The Plan for the sons

Genesis 49

Jacob is now blessing his other sons. The last chapter we saw Jacob saying his last words to Joseph and his sons.  

The prophecy regarding his sons.

Reuben was the oldest of the sons so naturally he would be first. Jacob told his oldest son that he is the beginning of strength but unstable like water. The reason for this is because Reuben had a problem with lust. Because of this problem you will not have importance in the future. We see that in Genesis 35 Reuben had his problem. The Reubenites in Numbers 32 were the first tribe to ask for land because they could not wait to cross the Jordan with the others. 

The next that were talked too were Simeon and Levi. They were always together as brothers and Jacob stated that they have issues with anger and hate. If we go back to chapter 34 we see they were the ones that killed all the people in a city to seek revenge for what someone did to their sister. Because of the boys who acted out in violence will be divided and scattered. We see this happen as the Levites in Joshua 21 we see that they were scattered and 1st Chronicles 15 those from the tribe of Simeon were captured.

Judah was the next son. We see that he will be mighty and warrior. His name alone means praise. He was going to be the heir for the soon to be kings of Israel. The scepter will not depart from him. How true is this as through the line of Judah we will see Christ. 

Zebulun and Issachar are the next to be talked about. Not much is said about them other then one will be a port and the other will be strong.

Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher were the next to be talked to. Dan will judge the people; which also Dan is the smallest amount of area for Israel. The tribe of Dan was also rebellious and were introduced into idolatry and spread it among the other tribes in Judges 18. Gad was able to defend their land. Asher was able to enjoy good food and Naphtali would be some swift warriors from his tribe.

Joseph and Benjamin are the last ones to be addressed and Jacob told Joseph that he is a very good fruit from a vine or a great bow from an archer. Benjamin would become a wolf. The tribe of Benjamin would be bold and great in warfare but then also cruel. In Judges 20 we see a story where the Benjamites almost lost their identity of one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

We see a great future for Israel and it is exciting to read about. I pray and hope that you are enjoying reading the book of Genesis.