Review of Genesis 49

— by Victor Fawole

It’s a new week and I welcome everyone to the reading of Genesis 49. As believers, we can learn a lot from the final words of some Bible characters.

• In Noah’s final words, he gave prophetic words for his children (Gen. 9:24-27).
• When Isaac mistakenly thought that he was in his final days, he sought to bless his Esau, but was tricked into blessing Jacob (Gen. 27:34-41).
• As he was approaching the end of his life, Jacob blessed and adopted the children of Joseph as we read in the previous chapter (Gen. 48:13-22).
• Now in the final moments of his life, Jacob blessed and gave prophetic words to each of his 12 sons.
• At the end of Moses’ life, he also blessed and gave prophetic words to each of the 12 tribes (Deut. 33:1-29).
• After His resurrection, Jesus’ final words were blessings for His disciples (Matt. 28:20).

This review will focus on the prophetic words of Israel and the words of Moses in later years. We will also consider the characteristics of each son and Jacob’s prophecy for them.

Gen. 49:1-2 And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days. Gather yourselves together, and hear, ye sons of Jacob; and hearken unto Israel your father.

Gen. 33:1 And this is the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death.

Let us consider each tribe what became of them:

1. REUBEN (Gen. 49:3-4)

• Characteristics: Unstable and impulsive
• Prophecy: Loss of leadership and preeminence

Jacob gave a five-fold description for Reuben: my first-born, my might, the beginning of my strength, preeminent in dignity, preeminent in power. But he was unstable! Reuben represents those who are unstable in their faith; they should expect nothing from God (Jam. 1:6-8). Like uncontrolled water, his tribe declined as they committed various sins in the wilderness. While in the wilderness, the tribe decreased in size from 46,500 to 43,730 fighting men (Num. 1:22; Num. 26:7). Yet, out of mercy and grace, Moses blessed the tribe so that it might live and grow in number (Deut. 33:6). Reuben’s tribe, however, settled in modern day Jordan. They were not satisfied with what God offered in the Promised Land. The outside world looked better to them. Thus, they never excelled. There was no leader or judge for Israel from that tribe.

2. SIMEON AND LEVI (Gen. 49:5-7)

• Characteristics: Violent and vengeful
• Prophecy: Scattered and dispersed among Israel

Jacob rebuked Simeon and Levi by “scattering” them throughout the Promised Land (Gen. 49:7). Their anger was a way to attract Satan to their space. Fierce anger. Cruel wrath. However, each tribe responded to this differently. In the case of Levi, the tribe repented and turned the rebuke into a good for all of greater Israel. While in the wilderness, the tribe grew for being loyal to God from 22,000 to 23,000 men (Num. 4:39; Num. 26:62). Popular bible characters from this tribe are Aaron, Moses, Samuel, Elijah, Eli and John the Baptist. Although the Levites would receive no land (Num. 26:62), they were set apart as priests for God’s use (Num. 18:10-11). They were dedicated to God, substituting themselves for the firstborns of every other family (Num. 8:16-17, Exo. 13:1-16). Their growth shows that believers experience spiritual growth when we live sanctified and consecrated lives for God (1Pet. 2:5, 9). Moses later blessed Levi for doing God’s work in guiding people through the Spirit and for teaching the people God’s Law (Deut. 33:8-11).

On the other hand, there was no sign of repentance from the Simeon tribe. Zimri was a leader from the tribe of Simeon that openly brought a temple prostitute home for all to see after God began to punish the nation of Israel for its temple prostitution (Num. 25:6, 14). While in the wilderness, Simeon went from 59,300 to 22,200 fighting men (Num. 1:23; Num. 26:14) – a staggering 63% decrease. They went from being the third largest tribe to being the smallest tribe. Moses had nothing to say about the tribe of Simeon! They continued to diminish in strength and were eventually absorbed by the tribe of Judah (Jos. 19:9).

We were like Levi and Simeon in our sins, but those who believe the gospel have followed Levi’s example. They have repented and now serve God as a light to others (Matt. 5:14).

3. JUDAH (Gen. 49:8-12)

• Characteristics: Leadership and strength
• Prophecy: Ruler of brothers, royalty and majesty (like a lion)

In our previous reviews, we have learnt of Judah’s repentance. God transformed his life. Jacob’s blessing on Judah has four parts. Two blessings emphasize his position as ruler (Dominion & Messiahship), while the other two emphasize the nature of his rule (Security & Prosperity). While in the wilderness, Judah’s tribe grew to be the largest tribe, going from 74,600 to 76,500 fighting men (Num. 1:27; Num. 26:22). Moses later blessed this tribe as a mighty force that would bring justice to Israel’s enemies (Deut. 33:7). The “ruler’s scepter” also belonged to Judah (Gen. 49:10; Num. 24:17; Psa. 60:7; Psa. 108:8). Popular bible characters from this tribe are: Caleb, Othniel, David, Joab, etc. Our Lord Jesus, the King of kings, is the “Lion of the Tribe of Judah.” (Rev. 5:5). Jesus is the Shiloh, the One who brings peace and rest, as prophesied by Jacob. Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem, fulfilling Jacob’s prophecy (Matt. 21:1-11). Jesus’ blood (symbolized by wine) cleanses us from sin, as hinted at in Jacob’s prophecy. Jesus choosing Judah to be His tribe shows that He can redeem any sinner and use them for His glory.

