If it feels like Jacob is referencing his death a lot, it’s not just your imagination. In Genesis 48:21, he references his upcoming death for the fourth time. In other places, he’ll tell them what to do with his bones (Genesis 47:30), wishes to see Joseph before he dies (Genesis 45:28), and then, once he sees Joseph, says he can now die in peace (Genesis 46:30).
I don’t say that to disparage Jacob; I say that because I think this is a man that is intimately acquainted with death. His relationship with God has been solid from day one, and I don’t think he ever needed a reminder that his time on earth is finite.
His death ultimately won’t come until Genesis 49:33, right after he blesses his sons. Before that time comes though, he’s got some things to say to each one of them.
The full text of his blessings (and curses) is seen in Genesis 49:2-27, but here’s quick breakdown of what he says to each.
- Reuben is called Jacob’s “might,” but also loses his preeminence because of his incestuous relationship with his father’s concubine, Bilhah (Genesis 35:22).
- Simeon and Levi are paired up, just as they did when they slaughtered the entire town of Shechem in Genesis 35. They’re called “angry” and “wrathful,” and Jacob distances himself from their actions as much as he can.
- Judah is given the scepter of power, a clear allusion to the Messiah’s future rise through his line. Also parallels nicely with the story of Joseph: Just as his brothers served Joseph, so all the tribes will serve the tribe of Judah.
- Zebulun is given land near the seashore. This is especially important as the main enemy of the Israelites during much of the Old Testament are the Philistines, who are a sea-faring people.
- Issachar, on the other hand, would be mostly an agricultural tribe. They “bow their shoulder to bear burdens” and work the land.
- Dan’s status as a “judge of his people” is both accurate and tragic. It’s true that Samson, one of the judges, would arise from Dan, but it’s also true that the tribe of Dan would eventually devolve into idol worship.
- Gad’s ability to both wage warfare and defend his tribe from attacks is noted in Genesis 49:19.
- Asher’s food would be rich, probably as a result of his inheritance in the Carmel region along the Mediterranean.
- Napthali is compared to a doe, which immediately brings forth ideas of peace and tranquility.
- Joseph and his blessings were discussed in Genesis 48. Jacob’s words to him reflect abundance and prosperity far beyond their ancestors.
- Benjamin’s tribe is renowned for their fighting skills. In Judges, it’s the tribe of Benjamin that has skilled slingers, as well as delivering Israel’s first king, Saul.
From this point forward, each one of these tribes had their own unique role to play in Israel’s history. As you read the other 38 books in the Old Testament, think back to these prophecies. You’ll be amazed how accurate Jacob’s words were.
