Genesis 49: Jacob’s Blessing and Final Instructions

Jacob told his sons what would happen to them in the days to come and blessed each one according to his own portion. He then gave specific instructions about the place where he wanted to be buried with his ancestors. Genesis 49 records these words Jacob spoke to his sons and his final command.

Why Did Jacob Call His Sons Together

Jacob gathered his sons and made the purpose clear from the start. He said he would tell them what would happen to them in the days to come. He then asked them again to come together and listen to the words of their father Israel.

To understand the long passage in this chapter, we need to look at both the beginning and the end. At the beginning, Jacob said he would speak about the things to come. After finishing his words about his sons, the passage explains that these were the twelve tribes of Israel and sums up the whole scene by saying that Jacob blessed each one according to his own portion.

So Jacob’s words were not teaching meant for only one son. They were words spoken differently to each of the twelve sons.

Different Words Were Spoken to Reuben and to Naphtali

Reuben, the firstborn, was called the beginning of Jacob’s strength, preeminent in dignity and preeminent in power. But because of the act by which he defiled his father’s bed, he was told that he would not excel.

Simeon and Levi were given words about anger and violence. Jacob said he would not join their council or their assembly. He also said they would be divided and scattered among Jacob and Israel.

For Zebulun, the sea coast and the place for ships were mentioned. Issachar was presented as a donkey lying down between the sheepfolds, serving under forced labor. Dan was called a tribe that would judge his people and was described as a serpent by the road, a viper by the path. As Jacob spoke these words, he confessed that he was waiting for the salvation of the Lord.

Gad was told that a troop would press him, but he would press on at their heels. From Asher would come rich food, and Naphtali was described as a doe let loose, giving beautiful words.

What Was Said to Judah and Joseph Was More Extensive

Judah was told that his brothers would praise him and that his hand would be on the neck of his enemies. The words continued with the sons of his father bowing down before him, and with the scepter and the ruler’s staff not departing from Judah. Jacob also spoke of an abundant vine, along with wine and milk.

Joseph was described as a fruitful bough by a spring. Although archers attacked him and shot at him, his bow remained firm and his arms were made strong. The passage makes clear that this strength came from the hands of Jacob’s Mighty One.

Jacob said that the God of his father would help Joseph and that the Almighty would bless him. He also mentioned blessings related to heaven, the deep, and the womb. He said that these blessings would rest on Joseph’s head and on the crown of the head of him who was set apart from his brothers.

The Final Command Was to Bury Him with His Ancestors

After finishing his words to his sons, Jacob said that he was about to be gathered to his people. He then commanded them to bury him with his ancestors in the cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite.

He told them that this was the cave in the field of Machpelah, before Mamre, in the land of Canaan. It was the place Abraham had bought from Ephron along with the field as a burial place. There Abraham and Sarah were buried, and there Isaac and Rebekah were buried; Jacob also said that he buried Leah there.

After giving this command, Jacob drew his feet up into the bed. Then he breathed his last and was gathered to his people.

Today, Mark One Line Beside Each Son

One thing to do today is to read Genesis 49 in full and write one short note beside each son about the key point Jacob spoke over him. If you go through them in order from Reuben to Benjamin, you will see that Jacob did not say the same thing to everyone.

Do not choose only the good parts. Read the warnings and the blessings together. In the end, you should also check Jacob’s burial instructions so that you do not miss any of the words recorded in this chapter.

Text Basis

• Genesis 49:1-28
• Genesis 49:29-33