNOW IT, MY SON, I KNOW IT: HE ALSO SHALL BECOME A PEOPLE, AND HE ALSO SHALL BE GREAT: BUT TRULY HIS YOUNGER BROTHER SHALL BE GREATER THAN HE, AND HIS SEED SHALL BECOME A MULTITUDE OF NATIONS.

HIS YOUNGER BROTHER: Commentators say that Ephraim was the more humble. They emphasize that BOTH brothers received a blessing and that there was no jealousy between the two.
This blessing poses a problem for our viewpoints. In every other case (up to now) all our proposals have been seen to conform well with Biblical and general evidence.
In this case we had reached the conclusion that the USA is dominated by Menasseh and Britain (with its daughters) by Ephraim.
This present verse however says that Ephraim would be far more numerous than Menasseh. The USA is more than Britain and her offshoots or at least just as numerous if from the population of the USA probable non-Israelite elements are detracted. There are groups that claim that the USA is Ephraim and Britain is Menasseh. Also many people in the USA (including numerous Mormons) have a tradition that they are descended from Ephraim.
The blessing was that Ephraim was to be far more numerous than Menasseh. This is repeated in Deuteronomy: HIS GLORY IS LIKE THE FIRSTLING OF HIS BULLOCK, AND HIS HORNS ARE LIKE THE HORNS OF UNICORNS: WITH THEM HE SHALL PUSH THE PEOPLE TOGETHER TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH: AND THEY ARE THE TEN THOUSANDS OF EPHRAIM, AND THEY ARE THE THOUSANDS OF MANASSEH":[Deut 33:17].
 
Nevertheless there are Rabbinical Commentators that appear to modify the comparison:
The Commentary HaEmek Davar OF THE NATZIV (Rabbi Zvu Naphtali Berlin) points out:
<<In spiritual matters Ephraim takes precedence therefore he was recorded first in the Wilderness Encampment (Numbers 2:18) and in the consecration of the altar. In the ways of this world however Menasseh was primary. This is why Menasseh was counted first in the census just before they were entered the Land (Numbers 26:29). Menasseh was the leader of Ephraim in affairs of this world>> (Natziv on Numbers 2:20).
 
The Malbim says: <<[Genesis 48:19] AND HIS FATHER REFUSED, AND SAID, I KNOW IT, MY SON, I KNOW IT: He clarified that there is a difference between Ephraim and Menasseh. The greatness of Ephraim will be qualitative whereas that of Menasseh will be one of quantity. It sometimes happens that one man is equal to an entire people due to his elevated level and the intensity of his spirituality.the greatness of Menasseh however would be due to the large numbers of people he would have due to his natural blessings.>>
From the above it appears as if the two Commentators thought that Menasseh would be the most numerous and the most powerful whereas the advantage of Ephraim was qualitative. This is even more perplexing since it appears to contradict the simple meaning of the texts and the Commentators quoted never really do this.
 
The Radak (Kimchi) remarked: <<When they came out of Egypt Ephraim was more numerous than Menasseh. By the time they were about to enter the Land however Menasseh was more plentiful. The word GREATER [in the verse:  BUT TRULY HIS YOUNGER BROTHER SHALL BE GREATER THAN HE] therefore expresses greatness and exaltness. Joshua the son of Nun was from Ephraim, Prophecy and the Kingdom of Israel were from Ephraim. The Kingdom of Israel was named after Ephraim. All the people of the Kingdom of [Northern] Israel called themselves after "Ephraim" and were referred to as "Ephraim", as it says Ephraim shall not be jealous of Judah (Isaiah 11:13).>>
Many of Ephraim in effect settled amongst Menasseh in Biblical times.
We have traced Ephraim to Britain and also to many in the south of the USA even though the USA is dominated by Menasseh.

In "Joseph" we quote from a Great Rabbinical Commentary alongside our own understanding that the Hebrew language of the Script and the symbolic positioning of the sons Ephraim and Manasseh in receiving their belessings indicated that Manasseh would become great AFTER Ephraim.

Whatever the Commentators say and what we would like to say (to be consistent in our claims) the simple sense of Scripture says that Ephraim would be more numerous than Menasseh.
 
It may be that (as the Radak pointed out) things change from time to time as happened in Biblical times. Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, possibly portions of Europe, a portion of the Jews, and much of South Africa pertain to Ephraim. Many from Ephraim also dwell in the USA though the USA has the characteristics of Menasseh and is predominantly a Nation belonging to Menasseh. It may however be that numerically Ephraim is still more numerous. It was also pointed out that the Commentators consider the advantage of Ephraim to be more qualitative and spiritual whereas Menasseh had the material advantages. This explanation resolves many difficulties and shows how the blessings to Ephraim can also be applied as explanations for the American reality.
We believe the USA to be Menasseh since:
 Groups belonging to Menasseh from Britain dominated the early migrants to the USA who determined the national character.
The type of government (Responsible Representation) and values of the USA are epitomized by the Hebrew meaning of the name Menasseh.
The very name "America" is a derivation of the Hebrew name Machir who was the son of Menasseh. "Machir" in Hebrew connotes the Principle of Capitalism which in effect is an American Concept.
The bottom line is: Britain and its former Dominions are dominated by Ephraim; the USA also includes many descendants of Ephraim though the national characteristics are determined by Menasseh.

