We continue to listen to Jacob on his deathbed as he passes on "blessing" to his offspring, his twelve sons. We observed in chapter 48 that Joseph received the traditional 'double portion' of the first born. This was done by including both of Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, as direct descendants of Jacob. In chapter 49, Jacob speaks to each of his sons.
As you read the comments, one might question whether or not some of them sound much like 'blessings'. And it is true that some harsh things are said. But think with me for a moment ... can something said that sounds harsh be a warning? And - if a warning - is it not a blessing? It seems that Jacob, recognizing certain character traits and tendencies in his sons, gives each a preview of what will be grief and what will bring joy.
Let's make a few observations ...
To Reuben (vs. 3 - 4). Reuben was the actual first-born. That came with privileges - privileges that he obviously did not honor. His sin of making love to Jacob's 'wife' Bilhah brought dishonor on him and dramatically effected his legacy. Perhaps it was an undisciplined, lustful character that Jacob called "turbulent". Lessons? Sin has consequences. Of course, unconfessed sin outside of the grace of God has eternal consequences. But even confessed, forgiven sin carries consequences. So we take them to Jesus - knowing that He will strengthen and enable us to walk through whatever consequences come.
To Simeon and Levi (vs. 5 - 7). These two brothers were the ones who orchestrated the massacre of the men of Shechem. They apparently had a violent, blood-thirsty nature. Jacob says they are to be scattered. Banding together would give a strength that they needed to not have. Simeon never had a strong tribe. Some of the Simeonites were captured and ending up living in the lands of the Edomites and Amalekites (1 Chron 15:9) "Apparently they were eventually either mostly assimilated by Judah or scattered outside of Israel altogether, and little is heard of them after the days of King Asa" (Henry Morris: The Genesis Record) Levi's descendants become the servants of the Temple and the priestly tribe - so they have no land of their own but are scattered amongst the other tribes. Lessons? Beware "mob mentality". We are all susceptible to it. Be cautious before you jump on any one's bandwagon. Think. Pray.
To Judah (vs. 8 - 12). As I have mentioned earlier, Judah becomes "grown up" and takes on a leadership role in the family. He takes on responsibility. He develops into an honorable man. And Jacob acknowledges these things in his comments to and about him. When the country splits into a northern kingdom and a southern kingdom, the southern kingdom carries the name, Judah. The most exciting verse in this blessing is verse 10. King David will later come from Judah. And Judah became the prominent tribe from then on. Notice that the "scepter" would not depart from Judah "until he comes to whom it belongs". And we see another promise of the coming of Messiah ... of Jesus. Matthew 1:1 - the beginning of the genealogy of Jesus - and Judah's name is in verse 3. Lessons? Grow up! There is virtue and beauty and honor in growing up ... becoming a mature man or mature woman ... growing up into our head, even Christ.
We don't know too much about the other brothers mentioned until we get to Joseph in verse 22. Jacob describes Joseph as "a fruitful vine". Joseph had named his second son Manasseh, meaning, "God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering." A fruitful vine ... Lessons? Are you one? I want to be one! How do we do that? Jesus gives us clear instruction ...
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. ... Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15: 1 - 5)So ... to be a fruitful vine like Joseph ... remain in the Lord. Live in Him. Set up your housekeeping in Him. Make your 'nest' there. Be like a turtle ... take your house with you so that you can remain in it at all times! And allow Him to bear fruit in your life. Be a fruitful vine ...
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