Genesis 49:1 Commentary and Bible Study

We now have a passage which extends through more than half this chapter, which is both prophetic and the giving of a blessing. Jacob believes he is near to death, and he is going to pass on the patriarchal blessing. Is it really a blessing also? You wouldn't think so, to read some of the statements pointing out the sins and the failures of the sons, sometimes leaving them without any word of apparent blessing; but it is blessing, and in verse 28 there is an indication that there is more that is not recorded here. There is a hint that Jacob applied these statements specifically to each son and attached a blessing to them. It is the formal assurance of God to them, the warrant for their faith, so that they can believe that God will be with them. We see the great discernment of Jacob: there were things he could see without revelation, and also things that are revealed. This is the blessing of one who obeys God.By the last days, he means the immediate future, the period following the captivity in Egypt, because Pharaoh will come and will turn against the children of Israel; they will become slaves virtually, and then they will be delivered by the hand of God under Moses. Because these prophecies apply to the history of Israel, Jacob gives his official name: ‘Hearken unto Israel your father.’ As Israel, he announces this prophecy and blessing on his sons, so it's going to relate to the coming nation. Many of the verses speak of the character traits of those sons. Some of those character traits were theirs alone, but some of them were traits which clearly applied to their descendants in future generations. Jacob speaks of the future, and in some cases, the distant future (verses 8, 10, 19). He speaks under inspiration as a prophet and knows what will befall the tribe arising from each son. The prophecies are at times fulfilled in the land allocated to the different tribes. They also speak of the desired standards in the New Testament church. It applies to the future history of Israel, but also to the true church which she typifies, giving personal application for believers today. We see all aspects of fallen human character. Perhaps we see our worst traits in these sons. There are things to emulate and there are things we should avoid. They better not be repeated; unfortunately, they were. The only way back when we have slipped is the same way. These prophecies speak of Christ in at least three different verses. There are most distinct references to Christ, and some feel they are found in five or six verses, but the noncontroversial prophecies naming or relating to Christ occur in three of the verses. The language is expressed in the Hebrew with great beauty; it is poetry, so we are not to expect exact terms. Jacob doesn't use literal language what will happen to them, but he tells them in the language of the agrarian methods of the day, the language of the warfare of the day. And it is slightly extravagant language at times. Why did Jacob express it in such exquisite and vivid poetic pictures? The most likely reason is that they are to remember these things; this becomes a kind of song, a poem that is learned. The blessing in these words is going to be to their comfort and support. This is the formal blessing of God through Jacob their father, which will sustain them. ‘God is with us; God will make us prosperous; God will defend and protect us. God will keep this people together, until Shiloh, Messiah, comes’, so it was a great comfort and strength. Even though they are reproved for their sins, it is all for their good and it all amounts to blessing. If they heed the reproofs then there is great encouragement for every son. These things are conditional, and God will bless them and keep them if they obey, but they are also prophetic words.