THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
It is reported that Joseph, adhering to the custom of primogeniture, presented Manasseh first, followed by Ephraim.
Genesis 48:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers
And he set Ephraim on his right hand, that is, towards the left hand of Israel; but Manasses on his left hand, to wit, towards his father's right hand, and brought them near to him.
וַיִּקַּ֣ח יוֹסֵף֮ אֶת־שְׁנֵיהֶם֒ אֶת־אֶפְרַ֤יִם בִּֽימִינוֹ֙ מִשְּׂמֹ֣אל יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְאֶת־מְנַשֶּׁ֥ה בִשְׂמֹאל֖וֹ מִימִ֣ין יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וַיַּגֵּ֖שׁ אֵלָֽיו׃
The Church Fathers on this verse
3 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Cyrill of Alexandria
Israel, being the firstborn and endowed with the privileges of that position, forfeited the inherent glory associated with it. The grace of such radiant glory was bestowed upon a new nation, one that was Gentile in origin, as we learn from the continued narrative. Joseph brought his sons to their father to offer him reverence. While Manasseh, the firstborn, stood on one side and the younger Ephraim on the other, Jacob altered the arrangement of his hands. He honored Ephraim by placing his right hand upon him, while Manasseh received a form of recognition a second time through Jacob’s left hand. He then began to bless them in this orientation.
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We are first welcomed among the worshippers and subsequently as a nation, drawn to God not through Moses or the prophets—since the law could not grant salvation—but through the Son Himself; “for by Him,” as I have mentioned, “we have been brought” (Eph. 2:18) cf. (Rom. 5:2). His intention was to elevate Israel above the Gentile multitude, for Joseph had positioned Manasseh at his father’s right. However, due to Manasseh’s unspeakable wickedness against God, the Father chose to favor the second born, represented by the Gentiles. Thus, they became “the first last, and the last first” (Matthew 19:30).
Philaret of Moscow (Drosdow)
Ephraim positioned on Jacob's right side, with Israel on the left, illustrates a significant act. Joseph prepares his sons for Jacob's blessing, ensuring that the right hand is placed upon the firstborn while the left hand rests on the younger one. This ancient practice of ordination, which symbolizes blessing and the impartation of divine gifts, first emerged with the sons of Joseph and has been maintained among the Hebrews throughout history, eventually becoming a part of the Christian tradition. Examples of this rite are evident in the consecration of the Levites (Num. 8:10), the commissioning of Joshua as Moses’ successor (Num. 27:18, 23; Deut. 34:9), the blessing of children by Jesus (Matt.
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19:13, 15), the appointment of seven deacons (Acts 6:6), the commissioning of Paul and Barnabas for ministry (Acts 13:3), and the ordination of Timothy (1 Tim. 4:14). The significance of the right hand was also recognized in ancient customs (3 Sam. 11:19; Ps. 44:10).