genesis 49 commentary

Genesis 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 (Hebrew - acharith; Lxx = eschatos hemera = last days [ep eschaton ton hemeron]).. "And Jacob called upon his sons": Who either were near at hand, and within call at the time Joseph came to visit him, or if at a distance, and at another time, he sent a messenger or messengers to them to come unto him. Jacob is here upon his death-bed, making his will. Genesis 49:1. A. Concerning Issachar: he saw that the land was pleasant, yielding not only pleasant prospects, but pleasant fruits to recompense his toils. Thus dying Jacob at a great distance saw Christ's day, and it was his comfort and support on his death-bed. We are not to consider this address as the expression of private feelings of affection, resentment, or partiality; but as the language of the Holy Ghost, declaring the purpose of God respecting the character, circumstances, and situation of the tribes which descended from the sons of Jacob, and which may be traced in their histories. Naphtali, is a hind let loose. Isaiah 55:1. Genesis 49:11-12 The exuberant fertility of Judah‘s province is now depicted. The Jews have been for eighteen centuries without a ruler and without a judge since Shiloh came, and "to Him the gathering of the people has been.". All Rights Reserved. His calling them together was a precept for them to unite in love, not to mingle with the Egyptians; and foretold that they should not be separated, as Abraham's sons and Isaac's were, but should all make one people. Matthew Henry’s Bible Commentary (concise), Matthew Henry Bible Commentary (complete), California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. Chief among the tribes, "it grew up from a lion's whelp"--that is, a little power--till it became "an old lion"--that is, calm and quiet, yet still formidable. I will divide them. Jacob reminds him of the difficulties and fiery darts of temptations he had formerly struggled through. Under the immediate influence of the Holy Spirit he pronounced his prophetic benediction and described the condition of their respective descendants in the last days, or future times. Our soul is our honour; by its powers we are distinguished from, and raised above, the beasts that perish. (8-12) Zebulun, Issachar, Dan. . Chapter 49. Note: For resources related to this passage please see Genesis Commentaries and Sermons. It was established in lower Galilee--a "good land," settling down in the midst of the Canaanites, where, for the sake of quiet, they "bowed their shoulder to bear, and became a servant unto tribute. It is the comfort of a dying saint thus to have waited for the salvation of the Lord; for then he shall have what he has been waiting for. Genesis 49:8-12 The Blessing Upon Judah. The history of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh shows how fully these blessings were realized. Genesis 49:3 Genesis 49:4 . In this, as in many other things, Joseph was a remarkable type of the Good Shepherd, and tried Corner Stone of the whole church of God. PATRIARCHAL BLESSING. Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Jacob's prophetic words obviously refer not so much to the sons as to the tribes of Israel. of Genesis 49:1-33. He declared plainly that he sought heaven, the better country, Hebrews 11:13,14. Being set apart to God as priests, they were in that character scattered through the nation of Israel. 17. If God's people be our people, death will gather us to them. (13-18) Gad, Asher, Naphtali. Locate the passage; As Joseph faced the end of his life, he gathered his sons to him and delivered a prophetic oracle related to their future. Introduction: As Jacob blesses his sons, a celestial drama is revealed, one which was placed in the heavens by God to show us the work He would accomplish through His Son Jesus.Astrology is forbidden in the Bible because it attempts to reveal our future and the choices we should make from the creation rather than the Creator. Asher should be a rich tribe. Genesis 49:14 Or strong; Genesis 49:14 Or the campfires; or the saddlebags; Genesis 49:16 Dan here means he provides justice. He is the true Vine; wine is the appointed symbol of his blood, which is drink indeed, as shed for sinners, and applied in faith; and all the blessings of his gospel are wine and milk, without money and without price, to which every thirsty soul is welcome. Shiloh, that promised Seed in whom the earth should be blessed, "that peaceable and prosperous One," or "Saviour," he shall come of Judah. The cause of God and his people, though for a time it may seem to be baffled and run down, will be victorious at last. 1. Lesson 43 - Chapter 49 . Now he is going to enjoy the salvation, he comforts himself that he had waited for the salvation. 28. all these are the twelve tribes of Israel--or ancestors. Gather yourselves together — It was his will that they should all be sent for to see their father die, and to hear his dying words. Cursed be their anger. Christ, as our way to heaven, is to be waited on; and heaven, as our rest in Christ, is to be waited for. The sentence as it respects Levi was turned into a blessing. Under Barak, Israel was led to break their bonds (Judges 4-5). Genre; The passage is narrative and records a judgment oracle of Jacob for each of his 12 sons. 1. ASHER--"Blessed." What will befall the sons of Jacob in the last days. Gen. 49:1-28. The blessing of Joseph is very full. Of Benjamin it is said, He shall ravin as a wolf. Genesis 49:20 . a serpent . 27. shall ravin like a wolf--This tribe in its early history spent its energies in petty or inglorious warfare and especially in the violent and unjust contest (Judges 19:1-20:48'), in which it engaged with the other tribes, when, notwithstanding two victories, it was almost exterminated. Genesis 49:19 . (19-21) Joseph and Benjamin. Judah is compared, not to a lion raging and ranging, but to a lion enjoying the satisfaction of his power and success, without creating vexation to others; this is to be truly great. Till Christ's coming, Judah possessed authority, but after his crucifixion this was shortened, and according to what Christ foretold, Jerusalem was destroyed, and all the poor harassed remnant of Jews were confounded together. God was praised for him, Genesis 29:35, praised by him, and praised in him; therefore his brethren shall praise him. Levi had cities allotted to them ( Joshua 21:1-45 ) in every tribe. Reuben was the first-born; but by gross sin, he forfeited the birthright. Rashi 's Commentary: Show Hide. The patriarch describes him as attacked by envy, revenge, temptation, ingratitude; yet still, by the grace of God, he triumphed over all opposition, so that he became the sustainer of Israel; and then he proceeds to shower blessings of every kind upon the head of this favorite son. Let not those of different tempers and gifts censure or envy one another. When he had finished both his blessing and his charge, and so had finished his testimony, he addressed himself to his dying work. Judah's name signifies praise. But they were generally victorious in the close of their wars. Unlike the laborious ox and ass; desirous of ease and liberty; active, but more noted for quick despatch than steady labour and perseverance. Jacob does not curse their persons, but their lusts. Under the immediate influence of the Holy Spirit he pronounced his prophetic benediction and described the condition of their respective descendants in the last days, or future times. ISSACHAR--, 14. a strong ass couching down between two burdens--that is, it was to be active, patient, given to agricultural labors. And Jacob called his sons and said, … Next » Chapter 50. REUBEN forfeited by his crime the rights and honors of primogeniture. (3-7) Judah. His posterity never made any figure; no judge, prophet, nor ruler, sprang from this tribe. This tribe performed an acceptable service in their zeal against the worshippers of the golden calf, Exodus 32. The portrait of Naphtali’s future is one of unhindered freedom and increase. Show content in: Both English Hebrew. (22-27) Jacob's charge respecting his burial, His death.