Matthew Poole and continuators on Genesis 48:19

19 And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he , and his seed shall become a multitude of nations .

So the tribe of Ephraim was both in number, Numb. 1. 32, 33, 35. and 2. 19, 21. and Deut. 33. 17. and in power and priviledges, for that Tribe was the seat first of the Tabernacle, and afterwards of the Kingdom. Whence the name of Ephraim is sometimes put for all the ten Tribes, as Isa. 7. 2. and sometimes for Joseph himself, as Numb. 1. 32. Rev. 7. 8. which Manasseh never is.

(i. e.) Equal to many nations, in number and strength: Or, from them shall proceed many nations, i. e. Many numerous, potent and flourishing families, whereof each is equivalent to an ordinary nation. For as Nations are sometimes called Families, as Zach. 14. 18. so the Tribes and Families of Israel are called Nations or People, as Ezek. 2. 2. Act. 4. 27.

Marginal references: Heb. fulness.