Genesis 49:1-15

Many refer to Genesis 49 as, “Jacob’s blessings to his sons.” In fact, even some Bibles give this section of Scripture this heading, and many commentaries echo this same idea. However, Genesis 49 actually only records one son that he pronounced a blessing over, and that was Joseph. The rest of Jacob’s sons are either cursed, warned, or given basic promises. Jacob prophetically foretells what lies ahead for these men, because of their moral character. This chapter is far more than just a final word from Jacob before his death; it is a declaration of what he envisioned for each of them, because of who they were as men. 

Note how the text begins with a declaration concerning what he would tell them. “And Jacob called his sons and said, ‘Gather together, that I may tell you what shall befall you in the last days: Gather together and hear, you sons of Jacob, and listen to Israel your father. Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity and the excellency of power. Unstable as water, you shall not excel, because you went up to your father’s bed; then you defiled it-- he went up to my couch’” (Gen. 49:1-4). 

Reuben, the unstable one.  Vs. 1-4

As you read these words spoken to Reuben, put yourself in his shoes at that moment. He likely wanted to disappear as his father spoke, being overwhelmed by the weight of his father’s words. This was a very harsh statement made publicly before his brothers, who all knew what he had done. Reuben had committed incest with his father’s wife, an act that ultimately cost him his birthright. In 1 Chronicles 5:1-2 we have a very important further explanation by the author concerning why Reuben was not listed in the genealogy as the firstborn, which position he should have possessed. The passage states, “Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel—he was indeed the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph, the son of Israel, so that the genealogy is not listed according to the birthright. Yet Judah prevailed over his brothers, and from him came a ruler, although the birthright was Joseph’s.” We will delve deeper into this passage when we study Joseph’s life in our next study. But you should also note this important fact, that Judah prevailed over his brothers, ultimately bringing forth the Messiah, while the birthright itself still belonged to Joseph. We will also explore this distinction further in our next study in Genesis 50.

However, the primary fact that Jacob states is that Reuben was set aside as the firstborn because of his sin, and his rejection of what he knew was morally right. As a result, his tribe was characterized throughout Scripture as unstable and unsuccessful. Judges 5:15-16 provides further insight into this instability. This passage describes events following the battle where Deborah and Barak led Israel against Sisera. While most tribes participated, Reuben hesitated. Therefore, the Scripture records in Judges 5:15-16, “The princes of Issachar were with Deborah; as Issachar, so was Barak sent into the valley under his command. Among the divisions of Reuben there were great resolves of heart. Why did you sit among the sheepfolds, to hear the pipings for the flocks? The divisions of Reuben have great searchings of heart."

Basically, Deborah rebuked the tribe of Reuben for failing to act, even after declaring that they would fight, but they ultimately stayed home and refused to go out to battle. Therefore, this tribe was characterized as having no resolve, and needed to search their hearts as to why they made this decision. This lack of resolve characterized this tribe throughout its history.

The bottom line for Reuben was that he lost everything, because he followed the desires of his flesh, rather than obeying God’s commandments. What a lesson for all of us. Jacob’s words in Genesis 49:4 emphasize this point that Reuben was, “Unstable as water, you shall not excel.” This should be a sober and powerful warning to all believers to not yield to your fleshly desires. Anyone who allows their feelings and desires to govern their life, rather than God’s commandments will never excel spiritually. Decisions driven by emotion, rather than truth, will lead to bad decisions that result in failure, just as Reuben’s did.

The Hebrew word for “unstable” paints a vivid word picture that should not be missed. The word, “unstable,” refers to the froth on a stormy sea, which is the foam that drifts aimlessly on the top of the waves and on the shore, blown about by the wind. It also conveys the idea of someone who is impulsive, and lacks self-control, because the heart of an unstable man seeks after the froth of empty things that can never satisfy his soul. As a result, neither Reuben nor anyone like him will ever excel in life. However, many Christians today think they can live however they please, playing with sinful behaviors, and assume God’s grace will cover their actions. While God does forgive a person’s indiscretions, there still are always consequences that will result. Galatians 6:7-8 warns us as believers, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to the flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.” This section of Scripture is a revelation of Reuben reaping the results of his corrupt behavior.

