Genesis 49:16-33
We continue our study with this last half of Genesis 49, looking at the last words of Jacob to his sons. It is important to remember how Jacob began this address to his sons. In Genesis 49:1 he declared to them, “Gather together, that I may tell you what shall befall you in the last days.” This message was very insightful into the moral character of his sons, and was incredibly prophetic for what would happen in their future. Jacob revealed what would happen to these men and their families based on their moral character, and the choices they had made in their lives. We pick up the words of Jacob in verse 16. “Dan shall judge his people as one of the tribes of Israel. Dan shall be a serpent by the way, a viper by the path, that bites the horse’s heels so that its rider shall fall backward.” Then, in verse 18, Jacob appears to stop abruptly to cry out, “I have waited for your salvation, O Lord!”
Dan. Vs. 16-18
How interesting is this statement concerning Dan, and the cry of Jacob’s heart for God’s salvation, right after he declared this prophetic message to his son. Jacob was clearly troubled by what he had just declared about the future of Dan.
First, Dan was described by Jacob as a judge, and indeed, one of the most notable judges in Israel’s history, Samson, came from the tribe of Dan. Judges 13:2 records the birth of Samson and the tribe he came from. “Now there was a certain man from Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren and had no children.” This is where Samson’s story began, as his parents prayed and sought God for a son. God granted their request; Samson was born, and he grew up to be a judge in Israel.
But Dan was also compared to a serpent or a viper, which suggested that the tribe of Dan would have a cunning, deceptive, and destructive role among the tribes of Israel. Did this happen? Oh, yes, this tribe was a viper along the road that would take down the entire nation through the introduction of idolatry into the other tribes. It declares in Judges 18:30, “The children of Dan set up for themselves a carved image.” This was the first instance of idolatry in the twelve tribes of Israel. This is how the tribe of Dan became this snake on the road that Jacob referred to in our text. Later in Israel’s history, Dan caused his brothers again to fall backwards into the sin of idolatry, when Jeroboam set up golden calves in the cities of Dan and Bethel. Idolatry was ultimately what caused the nation of Israel to go into captivity in Assyria, and then into Babylon.
Archeologists have recently excavated the ancient city of Dan, which was also called Lachish, and what they found was the altar where this idol worship took place. In 1Kings 12:29, it says that King Jeroboam, “Made two calves of gold, and said to the people, ‘It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, O Israel, which brought you up from the land of Egypt!’ And he set up one in Bethel, and the other he put in Dan.” The king made this proclamation to keep the people from going up to Jerusalem to worship the true God of Isarel. This action by Jeroboam continued the decline of the tribes of Israel into idolatry, because of what started here in the city of Dan and Bethel. Here are some pictures I took of the altar of Jeroboam, where the golden calf was set up.
This is the sacrificial altar where the sacrifices were offered.
The sacrificial altar in the foreground, with the steps in the background that went up to where the golden calf would have been placed.
At the top of the steps, this was where the golden calf would have been placed.
The cry of Jacob’s heart. Vs. 18
After declaring that Dan would cause the backsliding of Israel, Jacob cried out, “I have waited for your salvation, O Lord.” Now you can almost hear the anguish of Jacob’s soul crying out for the Lord, and His salvation for His people. Why was he in such anguish? Because Jacob knew what the nation’s backsliding would do to them, and the consequences that would naturally follow. This is true for any believer who backslides into any form of idolatry. There are always consequences for turning away from God, and turning to seek your life from anything other than the true and living God. Whatever you turn to will be empty and unsatisfying to your soul. Paul taught the church so clearly to, “Put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry” (Col. 3:5). Any covetousness or desire for evil things, or worldly things is idolatry. Jesus explained what caused believers to become unfruitful in their relationship with Him. He said that when, “The cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful” (Mark 4:19). When these three issues are yielded to, you are beginning to slide back. If you have become complacent in your relationship with God, you are already beginning to backslide, and you don’t even realize it (Prov. 1:32). The consequences will most assuredly be death to your spiritual relationship with the Lord. People ask me so often, “What is the matter with me? I feel so complacent in my relationship with God, and I find myself thinking maybe this or that thing will satisfy me, or make me happy.” When I hear someone tell me this, I encourage them to look for the idol in their hearts. Why? Because you would not be empty inside, or think this way, if there wasn’t an idol somewhere in your life. The temptation to idolatry is a serious issue that every believer should be concerned about in their lives. This is why the apostles so often warn of idolatry in their epistles (1 Cor. 10:14; 1 John 5:21; Rev. 9:20; Acts 7:41).