4. ZEBULUN (Gen. 49:13)

• Characteristics: Aquatic and maritime activities
• Prophecy: Prosperity and strategic wisdom to control international trade

5. ISSACHAR (Gen. 49:14)

• Characteristics: Leadership and strength
• Prophecy: Ruler of brothers, royalty and majesty (like a lion)

Most times in the Bible, Zebulun and Issachar were always counted together. They were both sons of Leah and were the 9th and 10th sons in birth order. Out of grace, Israel promised a blessing for them. God blessed both tribes with growth while in the wilderness. Zebulun grew from 57,400 to 60,500 fighting men (Num. 1:31; Num. 26:27) – a 5.4% increase. Issachar grew from 54,400 to 64,300 fighting men (Num. 1:29; Num. 26:25) – an 18% increase. Moses later blessed both tribes together with prosperity (Deut. 33:18-19).

However, these tribes only partially fulfilled the blessings. Zebulun defeated the Canaanites in their land, and instead of driving them out as Moses commanded, they used the Canaanites as forced labourers (Judg. 1:30). This decision created problems in the future. The Canaanites led the tribe of Zebulun into idolatry and sin. Zebulun was promised the fertile lands near the seashore near Sidon (Gen. 49:13; Josh. 19:10-16), but they never fulfilled that blessing. Although Israel also promised Issachar prosperous lands, they were subdued by the sins of the Canaanites. Popular bible characters from these two tribes are actually unpopular judges of Israel: Tola (from the tribe of Issachar, the 6th judge) and Elon (from the tribe of Zebulun, the 10th judge).

6. DAN (Gen. 49:16-18)

• Characteristics: Justice and protection
• Prophecy: Judge of his people, cunning (like a snake)

Dan was a child of the flesh, a son of a concubine. Out of grace, Israel blessed him as a future tribe of mighty warriors who would judge the wicked amongst God’s people. They grew in the wilderness from 62,700 to 64,000 fighting men (Num. 1:39; Num. 26:43) – a 2.7% increase. Samson (the final judge) is a hero from this tribe. Moses later blessed Dan as a tribe of mighty soldiers in God’s army (Deut. 33:22). Just like Zebulun and Issachar, Dan failed to fully realize these blessings, because they lacked the faith to drive out the Amorites. In fact, their faith was so weak that the Amorites drove them out. It was Ephrai that helped them drive out the Amorites (Judg. 1:34-36). After Northern Israel broke away from Judah in the south, King Jeroboam turned the isolated city of Dan into a center of idolatry for the entire northern Israel with a pagan golden calf and a counterfeit priesthood (1Kgs. 12:28-31). Dan’s counterfeit religion and its idolatry in turn brought God’s curse upon it (Deut. 27:15). It is interesting to note that this tribe is omitted from the 144,000 Jews who will be saved during the Great Tribulation (Rev. 7:5-8). Dan’s tribe was meant to be a nation of mighty warriors for God.

As believers, we are God’s mighty warriors today. Our battles are not against flesh and blood, they are spiritual battles (Eph. 6:12). Let us give no space to the devil. Let us build our faith as we intentionally create channels of inspiration that emit the Spirit and exit the devil. You can do well to relisten to: “Not Ignorant Of The Devil’s Devices — Part 6”.

7. GAD (Gen. 49:19)

• Characteristics: Strength and courage
• Prophecy: Attacked but victorious

Gad was also a child of the flesh. Out of grace, Israel also prophesied that Gad would be a great tribe of warriors. But the tribe of Gad kept bad company (Reuben), and stumbled. While in the wilderness, the fighting men of Gad declined from 45,650 to 40,500 (Num. 1:25; Num. 26:18) – an 11.28% decrease. Moses also prophesied that Gad would be a great and enlarged tribe of warriors (Deut. 33:20-21). Yet, like Dan, Gad also did not enjoy the blessings. After receiving God’s many blessings and the comfort of God’s blessings in Jordan, the tribes of Gad and Reuben pleaded with Moses not to take them across the Jordan (Num. 32:1-5). They sought after their own interests. Moses chastised them. Centuries later after the tribes returned to Israel from Babylon, there was no land for the people of Gad to return to. They became a lost tribe.