The most important question you must ask yourself is, do you want to excel in your relationship with Jesus? Do you want to become stable and steadfast in your walk with Him? Do you want to reap the fulness of what the Holy Spirit is offering you? If you do, then you must make a decision to resist the desires of your flesh, and obey His commands in your private and public life. This will require you to discipline and bring your fleshly desires under the control of the Holy Spirit. Paul explained to the Corinthian church what motivated him when he wrote, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Cor. 9:24-27). Are your eyes fixed on the prize of your imperishable heavenly crown in heaven? If they are, then you will discipline your body’s desires and bring them into subjection, because that is the only way you can win that crown. The Greek word for discipline in this passage means to beat down and subdue. How do you do this practically? It is done when a believer first comes to know that their old man, or sin nature, was crucified with Christ 2000 years ago on the cross (Rom. 6:6). This knowledge is what then enables a believer to reckon themselves dead to sin (Rom. 6:11). The word reckon means to account something as true, by faith, whether you feel anything or not. After you take this position of faith to believe what God declares, then you must present yourself to God in surrender, which allows the Holy Spirit to make those sinful desires die within you (Rom. 6:13). This is what Paul meant when he later said in Romans 8:13, “For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” Now remember, Paul is writing these words to Christians. He warns them about living after their fleshly desires, and assures them that they will surely experience spiritual death if they play with sin. But then he gives them another option. He told them that if they put to death the deeds of their body and its desires, they would experience spiritual life. How does this putting to death of these deeds of the body actually take place? It was, and will always be, “By the Spirit.” The power of the Holy Spirit is the only power than enables you to discipline yourself, and that can make your fleshly desires die inside you. Only as the Holy Spirit rules and controls you, will you ever find the freedom God promises to you in His Word. Paul gave this simple solution to this monumental problem in every one of our lives when he wrote, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Gal. 5:16). Therefore, the next time you sense the desires of the flesh controlling you, cry out for the power of the Holy Spirit to come and flood your soul. This is your only path to the freedom you desire!

Let me share one last important concept found in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. Why did Paul set before his eyes this prize of his heavenly crown? Why did he think it necessary to discipline his body’s desires? Because he was concerned that after he had preached to others, he himself would drop out of the race, or do something that would disqualify him. This word disqualified is a Greek word that is translated other places in the New Testament as reprobate, disapproved, or rejected (Rom. 1:28; 2 Tim. 3:8; Heb. 6:8). Why would Paul be concerned about himself becoming disqualified? Because he knew himself, and the power of his own sin nature. This is very clear from this passage of Scripture. He knew his sin nature’s power and the potential within him to wander from God’s path. God said of His own people, “Thus says the LORD to this people: ‘Thus they have loved to wander; they have not restrained their feet. Therefore the LORD does not accept them; He will remember their iniquity now, and punish their sins’” (Jer. 14:10). Paul taught the same thing just a little later in his epistle to the Corinthians. He warned them, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12). I have learned from these passages that I should never think that I am more spiritual than I really am. Which means that I must discipline my body’s desires, so that I will never become disqualified. Do you see your own vulnerability to your sin nature? Do you think you are invincible, or do you see yourself in need of a Savior every day of your life? I know that I need the power of His resurrection to fill my soul every day, so that I will not wander from His path. I want to finish my race successfully and victoriously! Will you finish your race, or will you drop out along the road somewhere? Follow Paul’s instruction in these passages, and that will never happen!

The curse upon Simeon and Levi.  Vs. 5-7

Jacob then spoke to two of his sons and declared, “Simeon and Levi are brothers; instruments of cruelty are in their dwelling place. Let not my soul enter their council; let not my honor be united to their assembly; for in their anger they slew a man, and in their self-will they hamstrung an ox. Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce; and their wrath, for it is cruel! I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel” (Gen. 49:5-7).

In this passage, we see that Jacob refers to Simeon and Levi as, “instruments of cruelty.” Their cruelty was because they were angry, wrathful, and self-willed men. We see this wrath and cruelty in the events found in Genesis 34, when after their sister Dinah was raped by one of the rulers of Shechem, Simeon and Levi killed all the men in the city. They devised a scheme of convincing the men of Shechem that they wanted to be business partners with them, but required them all to become circumcised prior to any transactions. Then while they were still in pain from the circumcision, Simeon and Levi attacked and killed every male in the town. Jacob condemned their actions, emphasizing their cruelty in this act of revenge. However, this cruelty and anger must have been evident at other times, because Jacob implies that this was a defining characteristic of both their natures, and not just a one-time event at Shechem. Note that Jacob further remarks, “Let not my soul enter their counsel.” Essentially, he is saying he did not want to take advice from them, because their anger-driven decisions were not wise. People who are governed by anger often provide reckless counsel, as their judgment is clouded by emotion and self-will, rather than wisdom. He also stated, “Let not my honor be united in their assembly,” highlighting that he does not want his reputation tarnished by their cruelty.

