Study note

Genesis 48:15–16

When Jacob blessed Joseph, he used three titles to describe the God he trusted:

  1. the God who was in covenant with his fathers Abraham and Isaac (28:13; 31:5, 42; 32:9; 46:3);

  2. the God who had been his shepherd (one who guides and cares for his people; see 49:24; Exodus 6:6; Psalm 23:1; Isaiah 59:20); and

  3. the angel (a messenger from God) who had rescued him from all harm.

Jacob prayed the same blessings for Joseph’s sons.