"HIS SEED SHALL BECOME A MULTITUDE OF NATIONS": In Hebrew "malo hagoim" or literally the fullness of nations.
Onkelos translates this as saying that his seed will rule over the nations.
Iben Ezra says it means that many peoples will emerge from him.
Brit-Am understands the expression to mean that other nations will be dependent upon him for their very existence.

For more on the question of the USA being Manassah and Brtitain and her Daughters Ephraim see:

"Why the USA is Manasseh: A Summation"

"Will the Real Ephraim Please Stand Up?"

"NAMES LINKED WITH THE SONS OF JOSEPH"

"Is the USA Ephraim or Manasseh?"

"EPHRAIM SHALL BECOME A MULTITUDE OF NATIONS"

[Genesis 48:20] AND HE BLESSED THEM THAT DAY, SAYING, IN THEE SHALL ISRAEL BLESS, SAYING, GOD MAKE THEE AS EPHRAIM AND AS MANASSEH: AND HE SET EPHRAIM BEFORE MANASSEH.
 
[Genesis 48:21] AND ISRAEL SAID UNTO JOSEPH, BEHOLD, I DIE: BUT GOD SHALL BE WITH YOU, AND BRING YOU AGAIN UNTO THE LAND OF YOUR FATHERS.
 
[Genesis 48:22] MOREOVER I HAVE GIVEN TO THEE ONE PORTION ABOVE THY BRETHREN, WHICH I TOOK OUT OF THE HAND OF THE AMORITE WITH MY SWORD AND WITH MY BOW.

"PORTION" in Hebrew Schechem. A play on words since Schechem was also the name of a city that Jacob and his sons had conquered and that was destined to be apportioned to Menasseh of Joseph

s.4
[Genesis 49:1] AND JACOB CALLED UNTO HIS SONS, AND SAID, GATHER YOURSELVES TOGETHER, THAT I MAY TELL YOU THAT WHICH SHALL BEFALL YOU IN THE LAST DAYS.

IN THE LAST DAYS: This prophecy was pertinent to the Latter Time prior to the Messianic Era. Many believe that we are in the times spoken of. The Commentary "Sfat Emet" (R. Yehudah Arye Leib of Gur, 1847-1895) points out that these final blessings follow on from the blessing to Joseph and that in effect all the tribes receive their blessing through that given to Joseph.

[Genesis 49:2] GATHER YOURSELVES TOGETHER, AND HEAR, YE SONS OF JACOB; AND HEARKEN UNTO ISRAEL YOUR FATHER.                     
 
[Genesis 49:3] REUBEN, THOU ART MY FIRSTBORN, MY MIGHT, AND THE BEGINNING OF MY STRENGTH, THE EXCELLENCY OF DIGNITY, AND THE EXCELLENCY OF POWER:                     
 
[Genesis 49:4] UNSTABLE AS WATER, THOU SHALT NOT EXCEL; BECAUSE THOU WENTEST UP TO THY FATHERS BED; THEN DEFILEDST THOU IT: HE WENT UP TO MY COUCH.

We identify Reuben with France. The Zohar said this verse referred to a future attempt by Reuben to conquer Jerusalem and fighting in Israel. The Franks (French) led the Crusades that did conquer Jerusalem for awhile. Will the French participate in a future attempted European intervention in Israel?
 
Another person claimed that Reuben was also present amongst the Pathans of Afghanistan. In the past we were always AGAINST claims concerning the possibility of Israelites in Afghanistan since the information we had nullified them. We spoke against such claims in our work The Tribes. We considered such claims dangerous and misleading. We still do, to a degree. Some of the evidence produced has been shown to be very doubtful. At present however (though we still do not accept such claims and remain very wary) new evidence produced to us suggests that the subject should be re-examined. There may (or may not) yet remain a small number of Israelites in Afghanistan. We are re-examining the subject but are doubtful of its outcome. The people of Afghanistan on the whole do not meet Brit-Am Criteria or rather Criteria that Brit-Am recognizes since Brit-Am of itself does not and cannot decide anything on this matters. The real deciding factor is objective reality.

[Genesis 49:5] SIMEON AND LEVI ARE BRETHREN; INSTRUMENTS OF CRUELTY ARE IN THEIR HABITATIONS.

