Jacob transfers the Covenant of Abraham (Genesis 48: 12-15, 19)

Joseph bowed down in front of Jacob with his face to the ground. After Joseph got up, he brought his two sons over to Jacob again. He led his younger son Ephraim to the left side of Jacob and his older son Manasseh to the right. But before Jacob gave them his blessing, he crossed his arms, putting his right hand on the head of Ephriam and his left hand on the head of Manasseh. Then he gave Joseph his blessing. Joseph did not like it when he saw his father place his right hand on the head of the younger son. So he tried to move his father's right hand from Ephriam's head and place it on Manasseh. Joseph said, "Father, you have made a mistake. This is the older boy. Put your right hand on him." But his father said, "Son, I know what I am doing. It's true that Manasseh's family will someday become a great nation. But Ephraim will be even greater than Manasseh, because his descendants will be come many great nations."

This is the account on how the Covenant made with Abraham and was transferred to Isaac and then to Jacob, who now transfers to the youngest son Ephraim. Ephraim now possesses the promise to be the father of this great nation and in later times the nation of Israel is even referred to as Ephraim. In is not uncommon for God's election to fall on the second son. This was true with Jacob as he was younger than his brother Esau. This is also an explanation that the sons of Joseph were adopted by Jacob and given the same rights of land inheritance as the first son's of Jacob.

Daily Prayer: Father, even now I await the inheritance you have in store for me. While I am not an Israelite, have like Manasseh and Ephriam have been adopted as a son by you through the work of your Greater Son Jesus Christ. Let me be obedient, not to earn sonship, but to show my gratitude. In Jesus name I pray Amen.