8. ASHER (Gen. 49:20)

• Characteristics: Prosperous and delightful
• Prophecy: Abundant food and oil

Asher was another child of the flesh. However, Israel blessed him with rich farmland and food. The Asher tribe then used God’s grace and gifts to seek after righteousness. While in the wilderness, they had the third highest growth rate in the wilderness. It grew from 41,500 to 53,400 fighting men (Num. 1:41; Num. 26:47) – a 29% increase. Moses granted them even greater blessings – they would walk in the Spirit, grow in strength, and be favoured by their brothers (Deut. 33:24-25). The oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit (1Sam. 16:13). The metals symbolized God’s strength and protection. The name Asher itself means blessing, happiness, contentment. However, after the 12 tribes invaded the Promised Land, the tribe of Asher failed to defeat the Canaanites (Judg. 1:31-32), and this threatened their existence.

9. NAPHTALI (Gen. 49:21)

• Characteristics: Swift, agile, and inspired speech
• Prophecy: Abundant prosperity

Another child of the flesh. Out of grace, Jacob blessed Naphtali for his beautiful words. However, his tribe also declined because of their sins while in the wilderness. They declined from 53,400 to 45,400 fighting men (Num. 1:43; Num. 26:50) – a 15% decrease. Yet again, out of grace, Moses blessed the tribe with fertile farm lands in the Promised Land (Deut. 33:23). The tribe of Naphtali defeated the Canaanites in their land. They took some of the best farm lands in Israel. But they didn’t obey the command to kill the Canaanites (Judg. 1:33), and they would eventually be swept away by their enemies (2Kgs. 17:7-23).

10. JOSEPH (Gen. 49:22-26)

• Characteristics: Fruitful and blessed
• Prophecy: God’s blessings and protection

Joseph received the greatest blessing of the 12 sons. Both Jacob and Moses gave Joseph the longest blessings. Joseph also received a double blessing through his first two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. God gave Joseph’s descendants both his own land and the land that would have belonged to Levi (1Chro. 5:1-2). Joshua, Deborah (from Ephraim) and Gideon (from Manasseh) are popular bible characters from Joseph’s loins. Moses blessed this tribe with “the precious things of heaven and earth” (Deut. 33:13-17). We have these blessings in Christ. We walk in the fullness of the precious things of heaven. In Jesus’ name, we shall also walk in the fullness of the precious things of earth. Amen!

The story of Joseph’s children is also important. While in the wilderness, the tribe of Ephraim dropped from 40,500 to only 32,500 fighting men (Num. 1:33; Num. 26:37) – a 20% decrease. After Solomon’s death when the Kingdom of Israel separated into two, Ephraim was the dominant power in the north, and was later condemned for its pride and apostasy (Hos. 4:17; Hos. 5:3). Their pride led to their decline (Prov. 16:18).

Unlike Ephraim, Manasseh used its blessings to serve God. While in the wilderness, the Manasseh tribe had the highest growth rate. They grew from 32,200 to 52,700 fighting men (Num. 1:35; Num. 26:34) – a staggering 64% increase.

11. BENJAMIN (Gen. 49:27)

• Characteristics: Strong and fierce
• Prophecy: Devouring prey and victorious

We have learnt that the name Benjamin means “son of the right hand.” Jacob blessed Benjamin as a future protector of Israel. While in the wilderness, the tribe of Benjamin grew from 35,400 to 45,600 fighting men (Num. 1:37; Num. 26:41) – a 29% increase. Popular bible characters from this tribe are Mordecai, Esther, Abednego, and Apostle Paul. Moses also blessed Benjamin as the protector of God’s future Temple (Deut. 33:12). However, this tribe stumbled after it invaded the Promised Land. Jerusalem was originally promised to the tribe of Benjamin, but because they lacked faith and trust in God, they could not drive out the Jebusite king. Judah had to take over Jerusalem. They threatened the Jews until David defeated them (2Sam. 5:6-10).

So what are the key takeaways for us in this chapter?

• Every believer in Christ is an heir to God’s blessings (Gal. 3:29). We should always live in gratitude for our undeserved and unearned blessings.
• Although good works do not lead to salvation, Jesus faithfully blesses every believer that does good works (Heb. 6:10, 1Pet. 5:4).
• None of us should boast about the future (Prov. 27:1). We are blessed in Christ, but we should not live our lives in a way that attracts curses or evil consequences. We should not boast about God’s protection when we are intentionally living a life of disobedience and goofing anyhow. Rather, out of gratitude, we should always live in humility and obedience to God
• Sin can destroy the greatest potential we can imagine. Sinning is never worth it!

Dear Gogolights, let these lessons guide our Christian conduct and lifestyle. As we look forward to the final chapter of Genesis tomorrow, I say…

Grace to you, Church!