Genesis 49

Genesis 49

Jacob, on his deathbed, gathered his 12 sons together to “bless” them.  I use quotes here, because some of the blessings didn’t seem like something you would want put upon you.

Now, remember, these are the sons who wanted to kill one of their brothers and lie to their father about it, so maybe Joseph (Israel) was still upset about it.  Here is what he told to each of them:

Reuben defiled his father’s couch , so his life will be harder now.

Simeon and Levi are angry and violent and they will be dispersed.

Judah will be praised by your brothers and will rule all nations.

Zebulun will live by the sea.

Issachar will submit to slavery because he is too comfortable.

Dan will provide justice.

Gad will be attacked and attack in return.

Asher will provide good food.

Naphtali has something to do with a doe.

Jacob is of course well blessed.  Because of Jacob’s (Israel’s) god, Jacob will be a prince to his brothers. Lots of blessings.

Benjamin is a wolf.

So, this sets up the 12 tribes of Israel, and I assume the blessings relate to some attribute or condition that the tribes have.

When Jacob dies, he wants to be buried in Canaan along with his father and Abraham.

 

 

 

 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *