Joseph, as a key figure in the pattern of divine choice, exemplifies God's tendency to select later-born sons for His purposes. Born as Jacob's eleventh son, Joseph was far from the firstborn, yet God chose him to receive significant blessings and responsibilities. His name, meaning "He will add" or "increase," reflects a theme of abundance and expansion that characterizes his life and descendants. Through his rise to power in Egypt, as described in Genesis 41, Pharaoh granted him authority over all the land, symbolizing the increase inherent in his name. Joseph's two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, born to him by Asenath, further embody this theme with their names meaning "made to forget" and "fruitfulness" or "prosperity," respectively, indicating the forward-looking and industrious nature of their descendants. In Genesis 48, Jacob, on his deathbed, adopted Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons, elevating them above his other sons, including Reuben and Simeon, in the inheritance order. Despite Manasseh being the firstborn, Jacob knowingly placed his right hand on Ephraim, the younger, declaring that Ephraim would be greater and his descendants would become a multitude of nations, while Manasseh would become a great people. This act of blessing, with Jacob referred to as Israel, underscores the divine sanction of passing the birthright to Joseph's sons, who also inherited the name Israel, signifying their prominent role among the tribes. In prophecy, as seen in Genesis 49:22-26, Joseph is depicted as a fruitful bough by a well, with branches running over the wall, symbolizing fertility, expansive growth, and a pioneering spirit. His strength, bolstered by the mighty God of Jacob, ensures resilience against enemies who bitterly oppose him. The blessings bestowed upon Joseph include those of heaven, the deep, and the womb, representing favorable climate, abundant resources, and population growth, culminating in superlative blessings for a divine purpose. His separateness from his brothers highlights a consecration for special duties in the end times, suggesting that Ephraim and Manasseh are set apart for God's use. Similarly, in Deuteronomy 33:13-17, Moses blesses Joseph with precious things of heaven, earth, and hills, echoing the themes of abundance and natural wealth. The imagery of a firstborn bull and horns of a wild ox portrays Ephraim and Manasseh as possessing military might and political influence, pushing peoples to the ends of the earth with their vast numbers and strength. These prophecies emphasize their role in the last days, pointing to their significant impact as nations before the return of Jesus Christ. Finally, Hebrews 11:21 acknowledges Jacob's act of blessing Joseph's sons as a profound act of faith, underscoring the importance of this transfer of inheritance in God's plan for Israel and the world, a plan that continues to unfold in the end times.