Matthew Poole and continuators on Genesis 48:14

14 And Israel stretched out his right hand , and laid it upon Ephraims head , who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manassehs head, guiding his hands wittingly : for Manasseh was the first-born.

Which was more honourable both in Scripture account, and amongst the Gentiles.

Which was a rite used often and in divers cases, as in the conferring of offices either sacred or civil, as Numb. 8. 10. Deut. 34. 9. Act. 6. 6. and 13. 3. and among other things, in giving benedictions, as Mat, 19. 13.

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 shewed, 1. Humane, by which he gathered that Manasseh was the eldest, because Ioseph placed him towards his right hand. 2. Divine and prophetical, by which he foresaw Ephraims advantages above Manasseh, and wisely suited the ceremony to the substance, giving the greater sign of honour to him to whom God designed the thing.