Genesis Chapter 49
The last words of a dying man to his family are some of the most important words that will ever be spoken. Jacob made sure to address each of his twelve sons. He started with the oldest Reuben, then Simeon, Levi, Judah, Zebulun, Issachar, Dan, Gad. Asher, Naphtali, Joseph, and Benjamin. I had mentioned previously that Reuben was rejected by his father to be given the firstborn birthright blessing because of his involvement in revengeful murder. That was incorrect. Reuben was rejected because of his sexual sin with his father’s concubine.
As you read through these words to each son you will quickly realize that it seemed there wasn’t much in the way of blessings for most of them. What we read is literally prophecies spoken over the future tribes of the nation of Israel. You will notice that the greatest words of blessing and prophecy are spoken over Judah. It is because it would be from the tribe of Judah that our redeemer and Messiah would be born.
Let's Reflect
1. Ten of those twelve names of Jacob’s sons will become the names of the tribes of Israel. Joseph’s name would be excluded but his two sons would be included. The name Levi will also be excluded as a tribe because the Levites became the priests. As you read the prophesies regarding the future tribes of Israel, do you see things that are very specific that could be studied out in the future history of Israel to see if those prophecies came to pass?
2. What did he say about Simeon and Levi that they had done in the past and what will be true of their future?
3. When he speaks to his son Judah, he gives the greatest prophecy of all, that of the future Messiah. Our Messiah would come from the lineage of Judah. What does verse 10 tell us about the future Messiah?
4. What does verse 11 also remind you of in reference to our Messiah?
5. What specific blessings do you read Jacob speaking to Joseph?
6. In verse 26 what does Jacob say about what had happened to Joseph in the past?
7. What does verse 28 specifically teach us about the names of his sons?
8. Jacob finished with specific instructions about where he wanted to be buried and it was not in Egypt. Where did he wish to be buried?
9. When Jacob finished giving his burial instructions to his sons what happened?