Simeon = mainly Celts (Irish, Welsh, Bretons a lot in Quebec)
Levi = mainly amongst the Jews.
Also many teachers and policemen from Simeon and Levi. Many policemen in the USA of Irish descent (Simeon and Dan?) and quite a few Levis in the present Israeli police and security forces.
 INSTRUMENTS OF CRUELTY in Hebrew clei chamas i.e. tools of violence.
Police brutality? Do not get me wrong. Many policemen are very brave, dedicated, and self-sacrificing people sometimes of heroic proportions. They also sometimes in some cases (all over the world) have a darker side.

[Genesis 49:6] O MY SOUL, COME NOT THOU INTO THEIR SECRET; UNTO THEIR ASSEMBLY, MINE HONOUR, BE NOT THOU UNITED: FOR IN THEIR ANGER THEY SLEW A MAN, AND IN THEIR SELFWILL THEY DIGGED DOWN A WALL.

THEY SLEW A MAN the menfolk of Schechem?
A WALL in Hebrew shor. The same word also means bull and a bull symbolizes Joseph. England is nicknamed John Bull.

[Genesis 49:7] CURSED BE THEIR ANGER, FOR IT WAS FIERCE; AND THEIR WRATH, FOR IT WAS CRUEL: I WILL DIVIDE THEM IN JACOB, AND SCATTER THEM IN ISRAEL.                     
 
[Genesis 49:8] JUDAH, THOU ART HE WHOM THY BRETHREN SHALL PRAISE: THY HAND SHALL BE IN THE NECK OF THINE ENEMIES; THY FATHER'S CHILDREN SHALL BOW DOWN BEFORE THEE.

In the last days the righteousness of the faith of Judah will be acknowledged:
"In those days ten men out of all the languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you" (Zechariah 8:23).
 
Before he died Israel blessed his sons. He said unto Judah Yehudah Atah Yoduchah Acheecha (In Genesis 49:9)
This is translated in the KJ as Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise... but actually in Hebrew the verse says: Yehudah, you are he whom your brothers shall acknowledge the righteousness of: The key word  Yoducha [translated in the KJ as shall praise] means acknowledge the righteousness of i.e. the brothers of Judah, the other tribes, the tribes that went into exile and lost their identity, that did not keep the law are destined to acknowledge that Judah had been in the right.

[Genesis 49:9] JUDAH IS A LION'S WHELP: FROM THE PREY, MY SON, THOU ART GONE UP: HE STOOPED DOWN, HE COUCHED AS A LION, AND AS AN OLD LION; WHO SHALL ROUSE HIM UP?

OLD LION: When Judah was a young nation it was formidable. In the centuries of Exile the Jews had to adapt to both appearing and actually being weak. This was necessary for survival. When you are outnumbered, and your women and children , old and infirm etc are in bondage you cannot afford to become a dead hero. Centuries of this situation takes its own price.
As sheep to the slaughter.
Even so, the potential is still there. Judah is still capable of surprising everybody. You never can tell. The present State of Israel has here and there demonstrated that the Jews have potential. An old lion is best not provoked.
Stephen Collins points out that this verse refers to the Present State of Israel which has aspects of both an Ancient Past and a Young Nation.

[Genesis 49:10] THE SCEPTRE SHALL NOT DEPART FROM JUDAH, NOR A LAWGIVER FROM BETWEEN HIS  FEET, UNTIL SHILOH COME; AND UNTO HIM SHALL THE GATHERING OF THE PEOPLE BE.

SHILOH COME usually explained to mean the Messiah.
Menasseh ben Israel was a friend of Oliver Cromwell.  He was also a friend of John Sadler who wrote a book identifying English traditional institutions with those of ancient Israel. Menasseh was the Chief Rabbi of Holland.
Menasseh ben Israel explained the above verse (n his book Conciliator) as:
<<[Genesis 49:10] THE SCEPTRE SHALL NOT DEPART FROM JUDAH,
i.e. Judah shall always be recognizable as an Israelite Tribe.
NOR A LAWGIVER FROM BETWEEN HIS  FEET, UNTIL SHILOH COME; AND UNTO HIM SHALL THE GATHERING OF THE PEOPLE BE.
The Messiah will enable individuals from the Lost Ten Tribes to know what Tribe they belong to.>>
 
In our days most of us cannot be sure what Tribe we belong to. We can only make educated guesses that in some cases may be accurate. The Messiah will confirm everybodys identity to them.