Jacob then connected their anger directly to their self-will, stating, “In their anger they slew a man, and in their self-will they hamstrung an ox.” Though the Scripture does not provide a direct account of them hamstringing an ox, Jacob’s mention of it suggests that it was an act they had committed, likely out of anger. He links their wrath with self-will, showing how unchecked anger leads to destructive actions and poor decision-making.

The ultimate consequence of their anger is revealed in verse 7 when Jacob declared, “I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel.” This prophecy was fulfilled when the Levites, who became priests, were not allotted land, but were scattered throughout Israel. Likewise, the tribe of Simeon, though given land, were largely assimilated into Judah. Jacob’s message was clear: unchecked anger leads to division and diminishes one’s ability to prosper.

This passage serves as a warning about the dangers of uncontrolled anger, and the cruelty that results towards other people. If anger dominates a person’s life, it will harm their relationships, marriages, and careers. Paul reiterates this warning in Colossians 3:8-10, urging believers to, “Put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, and filthy language.” He explains that anger, when unchecked, leads to malice, resentment, and ultimately destructive speech, followed by actions that destroy relationships with others. Instead, believers are called to put on the new man, embracing kindness, mercy, patience, and love. Anyone can get along with a kind and loving individual.

However, it is important to recognize that anger is not always inherently sinful, nor is it destructive in every case. Paul states in Ephesians 4:26, “Be angry and do not sin. Do not let the sun go down on your wrath.” This verse highlights that anger itself is not wrong, but it must be controlled, if it is to not be sinful. Righteous anger can be a powerful motivator when directed toward injustice and ungodly actions. This kind of anger can become a powerful motivation to godly behavior in your life.

For example, righteous anger is found in many places in the Scripture, which also instructs us how to control anger when it arises in our hearts. Notice what Moses did when he was confronted by the rebellion of Korah in Numbers 16:15. Scripture declares, “Then Moses was very angry, and said to the LORD, ‘Do not respect their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them, nor have I hurt one of them’” (Num.16:15). What did Moses do, and how did he handle his anger so that he would not sin? He prayed! So, the next time you begin to get angry, fall on your knees, and go to the Lord in prayer, ask Him to show you how to handle the problem before you.
One of the most interesting passages dealing with being angry, that doesn’t result in sinful behavior is found in 1 Samuel. When the Ammonites came and wanted to take the city of Jabesh, and make them their slaves, and put out every man’s right eye, so they could not ever be an effective army again, Saul heard of this and became angry. It declares in 1 Samuel 11:6, “Then the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard this news, and his anger was greatly aroused.” Notice that Saul’s anger was aroused by the Holy Spirit, which then motivated him to take action to defend his people. This was one of the most godly and courageous acts of King Saul. However, in contrast, later in Saul’s life, we see an example of where he is overcome by sinful anger in 1 Samuel 18:8. This was when Saul heard people praising David; Scripture then states that he became, “very angry,” which then motivated him to jealously seek to kill David, and ultimately led to the downfall of his kingdom.

The lessons from Simeon, Levi, and Saul are clear: if you allow anger and self-will to control you, then you will become a cruel individual, which will damage your relationships, and bring destruction to your life. Your anger must be brought under the control and the reign of the Holy Spirit. Only then can anger be used in a constructive way in your life. If you struggle with anger, I would encourage you to get my book, “Winning Your Personal Battles,” and read the chapter I have written on how to overcome your sinful anger. https://www.amazon.com/Winning-Your-Personal-Battles-Steve/dp/097061974X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2AORX0IY0ZG9G&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.UM5Qsi89A0Xg9Qte74K5w6l7xvNTaneMgWw_vFSA9p6GAjIFUrHmlXb2wpS2IPH1cN7a58Gt_YD9B85s9hLT3lfnmdtdxH0iai1RgAXV89oI0M6l9zUMnzxv_6HebaZRhsIlz_uhX6eZsEoqL9wXYbBv6QJqBwazkHlPrt9VtwPT5kKQ8ervLDB91XI_vBkzDa2SmmrGV6R1G57zH9eS6dTBCEy6_IfTMXKFmxlSiyw.FqexrMp0RLvH61pzrdvITJUgG3cKMzg6fuitbB6g0RU&dib_tag=se&keywords=Winning+your+personal+battles&qid=1740858582&sprefix=winning+your+personal+battles%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

The praise of Judah.  Vs. 8-12

Then Jacob turns to Judah and declared, “Judah, you are he whom your brothers shall praise; Your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; Your father’s children shall bow down before you. Judah is a lion’s whelp; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He bows down, he lies down as a lion; and as a lion, who shall rouse him? The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes; and to Him shall be the obedience of the people. Binding his donkey to the vine, and his donkey’s colt to the choice vine, he washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes. His eyes are darker than wine, and his teeth whiter than milk” (Gen. 49:8-12).

