Genesis 49 Lesson The Blessing of Jacob's Sons

Bible Study Series: Joseph, Jesus and You

Genesis 49 Lesson: The Blessing of Jacob's Sons

by I Gordon

We come now to the final words of Jacob. By the end of this chapter Jacob will tuck his feet into bed, breath his last, and instantly be in another world with his fathers and people. That sounds like a nice way to leave and he certainty goes out in style with a prophetic word and blessing for each of his sons. So that's what we will look at today. We'll explore:

• His prophetic word for each of his sons focusing on what we can learn about them, their future, and the application for our own lives... whether good or bad!
• We'll see some pictures of Jesus in some of these sons
• And we'll close with the last few verses concerning the death of Jacob

Now its not the smallest family in the world so with 12 sons to explore, I'll only say a few things about some of them. So no more dilly-dally! 

What is to come in the last days...

Gen 49:1  Then Jacob summoned his sons and said, "Assemble yourselves that I may tell you what will befall you in the days to come. (2) "Gather together and hear, O sons of Jacob; And listen to Israel your father. 

The NIV, quoted above, simply says 'Assemble yourselves that I may tell you what will befall you in the days to come.' 'The days to come' is translated 'in the latter' or 'last days' in the KJV/NKJV and Amplified versions (amongst others). This is a term used in several key passages¹, often referring to the days leading up to, and including, the Messianic Kingdom. Some examples are when Israel is restored in the last days, when 'Gog' and allies come against Israel in the latter years, and also when the Messianic kingdom is established on earth in the latter days. Therefore, Jacob's prophecies over his sons can go right through and have their fulfillment even in the Messianic Kingdom. 

So one by one each son came before their father Jacob to get their 'blessing'. These words are prophetic. They are also a report card of who they really are, and who they will be. And as we shall see, some will be seen to be the sons of Jacob, and some the sons of Israel. That is, some are fleshly and some spiritual!  

Reuben - When the first becomes last

Gen 49:3-4  "Reuben, you are my firstborn; My might and the beginning of my strength, Preeminent in dignity and preeminent in power. (4)  "Uncontrolled as water, you shall not have preeminence, Because you went up to your father's bed; Then you defiled it--he went up to my couch. 

The firstborn Reuben starts things off and we get off of to a great start... very briefly! Reuben is said to be 'Preeminent in dignity and preeminent in power'... but... there is a but. But he is uncontrolled as water and shall not have preeminence. Reuben lost his place of preeminence and double inheritance as the firstborn due to sexual sin (1 Ch 5:1-2). Jacob hasn't forgotten that Reuben slept with Bilhah, his concubine (Gen 35:22). So how did things play out for Reuben looking back now through history? Well, let me ask you a question - What 'big names' are recorded in scripture as descending from Reuben? Yep... none. There are no kings, prophets or judges that descended from Reuben.

Jacob recognizes that and sees that this boy Reuben is a great deal like himself. "Unstable as water" could have described Jacob in his early years. It was true of his oldest son, also. "Thou shalt not excel." Reuben never did. He never did win a blue ribbon.
J. Vernon McGee

Reuben - Application

Unfortunately Reuben is a great example of what might have been... but wasn't. He is a reminder that we can start well but spoil our name, testimony and inheritance through sin. Especially sexual sin which is so prevalent in this age. Reuben had all the opportunities but lost them through his uncontrolled passions. He is the opposite of being rock solid, dependable and having a strong character. He is like water which twists and turns, taking the path of least resistance. And there are many unstable and uncontrolled people like this. Peter speaks of the false teachers who prey on such people: 2Pe 2:14 With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed--an accursed brood! From a doctrinal point of view the Bible also speaks about those that are unstable going back and forth in what they believe and thus are easily manipulated. 

Unfortunately, as someone has said, 'Reuben is a great example of how the first can be last.'² (Mat 19:30) So we learn from him what NOT to do! Instead, as scripture says, we are not to be 'tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine' but 'speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ.' (Eph 4:15)

Simeon & Levi - In your anger do not sin!

Gen 49:5-7 "Simeon and Levi are brothers; Their swords are implements of violence. (6) "Let my soul not enter into their council; Let not my glory be united with their assembly; Because in their anger they slew men, And in their self-will they lamed oxen. (7) "Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce; And their wrath, for it is cruel. I will disperse them in Jacob, And scatter them in Israel.