[Genesis 49:11] BINDING HIS FOAL UNTO THE VINE, AND HIS ASS'S COLT UNTO THE CHOICE VINE; HE WASHED HIS GARMENTS IN WINE, AND HIS CLOTHES IN THE BLOOD OF GRAPES:

This passage was referred to by Isaiah in connection with the revenge that the Messiah is destined to take from the Oppressors of Judah:
 
[Isaiah 63:1] WHO IS THIS THAT COMETH FROM EDOM, WITH DYED GARMENTS FROM BOZRAH? THIS THAT IS GLORIOUS IN HIS APPAREL, TRAVELLING IN THE GREATNESS OF HIS STRENGTH? I THAT SPEAK IN RIGHTEOUSNESS, MIGHTY TO SAVE.
 [Isaiah 63:2] WHEREFORE ART THOU RED IN THINE APPAREL, AND THY GARMENTS LIKE HIM THAT TREADETH IN THE WINEFAT?       
 [Isaiah 63:3] I HAVE TRODDEN THE WINEPRESS ALONE; AND OF THE PEOPLE THERE WAS NONE WITH ME: FOR I  WILL TREAD THEM IN MINE ANGER, AND TRAMPLE THEM IN MY FURY; AND THEIR BLOOD SHALL BE SPRINKLED UPON MY GARMENTS, AND I WILL STAIN ALL MY RAIMENT.
[Isaiah 63:4] FOR THE DAY OF VENGEANCE IS IN MINE HEART, AND THE YEAR OF MY REDEEMED IS COME.
[Isaiah 63:5] AND I LOOKED, AND THERE WAS NONE TO HELP; AND I WONDERED THAT THERE WAS NONE TO UPHOLD: THEREFORE MINE OWN ARM BROUGHT SALVATION UNTO ME; AND MY FURY, IT UPHELD ME.
 [Isaiah 63:6] AND I WILL TREAD DOWN THE PEOPLE(S) IN MINE ANGER, AND MAKE THEM DRUNK IN MY FURY, AND I WILL BRING DOWN THEIR STRENGTH TO THE EARTH.
For a brief explanation of some points in this passage see the Brit-Am Commentary to Isaiah.

[Genesis 49:12] HIS EYES SHALL BE RED WITH WINE, AND HIS TEETH WHITE WITH MILK.                     
 
[Genesis 49:13] ZEBULUN SHALL DWELL AT THE HAVEN OF THE SEA; AND HE SHALL BE FOR AN HAVEN OF SHIPS; AND HIS BORDER SHALL BE UNTO ZIDON.

See  The Tribes: Zebulon = Holland.
THE HAVEN OF THE SEA in Hebrew Chof Yamim meaning at the seashores or at the shore of the seas. I/3 of Holland is below sea-level, another 1/3 is subject to periodic sea-flooding, i.e. 2/3 of the country is dwelling on the shores of the sea. This is the only country in the world where this holds true. In Ancient Times a people called  Sabulingoi dwelt in the region of Northern Holland. Sabulingoi in Hebrew means People of Zebulon. Northern peoples at that time switched "s" for "z".

[Genesis 49:14] ISSACHAR IS A STRONG ASS COUCHING DOWN BETWEEN TWO BURDENS:

Issachar = Switzerland and part of the Finns.
The Natziv quotes from the Talmud to the effect that Issachar was a passive Tribe that never initiated warlike policies but when David forcibly conscripted some of them they turned out to make formidable warriors.

[Genesis 49:15] AND HE SAW THAT REST WAS GOOD, AND THE LAND THAT IT WAS PLEASANT; AND BOWED HIS SHOULDER TO BEAR, AND BECAME A SERVANT UNTO TRIBUTE.                     
 
[Genesis 49:16] DAN SHALL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE, AS ONE OF THE TRIBES OF ISRAEL.

See The Tribes IN DETAIL. Dan has been given a "bad press" in both Jewish and Christian tradition but we think this is misleading and that Dan played a great role in the past and may do so in the future.

[Genesis 49:17] DAN SHALL BE A SERPENT BY THE WAY, AN ADDER IN THE PATH, THAT BITETH THE HORSE HEELS, SO THAT HIS RIDER SHALL FALL BACKWARD.

<<DAN SHALL BE A SERPENT BY THE WAY>>: This is often taken to refer to the habit of the Tribe of Dan to name places they passed through after Dan their forefather so that they left a trail of their path just as the snake leaves prints of its wriggling belly in the dusty path it passes over.
e.g.
<<AND THEY CALLED THE NAME OF THE CITY DAN, AFTER THE NAME OF DAN THEIR FATHER, WHO WAS BORN UNTO ISRAEL: HOWBEIT THE NAME OF THE CITY WAS LAISH AT THE FIRST>>  [Judges 18:29].  
>> AND THEY CALLED THE NAME OF THE CITY DAN<<: This was a tribal trait of theirs to call localities by the name Dan. See also Judges 18:12 above where even a place of temporary encampment was also given a name recalled Dan. This was foreseen in the blessing of Jacob above [Genesis 49:17]. Cf. place-names such as, Dan, Danaper, Doneister, Danube, Denmark, Donegal, etc.
<<THE NAME OF DAN THEIR FATHER>>: The descendants of Dan were proud of their forefather and always recalled their ancestry. We find The Children of Don in Wales, the Tribe of Dana in Ireland, and the Danes in Denmark who said they descended from Dan the Great and had come from the city of Dana in Western Turkey and were brothers to the Angles and Jutes who like them were descended from Israel their forefather. 
 
