third generation] In the Originall they are called sonnes of the third, that is, grandchildren to Ephraim in the fourth, and to Joseph in the fifth degree; so Ephraim (though younger then Manasseh) exceeded him two descents; for Joshua was the seventh from Ephraim inclusively, 1 Chron. 7. 26, 27. but Zelophehad (who was contemporary with Joshua and died in the wildernesse) was but the fifth from Manasseh inclusively, Numbers 27:1. and so Jacobs Prophecie of Ephraims more numerous posteritie, Chap. 48. 19. took effect betime, even while Joseph lived. the children also of Machir] Or, the sonnes of Machir: (for the word in Hebrew is of the Masculine gender) whereby some understand onely Gilead, by an Enallage of number, the plurall number for the singular; as Genesis 46:23. Matthew 27:44. Luke 23:36. Yet we find in the genealogie of Manasseh that Machir had two wives, and though by the one he had but one sonne, who was named Gilead, by the other he had two sonnes, Peresh, and Sheresh, 1 Chronicles 7:16. but these of the second marriage haply were not borne in Josephs time, for he lived but fiftie three yeares after his father Jacob. brought up upon Josephs knees] The words according to the Originall are, they were borne on Josephs knees; a phrase most properly used of the female sexe, Genesis 30:3. as that of coming from between the feete, Deuteronomy 28:57. yet as this latter is sometimes figuratively applied to men, as Genesis 49:10. so may the former be, in that loving fathers delight to see their new borne babes, children, or grandchildren, and to shew such kindnesse to them, as may well be exprest by laying on the knees, or sitting on the lap.