A) Jacob tells his sons what he knows of them, blessing them before he dies
49:1-2) Jacob assembles sons to share a prophecy (Num 24:14, Deut 31:29, Jer 23:20, Daniel 2:28,45)
3-4) Reuben strong, honor, yet turbulent won't excel defile father's bed
5-7) Simeon, Levi violent - cursed be their anger, scattered in Israel
8-12) Judah, praised, lion, scepter-ruler obedience of nations, garments washed in blood wine
- Ezekiel 21:26-27 - remove the crown. It will not be as it was: The lowly will be exalted and the exalted will be brought low....The crown will not be restored until he to whom it rightfully belongs shall come; to him I will give it. (Psalm 2:6, Jer 23:5-6, Ez 37:24, Haggai 2:21-22)
13-15) Zebulun, seashore ships, Issachar strong submitting burden/forced labor
16-21) Dan justice people look for deliverance from Lord, Gad attached, Asher good food, Naphtali free
22-26) Joseph fruitful vine near spring, protected, strength of God Almighty, blessings of heaven, earth and family
27-27) Benjamin ravenous wolf, morning go-getter, evening giver
- In early morning, spots his prey, what he doesn't need he gives away
- fathers hand (Gen 35:18) yet rape, murder (Jusdges 20:4-5), injustice (Judges 20:12-14), and arrogance (Judges 20:15-16) nearly wiped them out on the third day of battle (Judges 20:28,29,46-48)
- Three Days, recurring theme in the Bible for changing your heart
28) twelve tribes of Israel, blessed appropriate for each
B) Joseph honors Jacob with a royal, national funeral service
29-33) Jacob instructs Bury with family in cave Abraham bought in Canaan, then dies
50:1-3) Joseph wept, his father embalmed 40 days, Egyptians mourned 70 days
4-9) Joseph gets permission from Pharaoh to bury his father with a huge funereal procession
10-14) Atad, near Jordan lamented, 70 more days of mourning, sons bury Jacob, return to Egypt
C) Joseph gives glory to God through forgiveness, compassion and blessing before he dies
15-21) Joseph receives messaged to forgive his brothers (Matthew 6:14), wept and said kindly;
“Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me,but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” - Gen 50:19-21
22-26) Joseph dies 110, saw third generation of sons, blessed brothers "God will surely come to your aid", take you to the promised land, carry my bones from here.
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