Jacob called his sons together so that he could tell them what would befall them in the days to come (the future).

Leah’s Sons

Reuben – The first born son, Jacob referred to him as his might and the beginning of his strength. He said that he was the excellency of dignity and power. However, Reuben was unstable as water and he would not excel because he had sex with his father’s concubine, Bilhah, and thus, defiled his father’s bed/couch. (Genesis 35:22)

Simeon and Levi – These brothers are extremely violent. This is referencing the “Dinah” incident when they got revenged for their sister’s rape in Genesis 34. Jacob basically is separating himself from them and still holds that sin against them. He curses their anger and predicts that they will be divided throughout Israel.

Judah – His brothers will praise him and bow down before him. There is reference to a lion and the characteristics thereof. In Revelation 5:5, Jesus is referred to as the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Thus, this is the family line in which Jesus was born. Judah shall rule by a scepter (with authority) as the lawgiver until Shiloh comes. Google sources say that Shiloh refers to Jesus, the Messiah. The people will be obedient to Him. Google sources also state that Verses 11 and 12 that speak of donkeys, wine, and teeth whiter than milk refers to the tribe’s great prosperity.

Zebulun – His dwelling place will be by the sea. He shall become a haven for ships. His border will adjoin Sidon.

Issachar – Jacob compared him to a strong donkey who would get comfortable in the land when he saw how good and pleasant it was. He will give up his freedom and settle down to the position of being a slave.

Bilhah’s Sons (Rachel’s Maidservant)

Dan – Jacob states that he would handle matters of justice for his people. Dan would be able to hold his own among the tribes possessing the characteristics of a viper by the path waiting to attack.

Naphtali – Jacob refers to him as a deer running freely. He uses beautiful words.(NKJV) Some translations state that he gives birth to beautiful fawns. Obviously, there are many different interpretations to this description since using beautiful words and giving birth to beautiful fawns are quite different.

Zilpah’s Sons (Leah’s Maidservant)

Gad – A troop will attack him, but he will be triumphant. In Genesis 30:11 Leah said, “A troop comes” so, she called him Gad.

Asher – Will become famous for rich foods and will make royal dainties.

Rachel’s Sons

Joseph – Jacob refers to Joseph as a fruitful bough with branches spreading over walls. He states that archers bitterly grieved him, shot at him and hated him. This was referencing all that he’s been through from his brothers to everything he encountered in Egypt. Despite it all, Joseph remained strong by the hands of the Mighty God, the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel. Joseph will receive blessings from heaven above, blessings of the deep that lies beneath, blessings of the breasts and the womb. He places the blessings of the family on the crown of his head.

Benjamin – Jacob refers to Benjamin as a ravenous wolf that devours the prey in the morning and divides the spoil at night.

In between the blessings for Dan and Gad, Jacob takes a “praise break” in Verse 18 and says, “I have waited for Your salvation, O Lord!”

Jacob blessed the twelve tribes of Israel. He blessed each one according to his own blessing. Have you ever spoken blessings or words of destiny over your child(ren)?

Jacob charged his sons to bury him with his fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, in the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre in the land of Canaan. Abraham bought this field from Ephron for a burial place. Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah and Leah are buried there. The field and cave were purchased from the sons of Heth. (Genesis 23) After commanding his sons, Jacob put his feet in his bed and took his last breath and was gathered to his people.

The next stop is Genesis 50.

To God Be the Glory!

Scripture Date – January 22nd

Genesis 1:22 – And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.”