Genesis 49:1-33
49:1-2 Jacob/Israel then calls for the rest of his sons to come to him. He has a message for each of his children before he departs from the Earth. Jacob knows the character of each of his sons; he also knows the subsequent circumstances of their lives and he prophesies about their futures based on the who they are as souls.
49:3-4 To his firstborn son, Reuben, Jacob explains that he is strong and dignified, powerful even but unstable. His inability to balance himself will disable him from excelling. Moreover, Jacob mentions the transgression which revealed Reuben to be incapable of the firstborns right as heir.
49:5-7 To Simeon and Levi, Jacob explains that they have a cruel nature. Jacob knows that any person with cruel intentions cannot possibly lead God's faith into the future and into future generations. Jacob mentions their fierce temper and wishes for them to be separated as a kind of discouragement for their cruel ways.
49:8-12 Judah receives praise from Jacob and is told that he will be powerful among the family and his enemies. He is brave and intimidating, unable to be thwarted by fear. Through metaphor Jacob prophesies that Judah will live in a fertile land.
49:13 Zebulun, according to Jacob, will become a dweller by the sea and will man a shipping port.
49:14-15 Jacob says that Issachar's life will be centered around his livestock.
49:16-18 Dan will be a crafty and manipulative tribe more than a powerful one.
49:19 Gad will face tribulation but will ultimately triumph over it.
49:20 Asher will become a wealthy nation of royalty.
49:21 Naphtali is described by Jacob to be like a quick and free dear, beautiful with words. His will be a nimble and intelligent nation.
49:22-26 Joseph's faith will cause him to be continually fruitful and ever-expanding, ever-increasing in blessings. Jacob mentions the tribulation, the betrayal that occurred during Joseph's youth. He mentions that Joseph remained strong for in God he was never discouraged. Joseph becomes the shepherd of the faith, leading with God's guidance and wisdom. Joseph will have a large and healthy family. He will carry on the blessings promised to his father and grandfathers: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
49:27 Jacob speaks of his youngest son Benjamin. He prophesies that he will be like a wolf: a military nation, unafraid of war and quick to engage in it.
49:28 The twelve tribes of Israel/Jacob are established. Jacob blesses each of his children with specific prophesy from God.
49:3-4 To his firstborn son, Reuben, Jacob explains that he is strong and dignified, powerful even but unstable. His inability to balance himself will disable him from excelling. Moreover, Jacob mentions the transgression which revealed Reuben to be incapable of the firstborns right as heir.
49:5-7 To Simeon and Levi, Jacob explains that they have a cruel nature. Jacob knows that any person with cruel intentions cannot possibly lead God's faith into the future and into future generations. Jacob mentions their fierce temper and wishes for them to be separated as a kind of discouragement for their cruel ways.
49:8-12 Judah receives praise from Jacob and is told that he will be powerful among the family and his enemies. He is brave and intimidating, unable to be thwarted by fear. Through metaphor Jacob prophesies that Judah will live in a fertile land.
49:13 Zebulun, according to Jacob, will become a dweller by the sea and will man a shipping port.
49:14-15 Jacob says that Issachar's life will be centered around his livestock.
49:16-18 Dan will be a crafty and manipulative tribe more than a powerful one.
49:19 Gad will face tribulation but will ultimately triumph over it.
49:20 Asher will become a wealthy nation of royalty.
49:21 Naphtali is described by Jacob to be like a quick and free dear, beautiful with words. His will be a nimble and intelligent nation.
49:22-26 Joseph's faith will cause him to be continually fruitful and ever-expanding, ever-increasing in blessings. Jacob mentions the tribulation, the betrayal that occurred during Joseph's youth. He mentions that Joseph remained strong for in God he was never discouraged. Joseph becomes the shepherd of the faith, leading with God's guidance and wisdom. Joseph will have a large and healthy family. He will carry on the blessings promised to his father and grandfathers: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
49:27 Jacob speaks of his youngest son Benjamin. He prophesies that he will be like a wolf: a military nation, unafraid of war and quick to engage in it.
49:28 The twelve tribes of Israel/Jacob are established. Jacob blesses each of his children with specific prophesy from God.
49:29-30 Jacob tells his sons that he is to be buried with his family in the field of Ephron (the land Abraham purchased).
49:31-32 He will be buried with Abraham and Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah and Leah. Jacob being buried with his forefathers is symbolic in that he returns always to the faith, to the oath established by God with humans. No matter the journey on Earth, he remains with God from start to finish.
49:33 Jacob completed the prophesies to his sons and with that, completed the final purpose of his life and passed on from Earth around his family.
49:31-32 He will be buried with Abraham and Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah and Leah. Jacob being buried with his forefathers is symbolic in that he returns always to the faith, to the oath established by God with humans. No matter the journey on Earth, he remains with God from start to finish.
49:33 Jacob completed the prophesies to his sons and with that, completed the final purpose of his life and passed on from Earth around his family.
