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From Eternity Past
followed this counsel, being careful also to state that they had come to
sojourn in the land, not to become permanent dwellers, thus reserving
the right to depart if they chose.
Jacob’s Sunset Years
Not long after their arrival, Joseph brought his father to be pre-
sented to the king. The patriarch was a stranger in royal courts; but
amid the sublime scenes of nature he had communed with a might-
ier Monarch. Now, in conscious superiority, he raised his hands and
blessed Pharaoh.
In his first greeting to Joseph, Jacob had spoken as if, with this
joyful ending to his long anxiety and sorrow, he was ready to die. But
seventeen years were yet to be granted him in the peaceful retirement of
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Goshen. These years were in happy contrast to those that had preceded
them. He saw in his sons evidence of true repentance; he saw his
family surrounded by all the conditions needful for the development
of a great nation; and his faith grasped the sure promise of their future
establishment in Canaan. He himself was surrounded with every token
of love and favor that the prime minister of Egypt could bestow.
Jacob Adopts Joseph’s Sons
Another matter demanded attention—the sons of Joseph were to
be formally instated among the children of Israel. Joseph, coming
for a last interview with his father, brought with him Ephraim and
Manasseh. These youths were connected through their mother with
the highest order of the Egyptian priesthood; and the position of their
father opened to them the avenues to wealth and distinction, should
they choose to connect themselves with the Egyptians. It was Joseph’s
desire, however, that they should unite with their own people. He
manifested his faith in the covenant promise, in behalf of his sons
renouncing all the honors that the court of Egypt offered, for a place
among the despised shepherd tribes, to whom had been entrusted the
oracles of God.
Said Jacob, “Thy two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, which were
born unto thee in the land of Egypt, before I came unto thee into Egypt,