Simeon and Levi are next and are grouped together. Their problem was uncontrolled anger. The Bible says that "In your anger do not sin". We all get angry from time to time. Look around and you'll see lots of things in this world that will make you angry. But uncontrolled anger is the issue. Jacob hadn't forgotten what these sons did. If you remember the story, Levi and Simeon were angry because their sister Dinah had been raped. Now they should be angry at that. All of Jacob's sons were furious. But the response of Levi and Simeon was to kill the entire city as shown in Genesis chapter 34. So Jacob said they would be scattered in Israel.

William MacDonald in the Believers Bible Commentary writes: "By the time of the second census (Num. 26), these were the two smallest tribes. This was also fulfilled when the tribe of Simeon was largely absorbed by Judah (Jos 19:1-9), and the tribe of Levi was assigned to 48 cities throughout the land."

Simeon & Levi - Application: Finding redemption & grace

While Simeon remained small and not prominent³, Levi found redemption and grace. This tribe would later stand with Moses at the time of the golden calf incident as recorded in Ex. 32:28 and receive a great blessing by Moses. So in case you think that you can't come back from a fall, remember the case of Levi.

"In Levi, we see an exhibition of the marvelous grace of God. It is true that they were scattered in Israel, but this was because they were made the priestly tribe. It was the grace of God that could take a cruel person like Levi and make him the head of the priestly tribe."
J. Vernon McGee

So there were many 'big names' of the Bible that descended from Levi. To name a few, Moses, Aaron, Samuel, Ezra, Zechariah and Elizabeth, along with their even more well-known son John the Baptist, were all from the tribe of Levi. Always remember that there is a way back when you have blown it!

Judah - The tribe of the King!

Gen 49:8-12 "Judah, your brothers shall praise you; Your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; Your father's sons shall bow down to you. (9) "Judah is a lion's whelp; From the prey, my son, you have gone up. He couches, he lies down as a lion, And as a lion, who dares rouse him up? (10) "The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes, And to him shall be the obedience of the peoples. (11) "He ties his foal to the vine, And his donkey's colt to the choice vine; He washes his garments in wine, And his robes in the blood of grapes. (12) "His eyes are dull from wine, And his teeth white from milk.

Judah means 'praise' and Jacob declares that Judah would be the most prominent tribe and even his brothers would praise him. When the tribes of Israel marched through the wilderness, it was Judah that led them (Num 10:14) and they were also the largest tribe at that time (Num 1:27). Thus Judah, though not the firstborn, became the leader. Jacob declares that Judah would inherit the blessing of kingly rule so what prominent kings came from this tribe? Well, great men such as David, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, Josiah...  and most importantly, the King of kings was a descendant, being the lion from the tribe of Judah! (Rev 5:5) And Jacob makes a very interesting prophecy here saying 'The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes.' Various meanings of the word 'Shiloh' have been given such as 'Prince of peace, tranquil, seed (of Judah), his descendant, whose it is (cf. Eze_21:27).'⁴ What is clear is that the Jewish Rabbi's of old took this as a prophecy concerning the Messiah⁵:  

• The Targum Onkelos states: "He who excerciseth dominion shall not pass away from the house of Jehuda, nor the saphra from his children's children until the Messiah come." 
• The Targum Jerusalem declares that, "Kings shall not cease from the house of Jehuda… until the time that the King Meshiha shall come … How beauteous is the King Meshiha who is to arise from the house of Jehuda." But note also that Jacob predicted that the kingly succession of Judah would end at this time. 

Thus, this prophecy further narrows down where the Messiah will come from. First, in Genesis, we learn that He will be the seed of the woman (Gen 3:15). Then we learn He will be the seed of Abraham (Gen_22:18, Gal 3:16). Now we know which tribe He will come from. And later, through the prophets, we will know which town He will be born in (Mic 5:1-2), when He will come (Dan 9:25-26), why He will come and what He will achieve! (Isa 53).

Let's just note a few other interesting points concerning Judah:

• 'Your father's sons shall bow down to you.' - Jacob prophesied the day when all of Israel would bow down before Judah. This has both a symbolic and literal fulfillment. Ultimately, it will be fulfilled literally with Judah's greatest son, King Jesus. Just as Joseph's brothers bowed many times before Joseph, so the people of Israel will one day bow before their Messiah, Jesus.
• 'And to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.' - This reminds us of the prophecy in Psalm 110:1-3 'The LORD says to my Lord: "Sit at My right hand Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet." (2) The LORD will stretch forth Your strong scepter from Zion, saying, "Rule in the midst of Your enemies." (3) Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power...'
• 'He washes his garments in wine, And his robes in the blood of grapes.' - His garments were covered with His own blood in His first coming but shall be covered with the blood of His enemies in His second. Thus we read the prophecy in Isa 63:1-2 Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah, with his garments stained crimson? Who is this, robed in splendor, striding forward in the greatness of his strength? "It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save." (2) Why are your garments red, like those of one treading the winepress?