But Jacob also cried out for the salvation of the Lord, for another very important reason. He was acknowledging his personal faith, and that he was looking for His own redemption. This statement is quite a revelation into the heart of Jacob, because it revealed that his heart was toward the Lord, and that he had a real faith, and a sure hope in God. No matter what struggles we go through as believers, if we believe, then we too will cry out for His salvation. This is what believers do! They cry out to the Lord and seek Him, because they believe in His redemption and salvation. If you are a believer, you should be just like Simeon, who when Jesus was brought into the Temple by his parents, acknowledged and proclaimed his faith that this child was the Messiah. I also believe that you should daily cry out to Him, and seek His face as Simeon did. Luke records for us this moment in Simeon’s life. “And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. and when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: ‘Lord, now You are letting your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation’” (Luke 2:25-30). What was Simeon doing? He was waiting for the Consolation of Israel, the Messiah, to come to Israel. Here was a man of faith watching and waiting for the Lord to come to His people. He believed in God’s redemption and the promises that He had made. What a powerful example of a man of faith.
Paul in the same way wrote in Philippians 3:20, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” If you believe your citizenship is in heaven, then what will you do? You will eagerly wait for His salvation which He has promised, and eagerly cry out to God as Jacob did. Paul also revealed what he was specifically looking for in heaven. He said in Romans 8:23, “And not only they, but we also have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.” What was Paul waiting for? He was eagerly waiting for his new body. Are you eagerly waiting for that redemption of your body? Are you eagerly looking for your ultimate freedom from this body of death (Rom. 7:24)? I hope you are! If you are not, look closely at your heart, because I’m sure that there is an idol within.
Gad. Vs. 19
Jacob declared to his son Gad, “Gad, a troop shall tramp upon him, but he shall triumph at last” (Gen. 49:19).
Gad was one of the tribes of Israel that settled on the eastern side of the Jordan River, in what is now the country of Jordan. This was their territory, which was land they won in battle, and where they chose to reside. However, because they lived outside the Promised Land, they were more vulnerable to attacks than the other tribes. This is probably why Jacob predicted that, “A troop shall trample upon him,” indicating that many armies would oppress and attack Gad. History revealed that this was the fact. Yet, Jacob also promised that, “he shall triumph at last.” The exact meaning of this phrase is unclear, as Scripture does not provide the specific details. However, since Jacob was speaking prophetically, we can be certain that what he declared would ultimately come to pass, and that Gad will triumph in the end.
I love this concept of triumphing in the end, after being trampled. Why? Because this is the experience of many believers, who fail or experience difficulties, and then ultimately triumph in the end. We may fall, but we will not be utterly cast down. This is what David declared when he said, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds him with His hand” (Ps. 37:23-24). None of us could ever count how many times the LORD has upheld us with His unseen hand. This is also why Paul believed that in Christ, we should always be led by the Spirit to triumph, and experience His victory. He wrote to the Corinthian church with all its problems and declared, “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ” (2 Cor. 2:14). This means we must all reach out our hand, and take His, because He wants to lead us in triumph today! All you must do is reach out to Him, and call on His name. Never forget His promise, “The LORD is righteous in all His ways, gracious in all His works. The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them” (Ps. 145:17-19).
Asher. Vs. 20
To his son Asher Jacob said, “Bread from Asher shall be rich, and he shall yield royal dainties” (Gen. 49:20). Little is known for sure what Jacob was referring to by this statement, but one thing is clear, that this tribe would become very rich. This is clearly and directly stated. The phrase, “royal dainties,” can also be translated as, “royal delights.” The root of this Hebrew word means to delight yourself by living a life of luxury. The tribe of Asher settled in the northern part of Israel, along the Mediterranean coast, into territory that extended into what is today northern Israel, and southern Lebanon. This inheritance of Asher was significant, especially in light of another prophecy given by Moses in Deuteronomy 33:24. He declared, “And of Asher he said, ‘Asher is the most blessed of sons; let him be favored by his brothers, and let him dip his foot in oil.’” This prophecy is particularly intriguing because the region that is traditionally associated with Asher contains some of the largest oil reserves in the Middle East. In fact, vast oil and natural gas fields have even been discovered off the coast of Israel, and many scientists believe that these reserves could rival, or even surpass those of Saudi Arabia.
