Ever feel like you're about to do something amazing, something blessed, and then…bam! Roadblock. Suddenly, the universe throws a wrench in your plans? Well, Jacob knew that feeling.
We find ourselves in the Book of Genesis, with Jacob – also known as Israel – nearing the end of his life. He's ready to bestow blessings upon his grandsons, the sons of Joseph: Ephraim and Manasseh. He's about to lay his hands on their heads, ready to impart a powerful blessing, when something strange happens.
According to Legends of the Jews, that incredible compilation of Jewish folklore by Rabbi Louis Ginzberg, the Ruach Hakodesh – the holy spirit – showed Jacob a vision. And what a vision it was! He saw into the future, glimpsing two of Ephraim and Manasseh’s descendants: Jeroboam and Jehu. Not exactly shining examples of piety.
These two figures, Jeroboam and Jehu, were destined to lead the people of Israel astray, to tempt them into the dark pit of idolatry. Can you imagine the shock? The disappointment? The text says the Shekhinah – the divine presence – actually forsook him in that moment. A heavy price to pay for a glimpse of the future.
Understandably, Jacob hesitates. He pulls back from blessing the boys. He turns to Joseph, his son, and asks a pointed question: "Is it possible that thou didst not marry the mother of thy children according to the law?"
Ouch.
It seems like Jacob is implying that maybe, just maybe, Joseph's marriage to Asenath wasn't entirely kosher. (Pun intended!) Maybe it wasn’t a proper Jewish marriage. And this doubt, this potential flaw, is what's blocking the blessing. It’s worth remembering that Asenath was an Egyptian woman whom Joseph married while in Egypt.
Joseph, naturally, is taken aback. He immediately brings Asenath forward and presents their ketubah – their marriage contract – to Jacob. "This one is my wife," he says, "whom I married as is proper, with a marriage contract and due ceremony." He emphasizes the legality, the righteousness, of their union.
Then, Joseph pleads with his father: "I pray thee, my father, bless my sons if only for the sake of this pious woman." He appeals to Jacob’s sense of justice, to his recognition of Asenath’s goodness. Bless them, he asks, because their mother is worthy.
It leaves you wondering, doesn't it? What was Jacob really thinking? Was he truly concerned about the validity of the marriage, or was this a test? A way to challenge Joseph and, perhaps, to ultimately elevate Ephraim and Manasseh even higher? We don’t know for sure. But the story reminds us that even in moments of great expectation, doubt and uncertainty can creep in. And sometimes, all it takes is a little reassurance, a little proof of righteousness, to clear the way for blessings to flow.