Judah - Application: The last can be first!

Judah's is a great redemption story. From betraying Joseph initially to then placing his own life on the line to save Benjamin, Judah found redemption and thus took the lead amongst the tribes of Israel. If Reuben is an example of the first becoming last, Judah is the opposite and is a reminder that we are not to let our failures have the last say. There is grace and redemption in the Lord for those that repent and turn to Him.  

Zebulun - Faithful despite distractions

Gen 49:13  "Zebulun will dwell at the seashore; And he shall be a haven for ships, And his flank shall be toward Sidon. 

Jacob now moves not in chronological birth order, as he began, but stays with his sons born to Leah. Jacob said that Zebulun will dwell at the seashore, or looking towards the sea as David Guzik notes: 

The tribe of Zebulun seems to settle the piece of land sitting between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sea of Galilee. Literally, shall dwell by the haven of the sea can be rendered "looking towards the sea." Zebulun did look to the sea, both to the East and West.

Thus, as John Macarthur writes: "Although Zebulun's territory did not border the Mediterranean Sea or the Sea of Galilee, the tribe was situated to benefit from the important trade route, the Via Maris, traversed by sea traders moving through her territory."

Zebulun - Application: Keeping the right focus

Thankfully, despite the distractions of being involved in an important trade route, Zebulun didn't depart from the Lord. One noteworthy act of the tribe of Zebulun would come during the exile of king David, when Saul sought to kill him, where they would provide 50,000 men, the most of any tribe, to support and fight with David (1Ch 12:33) and be part of his 'mighty men'. We can learn from this. The Lord Jesus spoke of the thorns of this life, including the deceitfulness of wealth, that grow up and choke the productivity of the plant. There are always many distractions so stay focused on what really matters!

Issachar - Strong yet lazy!

Gen 49:14-15  "Issachar is a strong donkey, Lying down between the sheepfolds. (15) "When he saw that a resting place was good And that the land was pleasant, He bowed his shoulder to bear burdens, And became a slave at forced labor. 

H.C Leupold writes "The meaning seems to be that Issachar was strong, but docile and lazy. He would enjoy the good land assigned him but would not strive for it. Therefore, eventually he would be pressed into servitude and the mere bearing of burdens for his masters."

It is interesting that in the census of Numbers 26, at the time of Moses, Issachar was the largest tribe with 64,300 men (Num 26:25). So they were strong in numbers but their idleness would lead to them to servitude under forced labor. 

Issachar - Application: Don't be lazy in the Lord!

Able yet lazy... strong yet idle... you don't want to be like that! Let Issachar the donkey be a warning against that type of attitude and spirit - especially when it comes to our spiritual lives! The Bible says that 'whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might'. And that should apply all the more in our relationship with the Lord and whatever 'good works' He puts on your heart to do.  

Dan - A serpent... Yet hope remains!

Gen 49:16-18 "Dan shall judge his people, As one of the tribes of Israel. (17) "Dan shall be a serpent in the way, A horned snake in the path, That bites the horse's heels, So that his rider falls backward. (18) "For Your salvation I wait, O LORD.

The name Dan means 'judge' and the prophecy given is that this tribe would be amongst the judges of Israel. We know from scripture that Samson, one of the most prominent Judges, came from the tribe of Dan. (Jdg 13:2). Yet we also read, in far less glowing terms, that he shall be a serpent in the way. The tribe of Dan would later take the lead in idolatry and rebellion against the Lord.

"Dan shows another disparity between calling and achievement. Dan was to provide justice (“Dan” means “judge”), but the tribe chose treachery, like a snake by the roadside. In the time of the Judges the first major practice of idolatry appeared in the tribe of Dan (Jdg 18:30)."
Bible Knowledge Commentary

Dan is not included in the list of tribes in Revelation 7 that receive the blessing of making up the 144,000 and being used mightily by the Lord during the Tribulation. This fact, along with this reference to him being a serpent, has lead some to believe that the Antichrist or false prophet will come from the tribe of Dan. This tribe is however the first to be named in Ezekiel's tribe list for the Messianic Kingdom age, as stated in Ezekiel 48:1, so it indicates that salvation will come. 

