- Part of the blessing that Yaccov gave Ephraim and Menashe was, “They should greatly multiply in midst of the land.”
- This blessing did not activate itself until a later point, for we see that these two tribes did not exceed the other tribes in numbers when Yisroel was counted in the deserts and in the outskirts of Moav.
- The main manifestation of this blessing occurred during the seven years of conquering the land. During this short time they multiplied in enormous numbers.
- It therefore says, “The descendants of Yosef spoke to Yehoshua saying, “Why have you given us just one lot of land when we are many people, as G-d has blessed us until here.” (Yehoshua 17/14)
- Yehoshua answered them that they should settle in the forests. One of the reasons given is that the evil eye should not settle upon them.
- Meaning, even though the descendants of Yosef are usually unaffected by jealousy and the evil eye, under such extreme growth they needed additional protection.
- This is alluded to from the words, “In the midst of the land.”

(Aderet Eliyahu Gra / Rus)