This prediction and discovery may also have another prophetic implication. One of the biblical prophecies regarding the end times describes a coalition of nations that follow Gog and Magog, who are identified as modern-day Russia, and its allies from the Arab world, coming against Israel to seize what the Bible calls a “plunder” (Ez. 38:12-13). Could these oil reserves be part of that plunder that they will seek? Many believe it will be!
Additionally, Asher’s land was known for its fertile soil and abundant rainfall, making it some of the best farmland in the Middle East. This combination of natural resources, fertile land, and valuable oil deposits, explain why Asher is described as being “rich.”
Naphtali. Vs. 21
To his next son Jacob declares, “Naphtali is a deer let loose; he uses beautiful words.” When you examine a biblical map of these tribal lands, Naphtali settled northwest of the Sea of Galilee. This was also fertile land, and well suited for farming. Even today, much of this region is used for agriculture.
Jacob also compared Naphtali to a deer set free, emphasizing a sense of freedom and grace. He also mentioned his use of, “beautiful words,” suggesting that this son of Jacob may have been eloquent or gifted in speech. However, Scripture does not provide further insight into how this characteristic influenced the future of this tribe. As for any prophetic meaning, it appears that whatever was foretold about Naphtali has already come to pass.
Joseph. Vs. 22-26
To Joseph Jacob declared, “Joseph is a fruitful bough, a fruitful bough by a well; his branches run over the wall. The archers have bitterly grieved him, shot at him and hated him. But his bow remained in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob (From there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel), by the God of your father who will help you, and by the Almighty who will bless you with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lies beneath, blessings of the breasts and of the womb. The blessings of your father have excelled the blessings of my ancestors, up to the utmost bound of the everlasting hills. They shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him who was separate from his brothers” (Gen. 49:22-26).
Jacob blesses Joseph with the longest blessings in this chapter, and most notably he was the only son explicitly blessed by Jacob. In fact, in verses 25 and 26, the words, “bless,” or “blessing,” are used six times, emphasizing that Jacob was bestowing a special blessing upon this young man. Thus, this will be the heart of his message to his son Joseph.
In verse 22, Jacob described Joseph as “a fruitful bough by a well; his branches run over the wall.” This imagery suggests incredible fruitfulness that had already, and will in the future come forth from his life. He was to be blessed with an overflowing abundance. This description is fitting, as Joseph played a crucial role in sustaining the nation of Israel, and blessing his entire family. He saved his family from starvation, brought them to Egypt, provided for them, and secured the best land for them. His faith in God was the key to these blessings, benefiting his entire family and ultimately the nation as a whole.
Interestingly, one fact that people often miss is that Joseph does not appear on the map of the tribes of Israel. Where is his inheritance, if he was one of Jacob’s sons? His inheritance was passed on to his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, who became two separate tribes. Thus, Joseph received a double portion of the inheritance, signifying his status as the firstborn, even though he was born second to the last. This explains why Joseph’s name is not listed among the twelve tribes, because his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, took his place. From Ephraim came notable figures like Joshua, Deborah, and Samuel, while from Manasseh came Gideon and Jephthah, both of whom played crucial roles in blessing and delivering Israel.
Joseph’s trials and his strength in faith.
In verse 23, Jacob acknowledged that, “The archers have bitterly grieved him, shot at him, and hated him.” This statement refers to Joseph’s own brothers, who sold him into slavery out of jealousy and hatred. This passage serves as a reminder that being a person of faith, and being blessed by God, does not exempt one from trials, betrayal, and suffering. Many mistakenly believe that faith guarantees a trouble-free life, but scripture teaches otherwise. Faith does not remove adversity, rather it provides the strength to endure it. David declared, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all” (Ps. 34:19). Paul declared this same truth when he wrote to the Corinthians about his experience in Ephesus. He explained, “For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries” (1 Cor. 16:9). In fact, you should assume that when God is using you, that there will be many adversaries trying to stop you.
How did Joseph remain strong through his adversities?
