Genesis 49
BBCGenesis 49:1
- Jacob’s Prophecy Concerning His Sons (Chap. 49)49:1, 2 Jacob’s last words were both a prophecy (v. 1) and a blessing (v. 28). 49:3, 4 Reuben, as the firstborn son, represented the primacy of his father’s manly strength in procreation, and held the place of power and dignity. The birthright, with its double portion, belonged to him. But he forfeited his preeminence because he boiled over with dark passion and sinned with Bilhah, his father’s concubine (Gen_35:22). 49:5-7 Because these brothers had cruelly killed the men of Shechem and hamstrung an ox, Simeon and Levi would be dispersed in Jacob and scattered in Israel. 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. Jacob cursed their cruel deception but not the people of these two tribes themselves. 49:8-12 Judah (meaning praise) would be praised and respected by his brothers because of his victories over his enemies. He is likened to a lion that goes forth to capture prey, then returns to well-deserved rest that no one dares disturb. Just as Joseph inherited the birthright with regard to territory, so Judah inherited it with regard to government. Rulership would continue in this tribe till Shiloh (the Messiah) came, and in Him it would remain forever. His people would give Him willing obedience in the day of His power. The meaning of the name “Shiloh” is obscure. Some suggested meanings are: Prince of peace, tranquil, seed (of Judah), his descendant, whose it is (cf. Eze_21:27). 49:13 Zebulun would enjoy prosperity from maritime commerce. Since this tribe’s territory in OT times was landlocked, this prophecy may look forward to the Millennium. 49:14, 15 Issachar is likened to a strong donkey, so content to rest in pleasant pastoral surroundings that it had no will to fight for independence and so became subject to the enemy’s yoke. 49:16-18 Dan, true to the tribe’s name, would concern itself with judging the people. Verse 17 is difficult. It may allude to Dan’s introducing the idolatry which caused the nation’s fall (Jdg_18:30-31). Many think that it is a veiled reference to the Antichrist’s springing from Dan, and that this is why this tribe goes unmentioned in 1Ch_2:3; 1Ch_8:40 and Rev_7:3-8. In verse 18, Jacob injects a prayer for the final deliverance of his people from their foes or for his own deliverance. 49:19 Gad, unprotected in its territory east of the Jordan, would be subjected to frequent enemy raids. But the tribe would trample the troops of its foes. 49:20 Happily for Asher (happy), this tribe would have fertile agricultural land, producing delicacies fit for a king. 49:21 Naphtali is likened to a doe that has been released from confinement. It springs forth with tremendous speed to carry good news. All the disciples except the traitor came from the territory of Naphtali, and much of the Lord’s ministry was there (Mar_4:13-16). 49:22-26 Compassing the territories of Ephraim and Manasseh, Joseph is a fruitful bough, sending out blessing far beyond his own borders. He was the object of bitter hostility but he did not yield, because he was strengthened by the Mighty God of Jacobthe One from whom the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel (that is, the Messiah) comes forth. God blesses Joseph with rain in abundance, wells and gushing springs, and numerous progeny. Jacob humbly felt that he had been blessed more richly than his ancestors. Now he wishes that such blessings might come to Joseph, the one who was separate from his brothers. 49:27 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. 49:28-33 In closing, Jacob instructed his sons to bury him in the cave . . . of Machpelah, near his home in Hebronthe burial place of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, and Leah. Then he drew himself back into the bed and breathed his last.