I. Introduction
A. Transition from the events in Genesis 47, specifically Jacob’s settlement in Egypt and his encounters with Pharaoh
B. Introduction to the narrative of Jacob blessing Joseph’s sons and the significance of the tribe of Ephraim in Genesis 48
II. Jacob’s Illness and Joseph’s Visit
A. Verses 1-2: Jacob becomes ill and is informed that Joseph is coming to visit him
B. Verses 3-4: Jacob recounts to Joseph the covenant promise God made to him in the land of Canaan
III. Jacob Blesses Ephraim and Manasseh
A. Verses 5-7: Jacob adopts Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, as his own, considering them equal to his other sons
B. Verses 8-12: Jacob blesses Ephraim and Manasseh, giving the greater blessing to Ephraim, contrary to Joseph’s expectations
IV. Joseph’s Objection and Jacob’s Explanation
A. Verses 13-14: Joseph objects to the positioning of Jacob’s hands during the blessing, seeking to correct what he perceives as an error
B. Verses 15-16: Jacob explains that he intentionally crossed his hands, indicating that the younger, Ephraim, would be greater than the older, Manasseh
V. Jacob’s Final Blessings and Prophecy
A. Verses 17-19: Jacob blesses Joseph and reiterates the covenant promises made to him and his forefathers
B. Verses 20-22: Jacob prophesies about the future of the twelve tribes of Israel and their inheritance in the land of Canaan
VI. Conclusion
A. Summary of the events in Genesis 48
B. Transition to the subsequent chapters and the further development of the narrative
Note: This outline provides a general structure of Genesis 48, focusing on Jacob’s blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh and his final blessings and prophecies. It highlights the significance of Ephraim receiving the greater blessing and Jacob’s foresight regarding the future of the twelve tribes of Israel. The actual chapter contains additional details, dialogues, and interactions that are not included in this outline.