See Joshua
AND THE COAST OF THE CHILDREN OF DAN WENT OUT TOO LITTLE FOR THEM:  THEREFORE THE CHILDREN OF DAN WENT UP TO FIGHT AGAINST LESHEM, AND TOOK IT, AND SMOTE IT WITH THE EDGE OF THE SWORD, AND POSSESSED IT, AND DWELT THEREIN, AND CALLED LESHEM, DAN, AFTER THE NAME OF DAN THEIR FATHER    [Joshua 19:47]..

[Genesis 49:18] I HAVE WAITED FOR THY SALVATION, O LORD.                     
 
s.5
[Genesis 49:19] GAD, A TROOP SHALL OVERCOME HIM: BUT HE SHALL OVERCOME AT THE LAST.

Gad we identified with Sweden and with part of Finland. Contingents from Gad were also found in Holland and elsewhere.

[Genesis 49:20] OUT OF ASHER HIS BREAD SHALL BE FAT, AND HE SHALL YIELD ROYAL DAINTIES.

Asher we identified with Scotland (especially Lowland Scotland), part of Northern England, and as part of the Scandinavians.

[Genesis 49:21] NAPHTALI IS A HIND LET LOOSE: HE GIVETH GOODLY WORDS.

Napthali we identified with the Naphtalite Huns who settled in Scandinavia especially in Norway.  Other elements from Naphtali also settled in Scandinavia and Britain and we suggested as being prominent in New Zealand and South Africa.

[Genesis 49:22] JOSEPH IS A FRUITFUL BOUGH, EVEN A FRUITFUL BOUGH BY A WELL; WHOSE BRANCHES RUN OVER THE WALL:

<<A FRUITFUL BOUGH>>: In Hebrew "Ben Porat" which can also mean "A Powerfully Fertile Son" or "A Son of Power". In the Hebrew Bible when several meanings are possible it is often deliberate and ALL the different meanings are intended.
<<BY A WELL>>: In Hebrew: "ali ayin" which can also mean above (al) the eye (ayin).
We thus have a "Powerful Son" overseen by the Eye of Providence as depicted on the Great Seal overlooking the
Pyramid (Picture of Egypt) symbol of Joseph (Midrash Numbers Rabah 2;5).
See
Queries about Joseph #1. Is the Great Seal of the USA a Masonic Symbol?

Rabbi Haim Dynovisz in a weekly tract in French Lev ptit Hebdo. Thora et Info Num 56/28 Sivan) gave certain insights that have been paraphrased and adopted below:
When the spies (Numbers 13) went into the land of Israel they went after their eyes and reported what their eyes saw:
<<AND THERE WE SAW THE GIANTS, THE SONS OF ANAK, WHICH COME OF THE GIANTS: AND WE WERE IN OUR OWN SIGHT AS GRASSHOPPERS, AND SO WE WERE IN THEIR SIGHT [Numbers 13:33].                     
<<NEVERTHELESS THE PEOPLE BE STRONG THAT DWELL IN THE LAND, AND THE CITIES ARE WALLED, AND VERY GREAT: AND MOREOVER WE SAW THE CHILDREN OF ANAK THERE [Numbers 13:28].   
They were confounded by what they saw and spread dismay to the rest of Israel. For this reason the incident of the Spies is followed by the commandment concerning tassels whose purpose is to teach us to guard our eyes:
<<AND IT SHALL BE UNTO YOU FOR A FRINGE, THAT YE MAY LOOK UPON IT, AND  REMEMBER ALL THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD, AND DO THEM; AND THAT YE SEEK NOT AFTER  YOUR OWN HEART AND YOUR OWN EYES, AFTER WHICH YE USE TO GO A WHORING.  [Numbers 15:39].                     
            It was because the spies went after their eyes that the People of Israel were unable to immediately conquer the Land but had to wander in the Wilderness for forty years. When they finally did go in to conquer the Land they were led by Joshua. Joshua was of the Tribe of Ephraim and descended from Joseph. Joseph had received the blessing to be ali ayin i.e. above the eye. This quality enabled him not to be impressed by what he saw but to transcend historical logic.
<<Israel is always confronted with the problems that according to human vision have no real solution. It is only the Joshuas who are capable of seeing that which the eye cannot see and that permit us to attain the impossible. The scouts (spies) failed because they were guided by their eye. They were pragmatic. It was because of this fault that we have been exiled amongst the seventy nations. [Seventy sons of Noah are mentioned in Genesis 10 and it is from these 70 that all nations of the earth descend]. There are seventy nations because they too are under the domination of the eye [i.e. of practical considerations according to apparent reality]. Seventy is the numerical value in Hebrew of the letter ayin whose name means eye in Hebrew. [The English word eye is derived from the Hebrew ayin meaning eye].
            Ever since Israel [i.e. the Jews of Judah in this context] lost the power of Joseph who was above the eye [and above the seventy nations] they have been in Exile.>>
 
