If you have privilege, there are two ways to use it… one is not helpful

The reality of privilege

Before Jacob died he called his sons together and gave them his blessings and spoke about their futures.

Ruben was the first born.  He slept with his father’s concubine and lost preeminence. He would not lead.

Simeon and Levi were the next oldest. They had deceptively killed a Canaanite town in vengeful, deceptive anger. They would be scattered throughout the inheritances of their brothers.

The fourth oldest was Judah. His tribe would lead and Messiah would be one of his descendants. (Genesis 49:1-10)

Earlier, Jacob had told Joseph that his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, would be equal to their uncles.  Joseph’s descendants would be two tribes.  Each of his brothers would have only one.

Also, when he blessed the sons of Joseph, Jacob elevated the younger, Ephraim, over the older, Manasseh.

Jacob gave Ephraim and Judah and their descendants privileged status among the Jews. (Genesis 48)

Privilege that builds and helps

After the Jews defeated the armies of Canaan, they began to divide the land among the tribes.  Judah was given first choice.  They chose the southern part of Canaan and the city of Hebron.  It was fortified and well defended.  It also was near the cave where Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob, and Leah were buried.  They asked the tribe of Simeon, smaller in number, unblessed by Jacob, to join them in their inheritance. (Joshua 14; 15; 19; Judges 1)

They used their privilege to lead and to help a weaker tribe.

Privilege that demands and consumes

The descendants of Joseph received their inheritance after the tribe of Judah.  Ephraim complained to Joshua that they did not receive enough land. Joshua told them to go to their inheritance and displace the Canaanites. Joshua was the leader of the tribe of Ephraim but did not use his position to give them special treatment. (Joshua 17)

Later in Jewish history, the tribe of Ephraim complained to Gideon that they were not given a position of honor when Gideon rescued the Jews from their oppressors.  Gideon used a humble spirit to diffuse the crisis. (Judges 8)

After Gideon, the tribe again complained when the leader Jephthah did not give them a special place when he delivered the Jews. Jephthah fought against the Ephraimites and many of them were killed. (Judges 12)

Centuries later the tribe of Ephraim would lead the northern kingdom in its apostasy from true worship at the temple in Jerusalem.

Ephraim’s privilege was a reoccurring problem for the Jews from the time of the Judges until the fall of the northern kingdom to the Assyrians.

Privilege in our lives

Many of us were raised in homes where our parents loved us and were faithful to each other.  We received a good education and we’re prepared for adult life.  We had good role models and safe space to grow and learn.  What type of people have we become?

Questions for consideration:

What areas of your life have been privileged?  How does that affect your life as an adult?

What areas of privilege do you want to provide for your children?