Read Genesis 49
Key Verse: 1 “Then Jacob called for his sons and said: ‘Gather around so I can tell you what will happen to you in days to come.’”
Observation: This is the first recorded prophecy in the Bible spoken by a man. Up to this point, God or God’s heavenly servants have made future prophecies but never a man. Jacob is the first to tell what lies in the future for his sons and their sons.
As we walk through this prophecy, we are reminded of much of the family dysfunction that has taken place and the future problems that will bring about.
- Reuben slept with Bilhah, Jacob’s concubine, and therefore Reuben’s family line is predicted to never become anything great and they don’t. No kings, no religious leaders, no political leaders, nothing powerful… ever comes from Ruben’s line even though he is the firstborn and by tradition should be the most powerful and blessed of his brother.
- Simeon and Levi both get a non-blessing because they killed the men of Shechem and gave Jacob a bad name in that region.
- Levi, while cursed to be scattered and have little land, stands up against the golden calf and so redeems their tribe and gains one of the richest blessings given to any tribe by Moses.
- Judah receives a powerful blessing to be ruler over his brothers and it is through his line that the kings are established in Israel and eventually Jesus Christ will come.
We always say Jesus had to be the Messiah because he fulfilled all the prophecies concerning the Messiah, but I did not realize how many of those prophecies found their start right here in the blessings or predictions given by Jacob to his sons. Many of these prophecies are fulfilled in Jesus; from who he was, what tribe he came to, where he would preach, to who would curse him and try to kill him. It is actually amazing to line up all of the prophecies in this chapter with Jesus.
Jacob then dies but before he does, he gives instructions that he is to be buried with his forefathers in the cave in the field of Machpelah, near Mamre in Canaan. It is interesting to note that his choice of burial site was not where his lifelong love Rachel was buried but rather where his first wife Leah was buried.
Application: From these predictions over Jacob’s children we can see a rhythm of proverbs develop which is applicable in so many ways to our lives…
Reuben – Character is more important than position
Simeon and Levi – even though sin may be forgiven, it carries consequences we must face for a lifetime.
Levi – even though cursed, if you strive to change your ways and live a Godly life, you can redeem the curse.
Judah – even though we may really mess things up (Judah with Tammar), God can restore us.
Joseph – even though the cards may have been stacked against us we can be triumphant.
Prayer: Father, I do not know what my future may hold but as I consider the truths of this chapter, I know the choices I make today will inevitably lead me to that future. I ask that you will give me wisdom in all the choices I make today both great and small so that as I move to the future I can be used by You and bring blessing to those that come after me rather than curses. Amen