            The above observations are derived (as we mentioned above) from the thoughts of Rabbi Haim Dynovisz. It is doubtful if the Rabbi had the Lost Ten Tribes in mind when he put these thoughts down. Nevertheless, the point holds. Ever since Joseph departed from Judah and Judah-aspect of Israel lost the power of Joseph the Jews have been oppressed by non-Israelite nations. The establishment of the State of Israel and its stabilization began the process of normalizing the Jewish status and enabling the Jews to work towards national self-expression in their own land. This process was made possible and supported by the forces of Joseph, at first through Britain and then the USA.
Judah is in need of Joseph whether he likes it or not BUT it works both ways. Joseph also needs Joseph to realize himself. Joseph in Egypt was the de-facto ruler of the country but that was all. Only when he was reconciled to his brothers was Joseph  enabled to express his complete personality.  
 
<<WHOSE BRANCHES RUN OVER THE WALL>>: This hints at overseas expansion. cf.  HE SHALL POUR THE WATER OUT OF HIS BUCKETS, AND HIS SEED SHALL BE IN MANY WATERS, AND HIS KING SHALL BE HIGHER THAN AGAG, AND HIS KINGDOM SHALL BE EXALTED [Numbers 24:7].                                      
 
[Genesis 49:23] THE ARCHERS HAVE SORELY GRIEVED HIM, AND SHOT AT HIM, AND HATED HIM:  
Arrows are part of the symbolism of the USA and 13 appear grouped together on the dollar bill.

[Genesis 49:24] BUT HIS BOW ABODE IN STRENGTH, AND THE ARMS OF HIS HANDS WERE MADE STRONG BY THE HANDS OF THE MIGHTY GOD OF JACOB; FROM THENCE IS THE SHEPHERD, THE STONE OF ISRAEL:

God shows Himself in this world through Judah and Joseph. This is what Scripture indicates even though it may be difficult for us to accept or understand how or why. We are a Holy People and have a corresponding obligation.

[Genesis 49:25] EVEN BY THE GOD OF THY FATHER, WHO SHALL HELP THEE; AND BY THE ALMIGHTY, WHO SHALL BLESS THEE WITH BLESSINGS OF HEAVEN ABOVE, BLESSINGS OF THE DEEP THAT LIETH UNDER, BLESSINGS OF THE BREASTS, AND OF THE WOMB:

BLESSINGS OF HEAVEN ABOVE: climate and agriculture.
BLESSINGS OF THE DEEP: Water and mineral resources.
THE BREASTS, AND OF THE WOMB: Health and fertility and bounty and family life all gifts from the Almighty.

[Genesis 49:26] THE BLESSINGS OF THY FATHER HAVE PREVAILED ABOVE THE BLESSINGS OF MY PROGENITORS UNTO THE UTMOST BOUND OF THE EVERLASTING HILLS: THEY SHALL BE ON THE HEAD OF JOSEPH, AND ON THE CROWN OF THE HEAD OF HIM THAT WAS SEPARATE FROM HIS BRETHREN.

Also readable in the present tense: Steven Collins points out that America and Britain are geographically separated from the rest of the world, as are Australia and New Zealand. Napoleon remarked that Britain could not be considered part of Europe.

s.6
[Genesis 49:27] BENJAMIN SHALL RAVIN AS A WOLF: IN THE MORNING HE SHALL DEVOUR THE PREY, AND AT NIGHT HE SHALL DIVIDE THE SPOIL.

Many feel that Benjamin went to Norway. There is something in this BUT Benjamin we identified as being primarily amongst the Jews and also amongst the historical Normans who from the Balkans (as Dacae) moved to Scandinavia and from there to Normandy in France and from there they conquered England.  My family (according to their name) probably has some Norman blood in it.

[Genesis 49:28] ALL THESE ARE THE TWELVE TRIBES OF ISRAEL: AND THIS IS IT THAT THEIR FATHER SPAKE UNTO THEM, AND BLESSED THEM; EVERY ONE ACCORDING TO HIS BLESSING HE BLESSED THEM.
ALL THESE ARE THE TWELVE TRIBES OF ISRAEL:

The bottom line is that the location of the Lost Ten Tribes that we have indicated is true. It is as true as one can get from an historical point of view.  It is one thing to make a theoretical statement and something else to try and live by it. Nevertheless this is how things are. God made us as we are and we must live up to the goals that have been set us.

