Genesis 49:22 Commentary - Dr Peter Masters

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Genesis 49:22

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With Joseph, things become very extravagant. Now Jacob expands on this favourite son who had proved himself so worthy. Joseph – ‘he shall add’ – was the first son of Jacob’s favourite wife Rachel. Of course he is a type of Christ. It was through Judah that the promised seed would run, but Joseph is given the birthright and he is nevertheless a type of Christ. ‘Joseph is a fruitful vine’ – constantly bearing new fruit. Having conquered one sin, he goes on to conquer another. He offers help here and there to all around him, and he is always advancing. How does he achieve this? He is ‘by a well’. He has wonderful hidden resources from the Lord which strengthen his soul. By drinking in the word of God, his inner being is refreshed in spite of all his trials, so that he can be free from bitterness and desire for revenge, and can become the saviour of his brothers in exchange for their hatred towards him. He knows constant growth in his God-given wisdom throughout his life. ‘Even a fruitful bow by a well; whose branches run over the wall.’ He is an overcomer; when he meets an obstacle he climbs over it. He is also a provider of good things to others – others may benefit from the fruitful branches that extend far beyond himself.

Application

While we rely on God alone we always grow. Some have few trials. Others seem to go supremely on, and everyone thinks that there are no problems for them, but those who are close to them know what they have overcome. Joseph was hated by his brethren, stripped, sold into slavery, falsely accused, manacled in prison. Yet what godliness, faithfulness, chastity he displayed. What kept him going? He was brought up on the promises of God. God has spoken to him in a very remarkable way. He was made to be a leader among God’s people and indeed over all Egypt. His dreams foretold the main events of his life and assured him that all that took place was within the plan of God. We do not get dreams today, but we have the promises of God. When confined to prison, he knew God could not go wrong.

Believers have trials. Why? Not so they can moan, but so that they can prove the Lord, can exercise faith. Trials are meant to wean us from the world and teach us that all good does not lie here. Sometimes they are for discipline. Sometimes they are the gentle punishments of God. Sometimes they are to teach us self-control.

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Genesis 49:22 Commentary and Bible Study