Jacob then changed his focus from his three disappointing sons to Judah, who he praises, and ultimately gives him the position of the firstborn within the family. Although the birthright was given to Joseph, the lineage of authority and kingship fell to Judah, from whom the Messiah would ultimately come (1 Chron. 5:1-2). Jacob states, “Your brothers shall praise you,” signifying Judah’s elevation to the firstborn position. He also adds the statement, “Your father’s children shall bow down to you,” making it absolutely clear that Judah would now take that leadership role in the family. This is important to see the redemption of Judah, because at the beginning of his life he was not a morally righteous man. As you remember, he was the one who decided to sell Joseph into slavery, but he then radically changed being willing to offer himself as a slave to protect his brother Benjamin from the same fate. Judah’s life became a story of redemption, and a turning from the man he used to be, into a man who could be praised.

Jacob continues, “Your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies,” portraying Judah as a fierce warrior with dominance over his foes. This imagery aligns perfectly with the tribe of Judah’s historical strength, especially under King David, who was a powerful and anointed warrior who literally fulfilled this prophecy. Jacob further described Judah with having the fierceness of a lion when he declared, “He bows down, he lies down as a lion,” illustrating the control and authority to lie down as a victor, and be at rest. Indeed, the tribe of Judah led Israel for centuries, prospering when they followed God, and struggling when they did not. The rhetorical question, “Who shall rouse him?” reinforced Judah’s commanding presence in battle.

Then Jacob turned and spoke prophetically of the Messiah who would come through the tribe of Judah. Remember that Jesus will be called, “The Lion of the tribe of Judah,” one day by all those in heaven (Rev. 5:5). He adds in verse 10, “The scepter shall not depart from Judah.” The scepter symbolized kingship and authority, emphasizing that rulers and kings would come from Judah’s family linage. He continued, “Nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes.” But who was this Shiloh who was to come? Some have argued that Shiloh is just a mere concept, and not a man. But the passage clarifies who this Shiloh was to be. He declares, “To him shall be the obedience of the people.” The words, “To him” make it clear that Shiloh is a person to whom the people will submit. Shiloh was also to be, “A lawgiver,” again clearly denoting a person who would give the people laws to live by. The Hebrew word Shiloh is used only here in this passage referring to a person. Later in the history of Israel, Shiloh became a place where the Tabernacle would be placed, where the people could come to worship God. The Hebrew word Shiloh refers to a person or a place of peace or tranquility, pointing unmistakably to Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6-7 affirmed this concerning the Messiah when he wrote, “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” Jesus was clearly described here as both the ruler, and the one who will bring peace, fulfilling the prophecy concerning Shiloh.

However, as we look at the world today, peace is a very scarce commodity. The Middle East remains volatile, with wars every few years. There are conflicts around the globe, in Africa, Asia, and South America. True and lasting peace will only come when the Prince of Peace returns to this world. Revelation 19:15 declares that when Jesus returns, He will rule the nations with a rod of iron. John wrote, “Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron.” At His Second Coming, Jesus will establish absolute authority over this earth, and will crush all evil immediately. Psalm 2:9 also predicted, “You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” When Jesus returns, He will set up a single, righteous government, His government, and no one will step out of line, or they will be dealt with swiftly. The Prince of Peace, Shiloh, will reign, but only after the world submits to His authority. This prophecy concerning Judah is profound, revealing the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan through Christ.

Zebulun.  Vs. 13

Jacob then turned to his next son and declared, “Zebulun shall dwell by the haven of the sea; he shall become a haven for ships, and his border shall adjoin Sidon” (Gen. 49:13).

