Genesis 49:1-33
Q.1. How did Jacob understand these blessings on his sons? Why did he not overlook the sins of his three eldest sons? How accurate was his prophecy? – (Gen.49:1-7)
Jacob had given a double portion of spiritual blessing to Joseph. He told his sons – I am about to die (Gen.48:21). Then he gathered his sons and said – … Assemble yourselves that I may tell you what will befall you in the days to come (Gen.49:1). The sexual transgression of his eldest, Reuben was an affront to his father. Later in the New Testament., Paul singled out such sin from all other sins – every other sin that one commits is outside the body, but the one who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body (1 Cor.6:18). Sexual sins break down the fabric of society. Jacob would not accept Reuben’s sin and refused to pass on the blessing of the firstborn to him (Gen.35:22). Therefore, why the strong stand against Simeon and Levi? These men had not just committed murder, they had acted in treachery towards their unsuspecting neighbours who had welcomed them into their midst (Gen.34:1-29). God hates such treachery. Jacob likewise made a stand against such extremism. Jacob then uttered a prophecy that would come to pass on the sons of Levi – I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel (Gen.49:7). In time God chose Levi to represent all the other tribes as priests, with no tribal inheritance like the others. Levi’s portion was added to Joseph through his sons, Ephraim, and Manasseh (c.f. Num.3:5-13). In fulfilment of Jacob’s prophecy, Simeon’s territory would be merged into that of Judah’s.
Q.2. How prominent would Judah become? In what way is this prophecy Messianic? What did Jacob predict about Leah’s other sons, and those of the handmaids? – (Gen.49:8-21)
Judah would stand out from all his brothers – Judah, a lion’s cub! With the prey you have climbed high. He stooped and crouched down like a lion, and like a lioness – who dares to provoke him? (Gen.49:9). The prophecy foreshadowed the coming of the Lion from the tribe of Judah – The sceptre of kingship will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from beneath his feet, until Shiloh (i.e. the Peaceful One, the Messiah) comes to whom it belongs, and to Him shall be the obedience of the people (Gen.49:10 c.f. Rev.5:5). The next sons were not recorded in birth order. Leah’s two other sons were Issachar and Zebulun (Gen.30:18-20). Zebulun lived near the coastal trade route (Gen.49:13 c.f. Gen.30:20). Issachar became an industrious and hardy tribe (Gen.49:14-15 c.f. Gen.30:17). Bilhah’s (Rachel’s maid) son, Dan, was described as an aggressive tribe (Gen.49:16-18 c.f. Gen.30:6). It was recorded that Naphtali was to be swift and poetical (Gen.49:21 c.f. 30:8). After this, Leah’s maid, Zilpah bore Gad, who settled east of the Jordan River, and was a valiant tribe (Gen.49:19 c.f. Gen.30:11). Asher was situated on the rich coastal plains (Gen.49:20 c.f. Gen.30:13).
Q.3. What blessings were bestowed on Joseph? How was he connected to the Messiah? What was to happen to Benjamin? – (Gen.49:22-27 c.f. Jdgs.chpts.19-21)
Jacob knew how Joseph’s brothers had treated him, but that Joseph had prevailed, and would be fruitful in the future (Gen.49:22-23). The tribe of Judah, through David’s line, would provide the Messiah, according to the flesh (c.f. Mt.1:1; Lk.1:31-33; Rom.9:5). However, Joseph was spiritually connected to Jacob and Christ – 24 But his bow remained firm, and his arms were agile, from the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob (From there is the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel), 25 From the God of your father who helps you, and by the Almighty who blesses you with blessings of heaven above … (Gen.49:24-25). Many Bible scholars see Joseph as a type of Christ. Many of his experiences mirrored those of the Messiah, our Lord Jesus. The history of Israel would bear out Benjamin’s warlike stance, that almost wiped out the tribe (Jdgs. chapts.19-21). Israel’s first king, Saul was a Benjamite, as was the apostle Paul (c.f. 1 Sam.9:1; Phil.3:5).
Q.4. What was the basis of each son’s blessings? What request did Jacob make from his sons? Why? Was Jacob’s death the end? – (Gen.49:28-33 c.f. Jn.8:51-58)
Jacob was led by God in what he said to his sons – … He blessed them, everyone with the blessing appropriate to him (Gen.49:28). Though Jacob was respected in Egypt, he repeated his request given to Joseph, to be buried in the Promised Land, along with Abraham, Isaac, and his wives (Gen.49:29-32 c.f. Gen.47:7, 10; 48:21). This indicated that he complied with God’s directions and was clinging to the promises that God had made to his forefathers (Gen.46:3-4). Jacob breathed his last breath and died, but it was not the end, for he – was gathered to his people (Gen.49:33). As Jesus replied to the Pharisees – 29 …”You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God … 31 But regarding the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God: 32 `I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.” (Mt.22:29-32).