[Genesis 49:29] AND HE CHARGED THEM, AND SAID UNTO THEM, I AM TO BE GATHERED UNTO MY PEOPLE: BURY ME WITH MY FATHERS IN THE CAVE THAT IS IN THE FIELD OF EPHRON THE HITTITE,                     
 
[Genesis 49:30] IN THE CAVE THAT IS IN THE FIELD OF MACHPELAH, WHICH IS BEFORE MAMRE, IN THE LAND OF CANAAN, WHICH ABRAHAM BOUGHT WITH THE FIELD OF EPHRON THE HITTITE FOR A POSSESSION OF A BURYING PLACE.                     
 
[Genesis 49:31] THERE THEY BURIED ABRAHAM AND SARAH HIS WIFE; THERE THEY BURIED ISAAC AND REBEKAH HIS WIFE; AND THERE I BURIED LEAH.                     
 
[Genesis 49:32] THE PURCHASE OF THE FIELD AND OF THE CAVE THAT IS THEREIN WAS FROM THE   CHILDREN OF HETH.

This was in Hebron in the future territory of Judah.

[Genesis 49:33] AND WHEN JACOB HAD MADE AN END OF COMMANDING HIS SONS, HE GATHERED UP HIS FEET INTO THE BED, AND YIELDED UP THE GHOST, AND WAS GATHERED UNTO HIS PEOPLE.                     
 
[Genesis 50:1] AND JOSEPH FELL UPON HIS FATHER'S FACE, AND WEPT UPON HIM, AND KISSED HIM.

This comes to indicate to us the future reconciliation of Joseph with his Israelite Identity.

[Genesis 50:2] AND JOSEPH COMMANDED HIS SERVANTS THE PHYSICIANS TO EMBALM HIS FATHER: AND THE PHYSICIANS EMBALMED ISRAEL.                     
 
[Genesis 50:3] AND FORTY DAYS WERE FULFILLED FOR HIM; FOR SO ARE FULFILLED THE DAYS OF THOSE WHICH ARE EMBALMED: AND THE EGYPTIANS MOURNED FOR HIM THREESCORE AND TEN DAYS.                     
 
[Genesis 50:4] AND WHEN THE DAYS OF HIS MOURNING WERE PAST, JOSEPH SPAKE UNTO THE HOUSE OF PHARAOH, SAYING, IF NOW I HAVE FOUND GRACE IN YOUR EYES, SPEAK, I PRAY YOU, IN THE EARS OF PHARAOH, SAYING,                     
 
[Genesis 50:5] MY FATHER MADE ME SWEAR, SAYING, LO, I DIE: IN MY GRAVE WHICH I HAVE  DIGGED FOR ME IN THE LAND OF CANAAN, THERE SHALT THOU BURY ME. NOW THEREFORE LET ME GO UP, I PRAY THEE, AND BURY MY FATHER, AND I WILL COME AGAIN.                     
 
[Genesis 50:6] AND PHARAOH SAID, GO UP, AND BURY THY FATHER, ACCORDING AS HE MADE THEE SWEAR.                     
 
[Genesis 50:7] AND JOSEPH WENT UP TO BURY HIS FATHER: AND WITH HIM WENT UP ALL THE  SERVANTS OF PHARAOH, THE ELDERS OF HIS HOUSE, AND ALL THE ELDERS OF THE LAND OF EGYPT,                     
 
[Genesis 50:8] AND ALL THE HOUSE OF JOSEPH, AND HIS BRETHREN, AND HIS FATHER'S HOUSE: ONLY THEIR LITTLE ONES, AND THEIR FLOCKS, AND THEIR HERDS, THEY LEFT IN THE LAND OF GOSHEN.                     
 
[Genesis 50:9] AND THERE WENT UP WITH HIM BOTH CHARIOTS AND HORSEMEN: AND IT WAS A VERY GREAT COMPANY.                     
 
[Genesis 50:10] AND THEY CAME TO THE THRESHING FLOOR OF ATAD, WHICH IS BEYOND JORDAN, AND THERE THEY MOURNED WITH A GREAT AND VERY SORE LAMENTATION: AND HE MADE A MOURNING FOR HIS FATHER SEVEN DAYS.                     
 
[Genesis 50:11] AND WHEN THE INHABITANTS OF THE LAND, THE CANAANITES, SAW THE MOURNING IN THE FLOOR OF ATAD, THEY SAID, THIS IS A GRIEVOUS MOURNING TO THE EGYPTIANS: WHEREFORE THE  NAME OF IT WAS CALLED ABELMIZRAIM, WHICH IS BEYOND JORDAN.