Note that in verse 24 Jacob continued, “His bow remained in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob.” This is a powerful image that Jacob has used to describe his son. Imagine a father teaching his child how to use a bow and arrow. When the child struggles to pull the arrow back to shoot, the father places his hands over the child’s, and helps him to gain enough strength to pull the bow string back and the arrow into place. Likewise, Joseph’s strength came not from his own abilities and resources! His strength came from God who enabled him to do what was necessary to get him through the suffering he experienced. The Hebrew word used for, “mighty,” means “strong one,” which reinforces the idea that it was God’s strength and power, not Joseph’s, that sustained him all those years as a slave.
This truth applies to each of us as well. God will strengthen those who trust in Him. He will put His hands over yours to enable you to triumph in your struggles. So, where do you need God’s strength in your life today? Are you facing opposition, betrayal, or overwhelming trials? Call upon the Lord, and He will uphold you with His mighty right hand. He will sustain you. Just as God promised the Jewish people, so will He do for you. Hear His Word of promise! “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Is. 41:10). Joseph’s life demonstrates so powerfully that when we rely on God’s strength, we can endure and even thrive in the midst of hardship. Trust Him today, and allow Him to uphold you by His righteous right hand!
It is so vital to comprehend the truth in what Jacob said under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that Joseph’s hands were “made strong,” in the midst of his trials (Gen. 49:24). This means that he wasn’t strong in himself. He also wasn’t strong at every point during the time he was a slave, and in prison. But God, “made,” him strong as he fought that good fight of faith in his soul to remain faithful to the Lord (1 Tim. 6:12). Being made strong is a process that takes place as you surrender to the Lord, and you cry out for His power and peace in the midst of your trials. When you pray, this is what will happen!
Notice also that this mighty God of Jacob was also called the, “Stone of Israel.” This term is so important to understand biblically, and who it refers to in Scripture. This, “Stone of Israel,” is the same Stone that both David and Jesus spoke of that the builders rejected, but would become the chief cornerstone. This Stone would be the Messiah, that would be rejected by the religious leaders during the time of Christ’s first coming. Peter made this point so clear when he said, after healing the lame man in Jerusalem, “Let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:10-12). Peter was quoting the Old Testament prophecy of the Messiah that was to come, and attributing it to Jesus (Ps. 118:22; Is. 28:16; Deut. 32:4). Prophetically still future, this is also the same, “Stone,” that Daniel saw coming to strike and destroy the kingdoms of men in the last days. The Stone would then establish His kingdom in the earth (Dan. 2:44-45). Oh, how I look forward to that day! Until that day, “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Eph. 6:10-11).
The Blessings of Joseph
Jacob’s blessing continues in verse 25 when he declares, “By the God of your father who will help you, and by the Almighty who will bless you with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lies beneath, blessings of the breasts and of the womb.” The words, “Who will help you,” and, “Who will bless you,” are so crucial here to stress God’s message of surety to Joseph. Jacob did not say that God “might,” or “maybe,” would bless him. No! He declared that He will bless him. This was a promise to inspire total confidence in God’s divine favor. These words of assurance should remind you of God’s original promise to Abraham when He said, “Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Gen. 12:1-3 – underline added). God said what He meant, and meant what He said.
One point that people many times forget is the fact that this blessing given to Abraham, has also been bestowed upon every Christian who believes in Jesus. Peter made reference to this fact in Acts 3:25-26 when he spoke to those who believed in Jesus. He said, “You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’ To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.” Note that Peter references God’s promise to Abraham, and then shows that this promise was fulfilled through Christ, who was sent “to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.” The greatest blessing that we could ever receive is salvation through Christ, and this blessing continues to all who believe in Him. If you have been turned away from your iniquities, then you have been blessed with the blessing given to Abraham and Joseph.
The later rejection of Joseph’s line
One of the most confusing issues in following this story of Joseph, was this tribe’s ultimate failure in later years. Despite Joseph’s initial favor with Jacob, and the firstborn’s blessing that was given to him, his descendants ultimately lost their privileged position. In Psalm 78:67-68 it states, “Moreover, He rejected the tent of Joseph and did not choose the tribe of Ephraim. But chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion which He loved.” Why did this happen? Because Joseph’s descendants turned to idolatry. The tribe of Ephraim, which led the northern kingdom of Israel throughout its history, turned to false gods, leading to their downfall and exile into Assyria. This fact is further confirmed in 1 Chronicles 5:1-2, which explained that while Joseph received the birthright, Judah ultimately prevailed, and became the tribe from which the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would come. 1 Chronicles 5:1-2 declares, “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.” So, Judah prevailed, so that through this tribe the Messiah would come. David and the tribe of Judah continued long the after Ephraim and Manasseh had gone into captivity. Even though the kings of Judah were flawed, many of the kings feared God and followed Him. In contrast, every king of the northern kingdom (centered in Ephraim) were idolaters. What a sad testimony that not one king from Ephraim would lead the nation to follow the Lord.