Dan - Application: Waiting for the Lord's salvation

Jacob also gives a plea for the Lord's salvation at this point saying 'For Your salvation I wait, O LORD.' This may indicate salvation for this tribe of Dan will be slow in coming or could simply be a general desire for the Lord's coming and deliverance for all his sons. Maybe you are a parent like Jacob was and also have a wayward son or daughter. Maybe you can relate to this prayer! Sometimes it takes a lot longer than we expect for the Lord to change a person's heart. But don't give up praying and trusting for their salvation! And there is also an application for all believers here. It is well worth noting that 'salvation' in Hebrew is 'Yeshua', the name of Jesus. And we all wait for the Lord's Yeshua to come do we not? That is the ultimate and eternal deliverance for all that know Him!

Gad - Pressing on and overcoming!

Gen 49:19 NKJV 'Gad, a troop shall tramp upon him, But he shall triumph at last.'

Jacob indicated that Gad would be raided and trodden down. In the days of Jeremiah we see how the sons of Ammon had come and taken possession of Gad and settled in its cities. (Jer 49:1) Yet, thankfully, that is not the end of the story for Gad for he shall triumph at last! 

Gad - Application: Press on!

I like the application Charles Spurgeon writes here and maybe you can relate to Gad in this!

"This has been the blessing of many a child of God, — to fight, and apparently to lose the battle, yet to win it at the end. O thou who art striving against sin, or seeking to win souls for Christ, after many disappointments may you be able to clutch this sweet assurance, “He shall overcome at the last.”"
Charles Spurgeon

Asher - Abundant & fruitful

Gen 49:20  "As for Asher, his food shall be rich, And he will yield royal dainties. 

Asher, meaning 'happy', dwelt in the rich northern coast of Canaan and produced an abundance of food. When Moses prophesied over the tribes he again spoke of their abundance and blessing saying: Deu 33:24 Of Asher he said, "More blessed than sons is Asher; May he be favored by his brothers, And may he dip his foot in oil.⁶

Asher - Application: Fruitfulness in the right soil!

Asher here is a picture of the one who abides in Christ. They are planted in the good soil. They have the oil and are spiritually fruitful and abundant for they are connected to life itself! And this fruit is not for themselves, but they are able to share with others.

Naphtali - Beautiful words

Gen 49:21  "Naphtali is a doe let loose, He gives beautiful words. 

Naphtali gets 10 words only in one short sentence. But at least they are a blessing and speak of good things to come. Jacob says that beautiful words would be given here one day in the future. So who would this be? Jesus did much of His ministry in this area. Thus we read:

Mat 4:12-17 When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee. (13) Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali-- (14) to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: (15) Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles-- (16) the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." (17) From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."

Yes, beautiful words were given and heard here because the Gospel, the good news, went forth in this area!  

Naphtali - Application: You have beautiful words to give!

Naphtali isn't the only one with beautiful words. Those that have been entrusted with the good news of the gospel have the most beautiful words! So we need to remember that believers have been entrusted with the good news as ambassadors for God. (2 Cor 5:20)

Rom 10:13-15 for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (14) How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? (15) And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" 

Joseph - The fruitful vine

Gen 49:22-26 Joseph is a fruitful vine, a fruitful vine near a spring, whose branches climb over a wall. (23) With bitterness archers attacked him; they shot at him with hostility. (24) But his bow remained steady, his strong arms stayed limber, because of the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob, because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, (25) because of your father's God, who helps you, because of the Almighty, who blesses you with blessings of the heavens above, blessings of the deep that lies below, blessings of the breast and womb. (26) Your father's blessings are greater than the blessings of the ancient mountains, than the bounty of the age-old hills. Let all these rest on the head of Joseph, on the brow of the prince among his brothers.

Jacob had a lot to say about Joseph and so he should! If ever there was a man who had gone through a lot, it was Joseph. Jacob correctly shows how the Lord had upheld Joseph and gives tremendous names for God in this prophecy. Jacob speaks of 'The Mighty God of Jacob', 'The Shepherd', 'The Stone of Israel', 'The God of your father', 'The Almighty'. The Lord Jesus is our Shepherd who guides, protects and oversees our life. He is also the Stone that is our rock solid foundation. And does this not give confidence, to have the Mighty God, the Almighty, on your side? There is also a type here, which we have seen throughout this study series in the sufferings and exaltation of Joseph, with the Lord Jesus. CHM writes:

