Bible study guide for February 16, 2008
Jacob blesses his family
Genesis 48
Jacob blesses two of his grandchildren.
I. 1-7: Jacob makes grandsons Ephraim and Mannaseh equal heirs with Joseph’s brothers
In other words, Jacob gives a double portion to Joseph.
II. 8-22: Jacob knowingly blesses Ephraim above his older brother, much to Joseph’s displeasure
Genesis 49
Jacob gathers his sons to tell them what will happen to them in the last days.
Verses | Name | Future for him and his family | |
1. | 3-4 | Reuben | shall not excel because of his sin with Jacob’s concubine |
2. | 5-7 | Simeon | along with Levi, scattered for their murder of Shechamites |
3. | Levi | ||
4. | 8-12 | Judah | to be the chief of the family, ancestor of the Messiah |
5. | 13 | Zebulun | a seaman |
6. | 14-15 | Isaachar | a servant |
7. | 16-18 | Dan | a judge |
8. | 19 | Gad | a soldier |
9. | 20 | Asher | a farmer |
10. | 21 | Naphtali | a free spirit |
11. | 22-26 | Joseph | blessed in later life though full of trouble in his youth |
12. | 27 | Benjamin | a fighter |
Jacob tells all of his sons that he wishes to be buried in Canaan.
Meditation Points:
- Even at the end of his life Jacob loves Joseph above the other sons.
- Though his eyesight was failing, Jacob knew well which of Joseph’s sons he was blessing.
- It will be interesting to see whether Jacob’s predictions are of God and come true.
- Judah, though the fourth son, and NOT of Rachel, is to be the head of the family. We know that Christ was born of the tribe of Judah.
- Dan, though not a son of either Rachel or Leah, was a full heir.
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