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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: House of Joseph</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/h/house_of_joseph.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/bsb/genesis/37.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/h/house.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > House of Joseph</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/h/house_of_jerubbaal.htm" title="House of Jerubbaal">◄</a> House of Joseph <a href="/topical/h/house_of_joseph_attacks_bethel.htm" title="House of Joseph Attacks Bethel">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>The term "House of Joseph" refers to the descendants and tribal territories associated with Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel) and Rachel. Joseph's account is prominently featured in the Book of Genesis, where he is depicted as a favored son who rises to power in Egypt. The House of Joseph is significant in biblical history and theology, representing both the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, Joseph's two sons.<br><br><b>Biblical Background</b><br><br>Joseph's narrative begins in <a href="/bsb/genesis/37.htm">Genesis 37</a>, where he is introduced as Jacob's favored son, which incites jealousy among his brothers. This jealousy leads to Joseph being sold into slavery in Egypt. Despite his hardships, Joseph rises to become the second most powerful man in Egypt, as described in <a href="/genesis/41-41.htm">Genesis 41:41</a>: "Pharaoh also told Joseph, 'I hereby place you over all the land of Egypt.'" Joseph's wisdom and leadership during a severe famine lead to the preservation of his family and many others.<br><br><b>Tribal Inheritance</b><br><br>The House of Joseph is unique among the tribes of Israel because Joseph's inheritance is divided between his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. This division is established in <a href="/genesis/48-5.htm">Genesis 48:5</a>, where Jacob adopts Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons, granting them equal status with his other sons: "Now your two sons, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you in Egypt, are mine; Ephraim and Manasseh shall be mine, just as Reuben and Simeon are mine."<br><br>The tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh receive their territorial allotments in the Promised Land as detailed in the Book of Joshua. Ephraim's territory is located in the central hill country of Canaan, while Manasseh's land is divided, with portions on both sides of the Jordan River.<br><br><b>Significance in Israel's History</b><br><br>The House of Joseph holds a prominent place in the history of Israel. Ephraim, in particular, becomes a leading tribe, often representing the northern kingdom of Israel. The prophet Hosea frequently uses "Ephraim" as a synonym for the northern kingdom, highlighting its influence and prominence.<br><br>In the period of the Judges, leaders from the House of Joseph, such as Gideon from the tribe of Manasseh, play crucial roles in delivering Israel from oppression. The tribe of Ephraim also produces notable leaders, including Joshua, who leads the Israelites into the Promised Land.<br><br><b>Prophetic and Messianic Themes</b><br><br>The House of Joseph is associated with prophetic and messianic themes in the Hebrew Scriptures. In <a href="/genesis/49-22.htm">Genesis 49:22-26</a>, Jacob's blessing over Joseph includes imagery of fruitfulness and strength, which some interpret as foreshadowing the future prosperity and leadership of his descendants.<br><br>The blessings and prophecies concerning Joseph and his sons are seen by some as having messianic implications, pointing to a future leader who will arise from the House of Joseph. This is further explored in the writings of the prophets, where the restoration and reunification of Israel often include references to Ephraim and Manasseh.<br><br><b>Conclusion</b><br><br>The House of Joseph, through the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, plays a vital role in the narrative of Israel's history, both in terms of territorial inheritance and spiritual significance. Its legacy is woven throughout the biblical text, highlighting themes of redemption, leadership, and divine providence.</div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/h/house.htm">House</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/h/house_blessing.htm">House Blessing</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/h/house_churches.htm">House Churches</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/h/house_dedication.htm">House Dedication</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/h/house_of_asuppim.htm">House of Asuppim</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/h/house_of_god.htm">House of God</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/house_of_god--a_place_of_prayer.htm">House of God: A Place of Prayer</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/house_of_god--holy.htm">House of God: Holy</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/house_used_for_worship.htm">House used for Worship</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/h/house_warming.htm">House Warming</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/house--a_man's_castle.htm">House: "A Man's Castle"</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/house--architecture_of_altars_on.htm">House: Architecture of Altars On</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/house--architecture_of_battlements_required_in_mosaic_law.htm">House: Architecture of Battlements Required in Mosaic Law</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/house--architecture_of_booths_on.htm">House: Architecture of Booths On</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/house--architecture_of_ceiled_and_plastered.htm">House: Architecture of Ceiled and Plastered</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/house--architecture_of_chambers.htm">House: Architecture of Chambers</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/house--architecture_of_chimneys_of.htm">House: Architecture of Chimneys of</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/house--architecture_of_cornerstone.htm">House: Architecture of Cornerstone</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/house--architecture_of_courts.htm">House: Architecture of Courts</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/house--architecture_of_dedicated.htm">House: Architecture of Dedicated</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/house--architecture_of_figurative.htm">House: Architecture of Figurative</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/house--architecture_of_foundations_of_stone.htm">House: Architecture of Foundations of Stone</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/house--architecture_of_guest_chamber.htm">House: Architecture of Guest Chamber</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/house--architecture_of_hinges.htm">House: Architecture of Hinges</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/house--architecture_of_inner_chamber.htm">House: Architecture of Inner Chamber</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/house--architecture_of_lattice.htm">House: Architecture of Lattice</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/house--architecture_of_laws_regarding_sale_of.htm">House: Architecture of Laws Regarding Sale of</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/house--architecture_of_painted.htm">House: Architecture of Painted</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/house--architecture_of_pillars.htm">House: Architecture of Pillars</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/house--architecture_of_porches.htm">House: Architecture of Porches</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/house--architecture_of_prayer_on.htm">House: Architecture of Prayer On</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/house--architecture_of_roofs,_flat.htm">House: Architecture of Roofs, Flat</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/house--architecture_of_summer_apartment.htm">House: Architecture of Summer Apartment</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/house--architecture_of_texts_of_scripture_on_doorposts_of.htm">House: Architecture of Texts of Scripture on Doorposts of</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/house--architecture_of_used_as_dwelling_place.htm">House: Architecture of Used As Dwelling Place</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/house--architecture_of_used_as_place_to_sleep.htm">House: Architecture of Used As Place to Sleep</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/house--architecture_of_windows.htm">House: Architecture of Windows</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/house--architecture_of_with_courts.htm">House: Architecture of With Courts</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/house--built_into_city_walls.htm">House: Built Into City Walls</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/house--built_of_brick.htm">House: Built of Brick</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/house--built_of_stone.htm">House: Built of Stone</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/house--built_of_wood.htm">House: Built of Wood</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/house--figurative.htm">House: Figurative</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/wide.htm">Wide (206 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/booth.htm">Booth (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/buildings.htm">Buildings (28 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/asaph.htm">Asaph (47 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/resting-place.htm">Resting-place (211 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tabernacle.htm">Tabernacle (333 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/altar.htm">Altar (343 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/inside.htm">Inside (185 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/possible.htm">Possible (133 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/psychology.htm">Psychology</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/house.htm">House (20110 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/household.htm">Household (222 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/h/house_of_jerubbaal.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="House of Jerubbaal"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="House of Jerubbaal" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/h/house_of_joseph_attacks_bethel.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="House of Joseph Attacks Bethel"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="House of Joseph Attacks Bethel" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top 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