Zebulun was one of the smaller tribes of Israel. While its territory did not extend directly to the Mediterranean Sea, it was located in northern Israel, near the port of Haifa. This port is a stunning natural harbor, which looks like a circular haven for ships. I have personally sailed into this harbor, and it is truly beautiful. After docking we drove up into the hills overlooking the harbor, and I looked out over the many ships anchored there; it was quite a sight. As Scripture describes, Haifa is a natural harbor, and throughout history, it has served as a major entry point for imports and exports for Israel. Goods arriving by sea were transported inland, particularly to the Galilee region, where the tribe of Zebulun resided.

If you check the maps in the back of most Bibles, you can see Zebulun’s location. It bordered the northern territory near Sidon, which is in present-day Lebanon, east of the Mediterranean Sea and west of the Sea of Galilee. Trade routes from the harbor extended through Galilee and up to Damascus, making Zebulun a central hub for commerce. As a result, this tribe became wealthy, fulfilling the blessing spoken over them.

Beyond their economic strength, Zebulun was also known as a courageous and warlike tribe, defending Israel in many battles. While Jacob’s blessing does not mention this aspect, it is highlighted elsewhere in Scripture. In 1 Chronicles 12:33, referring to Zebulun, it states, “There were 50,000 who went out to battle, expert in war with all weapons of war, stouthearted men who could keep ranks.” In addition, in Judges 5:18 Scripture further emphasized the bravery of this tribe declaring, “Zebulun is a people who jeopardized their lives to the point of death; Naphtali also, on the heights of the battlefield.” This reference is to the same battle where Reuben initially offered to fight, but ultimately did not go. In contrast, three tribes, Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali, responded when the prophetess Deborah called for warriors.

Issachar.  Vs. 14-15

To Jacob’s next son he declared, “Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between two burdens; he saw that rest was good, and that the land was pleasant; he bowed his shoulder to bear a burden, and became a band of slaves” (Gen. 49:14-15).

The tribe of Issachar was also a very small tribe geographically, but it was the third largest tribe in population according to the census recorded in Numbers 26. When Jacob called Issachar a strong donkey, was this a compliment? I believe it was a true compliment to this tribe that they were willing to serve, and bear burdens in their work. To become a true servant, it requires one to bow, “His shoulder to bear a burden.” This means a servant must be humble. However, one of the things that employers tell me quite often is, that they can’t find anyone who really wants to work hard. This is a problem because if a Christian does not work hard for their employer, then they are a terrible witness for Christ. Paul taught that workers were to, “Obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Col. 3:22-24). When anyone serves his or her employer like this, they will bring glory to God, and they will receive a reward eternally for their service. That means that if you do your daily work heartily as unto the Lord, God will reward you for this service, because you are bringing glory to His name.

Jacob also said that he would be, “Lying down between two burdens; he saw that rest was good. He bowed his shoulder to bear a burden.” This is what Jacob saw in his son’s life, that he was willing to bear the burden, and willing to serve others, but he also saw that rest was good and something to look forward to. In other words, Issachar could work hard, but he would also enjoy his rest. Now some people who are hard workers, are also people who become workaholics that cannot rest. They just can’t seem to take time off to relax, because they seem to always want to work. Jacob saw that his son had a good balance between work and rest. Oh, how important this is for all of us to learn in life!

Now, if you look at the biblical history of this particular tribe, Issachar did not have any great heroes or great warriors. But that is ok, because they were known for their servants’ hearts. The lesson you should learn from this fact is very important. I don’t think most of us in this life are going to be great heroes, but I hope we are known for being great servants in His kingdom. The world may not know anything about us, but God will take notice of us, if we choose to serve others as He has commanded us. Jesus said this in Matthew 23:11, “He who is greatest among you shall be your servant.” So, if you want to be great in the kingdom of God, just be a servant to other people. That is what will make you a hero before God. In Galatians 6:2 Paul wrote, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” So, Issachar was fulfilling the law of Christ before Christ ever came, because he was one who would bear other people’s burdens. Consider this truth as you think about your life, and what is really meaningful and important to God. What is it that will last for eternity? What is going to last, are the rewards that come from your service to Him, and your service to others. This is His calling for each of us to be His servants. That is what it means to be great in the kingdom, and I hope you’re one of the greatest in His kingdom. Remember, sometimes no one will ever see, or know anything about your service, but He sees it and will reward you accordingly. Do what you do, for His eyes only. Serve and be anonymous. I love it when people come up to me and say, “I want this to be a gift to go this this person anonymously.” What blessing is that? This is such a sweet thing, because the Lord is going to reward you, and His reward is always better than what people can give, because His reward is eternal!