Genesis 48:20

[NJA]

"and he (Jacob / Israel) blessed them that day, saying, In thee shall Israel bless, saying, God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh: and he set Ephraim before Manasseh"

Who is the "thee" here?
I take it as Ephraim & Manasseh, (and their descendants).

 

[hedrick]

Newer translations are clearer:

NRSV:
By you Israel will invoke blessings, saying,
‘God make you like Ephraim and like Manasseh.’ ”

NIV:
“In your name will Israel pronounce this blessing:
‘May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh.’ ”

I agree that "you" is Ephraim and Manasseh. And I agree that the OT often uses individuals as symbols for a tribe or nation.