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The
right hand was more honourable both in Scripture account, and amongst the Gentiles.
Laid it upon Ephraim’s head; which was a rite used often, and in divers cases, as in the conferring of offices either sacred or civil, as Num_8:10 Deu_34:9 Act_6:6 13:3; and among other things, in giving benedictions, as Mat_19:13.
Guiding his hands wittingly; this proceeded not from chance, or the mistake and weakness of his eyes, but from design, and the wisdom of his hands. Heb. He disposed his hands prudently, or, he dealt wisely with his hands. Here was a double wisdom showed.
1. Human, by which he gathered that Manasseh was the eldest, because Joseph placed him towards his right hand.
2. Divine and prophetical, by which he foresaw Ephraim’s advantage above Manasseh, and wisely suited the ceremony to the substance, giving the greater sign of honour to him, to whom God designed the thing.