Final reflection
Joseph received an incredible blessing from God, but his descendants’ fate depended on their own choices. This is a crucial lesson to be learned. God has no grandchildren, only children. Each person must choose faith for themselves. A godly heritage is not enough to get you into heaven. A great church with a powerful preacher cannot get you into heaven. Only your personal faith and obedience to God will determine your eternal destiny.
Joseph’s story is a testimony to faith, perseverance, and divine blessing. It reminds us that God strengthens those who rely on Him, and that blessings must be received by faith, and sustained through obedience. If you are facing trials, take heart, the same Mighty God who strengthened Joseph can and will strengthen you. Call out to Him in faith!
Benjamin. Vs. 27
To Jacob’s last son he said, “Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil” (Gen. 49:27).
Very little is said about Benjamin in the Bible, and what is mentioned is not particularly flattering. Despite this, Benjamin was Jacob’s other favorite son. Remember, Jacob insisted that his brothers not take him down to Egypt. This favoritism for Benjamin only underscores the proof that Jacob was speaking under divine inspiration, rather than personal affection toward his son. If he had spoken from a father’s natural love, he would have been much kinder in his words concerning Benjamin. However, he spoke prophetically, revealing Benjamin’s destiny as a warlike, and formidable tribe. This tribe would be strong, daring, and enrich themselves through the spoils of their enemies, and they became a fierce people.
History confirms this fact. When you read Judges 20, after this tribe committed a horrendous immoral crime, all of Israel rose against this single tribe. Yet, despite being vastly outnumbered, the Benjamite’s repeatedly decimated their attackers. On the first day of battle, they slaughtered 22,000 Israelites. The next day, as recorded in Judges 20:25, “Benjamin went out against them from Gibeah on the second day and cut down to the ground eighteen thousand more of the children of Israel—all these drew the sword.” These warriors were not to be trifled with. Their ferocity was unmatched, and their dominance in battle was chilling to witness, which is why Jacob declared this in his prophetic statement. Saul, who later became Paul the Apostle, was a Benjamite. His relentless persecution of the early Church reflected this same fierce, and unyielding nature. The blessing was that Saul underwent a radical transformation, and became one of the most influential apostles of the early church, proving the fact that God can change anyone who submits to Him.
Jacob’s death. Vs. 28-33
The narrative now ends with these words. “All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father spoke to them. And he blessed them; he blessed each one according to his own blessing. Then he charged them and said to them: ‘I am to be gathered to my people; bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, in the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field of Ephron the Hittite as a possession for a burial place. There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife, there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife, and there I buried Leah. The field and the cave that is there were purchased from the sons of Heth.’ And when Jacob had finished commanding his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed and breathed his last, and was gathered to his people” (Gen. 49:28-33).
Jacob’s final request was to ask Joseph to promise to take him back to the land of Canaan, and to bury him there with his family members. Why does he make this request? Because Jacob was a man of faith who believed in God’s promises. He knew where his true home was, and that is where he wanted to be buried. His request also reflected his deep trust in God’s covenant with his father and grandfather, that the land of Canaan would be their land. In Genesis 50, we will see how this journey unfolded. A great mourning followed as Jacob was taken back to the cave in the field of Machpelah for burial. Jacob’s final words were a statement of faith in the God of Israel. It is interesting that Joseph makes the same request on his death bed (Gen. 50:25). In the New Testament we are told, “By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones” (Heb. 11:22). Clearly both these men of faith trusted in God’s promises!
How about you? Do you believe in God’s promise of an eternal inheritance, and that you will abide with Him for eternity? If you do, then your last words on your death bed will also be equally significate to your children and grandchildren. May they hear from you exactly what you have believed your entire life, that Jesus is your Savior, and that He is Lord of your life!