Ephraim, Northern Kingdom and Judah, Southern Kingdom.

In the lecture, it was brought out that Ephraim being the dominant tribe became idiomatic for the Northern Kingdom.  I always wonder why the Northern Kingdom name was Israel and / or Ephraim and the Southern Kingdom was call Judah because they were the dominant tribe.  I know Israel is another name for Jacob, and Ephraim and Judah were sons to Jacob / Israel. 

There is a confusing verse that Paul writes about in the Faith Chapter.  It is Heb 11:21 and says, “By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons."  Why bless Joseph’s sons (Ephraim) and not bless Judah (Jews) who our Savior came out of. 

Going through the lecture of Genesis, I think I found part of the answer why.  We know that Gen 49 is where Jacob / Israel  tells his sons what will happen to you in days to come.  This is not a blessing, but what will happen in the future. 

In Gen 48, Jacob / Israel told Joseph his two sons will be his.  Vs 48 is the area where Jacob cross his arms and put his right hand on Ephraim head, who was younger.  Joseph disagreed with Jacob about this. 

This is where Jacob / Israel blessed Joseph two sons and said, they are to be called by his name (Israel) and the names of  his fathers, Abraham and Isaac.  So, the two sons were given the names of Israel.  This explains to me why the Northern Kingdom is called Israel and / or Ephraim, depending on how it is used.  Blessing

Stephen

(Heb 11:21) By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons "and worshiped while leaning on the top of his staff."

(Gen 48:5 NIV)  "Now then, your two sons born to you in Egypt before I came to you here will be reckoned as mine; Ephraim and Manasseh will be mine, just as Reuben and Simeon are mine.

(Gen 49:1 NIV)  Then Jacob called for his sons and said: "Gather around so I can tell you what will happen to you in days to come.

(Gen 48:14 NIV)  But Israel reached out his right hand and put it on Ephraim's head, though he was the younger, and crossing his arms, he put his left hand on Manasseh's head, even though Manasseh was the firstborn.

(Gen 48:15-16 NIV)  Then he blessed Joseph and said, "May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, {16} the Angel who has delivered me from all harm --may he bless these boys. May they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they increase greatly upon the earth."