Jacob blesses each of his sons and prophesies about their future.
He takes away Reuben’s inheritance due to his sin; Levi and Simeon are separated from each other for their violent behavior; Judah is promised praise and dominion; Zebulun is given the sea and all of its trade; Issachar will become a servant to the other tribes; Dan will be a judge; Gad will become a warrior; Asher will be rewarded with the best grain and become rich; and Naphtali will use beautiful words.
Joseph is promised a fruitful lineage, and Benjamin is compared to a ravenous wolf who will share his prey with the other tribes.
Jacob, after blessing each of his sons, instructed them to transport his body to Canaan where his ancestors were buried in the field of Machpelah, an area of land that was bought from Ephron the Hittite. He gave specific instructions for his burial and then passed away, having fulfilled his duties.
Jacob blesses each of his sons and prophesies about their future. He predicts that they will become a great nation and the 12 tribes of Israel. These prophecies were given to Jacob by the Lord and were not of his own making.
There are several things we can learn from Genesis 49.
Our actions have repercussions. Simeon and Levi were split up because of their aggressive behavior, and Reuben’s inheritance was taken away from him because of his wickedness.
Judah was picked to take the royal scepter despite his prior transgressions, and it was from him that the Messiah would be born. God can use even our shortcomings for His purposes.
Each of Jacob’s sons had a particular part to play in the destiny of the people of Israel, proving that God has a plan for everyone in our lives.
We should put our skills and talents to good use for God’s glory. Each son was given a special blessing that emphasized their skills and talents as well as how they may be used for the good of the tribe and God’s glory.
Dear God, thank you for this day and for your constant love and guidance in our lives. As we navigate through the challenges of life, we ask for your wisdom and strength to guide us. Help us to use our talents and abilities to serve you and bring glory to your name.
May we always remember the importance of family and heritage, and honor those who have come before us. We pray for your peace and protection over our lives, and for your will to be done in all things. Amen.
Thanks for joining us today!
For daily inspiration on God’s word, please like and follow our Facebook page and YouTube channel. The links are in the description.
Please also visit www.wisdombegun.com/genesis for more thought-provoking discussions on the Book of Genesis plus free downloads and presentations about the Genesis story – ideal for use at Bible Study groups or Sunday school lessons.
Wisdom Begun. God’s words delivered daily.
Featured image attribution:
Jacob Blesses His Sons. Gerard Jollain. This image is in the public domain. Cropped from original.
Hello Sarah Ann! Thank you so much for your kind words and prayers. We’re so glad the post helped deepen your understanding of God’s Word. Your support and blessings are greatly appreciated, and we pray the Lord continues to guide you in His wisdom as well.
Thank you for sharing. I better understand the word of God.
I pray the Lord continue to bless your ministry and grant to you more wisdom in hs word,
With the Love of God.
Sarah Ann
We want to help people to access Words of Wisdom - not only to mindlessly read - but to mindfully reflect and then rejoice on the timeless guiding intelligence that inspired them.
But not only that - put into action the words and knowledge that you learn.
Hence "Read, Reflect, Rejoice" is our company motto. 😌🙏❤
comments