In fact it may (or may not?) be that the said name was applied to the place previously for another reason but when Israel was buried there and the mourning took place the existing name acquired new significance.  This principle, as to why a place or person receives a certain name, holds throughout the Bible.

[Genesis 50:12] AND HIS SONS DID UNTO HIM ACCORDING AS HE COMMANDED THEM:                     
 
[Genesis 50:13] FOR HIS SONS CARRIED HIM INTO THE LAND OF CANAAN, AND BURIED HIM IN THE CAVE OF THE FIELD OF MACHPELAH, WHICH ABRAHAM BOUGHT WITH THE FIELD FOR A POSSESSION OF A BURYINGPLACE OF EPHRON THE HITTITE, BEFORE MAMRE.                     
 
[Genesis 50:14] AND JOSEPH RETURNED INTO EGYPT, HE, AND HIS BRETHREN, AND ALL THAT WENT UP WITH HIM TO BURY HIS FATHER, AFTER HE HAD BURIED HIS FATHER.                     
 
[Genesis 50:15] AND WHEN JOSEPH'S BRETHREN SAW THAT THEIR FATHER WAS DEAD, THEY SAID, JOSEPH WILL PERADVENTURE HATE US, AND WILL CERTAINLY REQUITE US ALL THE EVIL WHICH WE DID UNTO HIM.                     
 
[Genesis 50:16] AND THEY SENT A MESSENGER UNTO JOSEPH, SAYING, THY FATHER DID COMMAND BEFORE HE DIED, SAYING,                     
 
[Genesis 50:17] SO SHALL YE SAY UNTO JOSEPH, FORGIVE, I PRAY THEE NOW, THE TRESPASS OF THY BRETHREN, AND THEIR SIN; FOR THEY DID UNTO THEE EVIL: AND NOW, WE PRAY THEE, FORGIVE THE TRESPASS OF THE SERVANTS OF THE GOD OF THY FATHER. AND JOSEPH WEPT WHEN THEY SPAKE UNTO HIM.                     
 
[Genesis 50:18] AND HIS BRETHREN ALSO WENT AND FELL DOWN BEFORE HIS FACE; AND THEY SAID, BEHOLD, WE BE THY SERVANTS.                     
 
[Genesis 50:19] AND JOSEPH SAID UNTO THEM, FEAR NOT: FOR AM I IN THE PLACE OF GOD?                     
 
[Genesis 50:20] BUT AS FOR YOU, YE THOUGHT EVIL AGAINST ME; BUT GOD MEANT IT UNTO GOOD, TO BRING TO PASS, AS IT IS THIS DAY, TO SAVE MUCH PEOPLE ALIVE.                     
YE THOUGHT EVIL AGAINST ME; BUT GOD MEANT IT UNTO GOOD: They may have made a genuine mistake.
 
s.7
[Genesis 50:21] NOW THEREFORE FEAR YE NOT: I WILL NOURISH YOU, AND YOUR LITTLE ONES. AND HE COMFORTED THEM, AND SPAKE KINDLY UNTO THEM.                     
 
[Genesis 50:22] AND JOSEPH DWELT IN EGYPT, HE, AND HIS FATHER'S HOUSE: AND JOSEPH LIVED AN HUNDRED AND TEN YEARS.                     
 
[Genesis 50:23] AND JOSEPH SAW EPHRAIM'S CHILDREN OF THE THIRD GENERATION: THE CHILDREN ALSO OF MACHIR THE SON OF MANASSEH WERE BROUGHT UP UPON JOSEPH'S KNEES.

MACHIR THE SON OF MANASSEH: Eventually received an inheritance that was largely east of the Jordan. His descendants were also known as HaMachiri. This name in Medieval Latin was rendered America. Through Americo Vespucci, the name was given to America which Continent is dominated by descendants of Menasseh.

[Genesis 50:24] AND JOSEPH SAID UNTO HIS BRETHREN, I DIE: AND GOD WILL SURELY VISIT YOU, AND BRING YOU OUT OF THIS LAND UNTO THE LAND WHICH HE SWARE TO ABRAHAM, TO ISAAC, AND TO JACOB.                     
 
[Genesis 50:25] AND JOSEPH TOOK AN OATH OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL, SAYING, GOD WILL SURELY VISIT YOU, AND YE SHALL CARRY UP MY BONES FROM HENCE.                     
 
[Genesis 50:26] SO JOSEPH DIED, BEING AN HUNDRED AND TEN YEARS OLD: AND THEY EMBALMED HIM, AND HE WAS PUT IN A COFFIN IN EGYPT.

Later a picture representing Egypt was chosen as the symbol of Joseph. The pyramid in the American Great Seal (seen on the dollar bill) immediately recalls Egypt to the mind of whoever sees it.