These verses beautifully exhibit to our view "the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow." "The archers" have done their work; but God was stronger than they. The true Joseph has been shot at and grievously wounded in the house of his friends; but "the arms of his hands have been made strong" in the power of resurrection, and faith now knows Him as the basis of all God's purposes of blessing and glory in reference to the Church, Israel, and the whole creation. When we look at Joseph in the pit, and in the prison, and look; at him afterwards as ruler over all the land of Egypt, we see the difference between the thoughts of God and the thoughts of men; and so when we look at the cross, and at "the throne of the majesty in the heavens," we see the same thing."
Charles Henry Mackintosh

So never forget that the stone that the builders rejected has become the chief stone. Anyone who places their trust in this stone will not be disappointed (Rom 9:33). And this same stone will soon come and destroy all the kingdoms of this world! (Dan 2:35)

Joseph - Application: Standing strong under difficulty

The archers attacked Joseph, yet he is said to be a fruitful vine by the spring's water. He was both faithful and fruitful despite his trials for God was with Him. The imagery of Joseph being a fruitful vine by the spring reminds us of the blessing of Psalm 1, which is important for all of us: 

Psa 1:1-3 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. (2) But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. (3) He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

Benjamin - Strong & spirited

Gen 49:27  "Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; In the morning he devours the prey, And in the evening he divides the spoil."

The last word goes to the youngest of Jacob's sons and that is Benjamin. He is described as a ravenous wolf who devours his prey but also shares the spoil. The tribe of Benjamin would become known for their fighting strength. To put it bluntly, they were not to be messed with!

Benjamin, a tribe of fighters, would continually conquer and divide the spoil. Someone has said that Benjamin proved himself the most spirited and warlike of all the tribes.
William MacDonald, Believers Bible Commentary

As an example, you may recall from Judges chapter 20 that there came a time when a civil war in Israel saw all the tribes of Israel up against the tribe of Benjamin (because of wickedness they had done). This was 26,700 Benjamite soldiers up against 400,00 from the other tribes (Judges 20:15-17) and for the first two days the Benjamites were winning! Did I say that the Benjamites were tough and not to be messed with?  

Benjamin - Application: Strong in the Lord

So who descended from Benjamin? Here are a few prominent names came from this tribe: Ehud the Judge (Jdg 3:15-23), King Saul (1Sa 9:1), and one very strong individual in the New Testament - the Apostle Paul himself! (Phil 3:5) If anyone was a tough fighter for the Lord, never giving up despite all opposition, it was the Apostle Paul! This speaks to us about the need to be strong in the Lord, not easily swayed or put off by opposition. Hopefully you never have to go into a real war or battle, but this life is still a battle in many ways so be strong in Him! You will face opposition so, with the Lord's enabling, exhibit that same spirit as Benjamin and don't be easily swayed!

Conclusion - Jacob's final minutes

Gen 49:28-33 All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father said to them when he blessed them, giving each the blessing appropriate to him. (29) Then he gave them these instructions: "I am about to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my fathers in the cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite, (30) the cave in the field of Machpelah, near Mamre in Canaan, which Abraham bought as a burial place from Ephron the Hittite, along with the field. (31) There Abraham and his wife Sarah were buried, there Isaac and his wife Rebekah were buried, and there I buried Leah. (32) The field and the cave in it were bought from the Hittites. " (33) When Jacob had finished giving instructions to his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed, breathed his last and was gathered to his people.

So as we conclude, these were, quite literally, the final minutes of Jacob's life before going to the next. His last moments were spent blessing each of his sons, as was appropriate to each one. Some received praise and some a rebuke or correction. Prophetically, Jacob saw their futures and some that were first would be last and some that were last, first. As we have seen, we can learn from these sons as we want to finish strongly in the Lord!

And having finished, and knowing that the time for his earthly life was up, Jacob gave final instructions to make sure he would be buried with his fathers back in Canaan (as we looked at in the last study). We then read these peaceful beautiful words: 'When Jacob had finished giving instructions to his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed, breathed his last and was gathered to his people.' You may remember that God had spoken to him 17 years earlier, when he first left Canaan to go to Egypt, that at the time of his death 'Joseph will close your eyes.' That was fulfilled here. Jacob died in the view and presence of all of his sons in a comforting and beautifully peaceful departure! I don't know about you but as I said at the start of this message, blessing your family, then tucking yourself into bed and breathing your last, sounds like a wonderful way to go to me! 

And of course this is only the end of the first chapter in Jacob's life. The second chapter has no ending. As Jesus once said about the life to come, 'many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.' (Matt 8:11). And what stories Jacob will have to tell from a life full of experiences in the Lord! 

And may you and I be amongst the many that sit at that table on that special day! As mentioned earlier:

"See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame." (Rom 9:33)

God bless. 

FOOTNOTES