Genesis 48 and 49 _(with Deuteronomy 33and Judges 5)_ Jacob's blessing of his sons marks the close of the patriarchal dispensation. Henceforth the channel of God's blessing to man does not consist of one person only, but of a people or nation. As the patriarchal dispensation ceases it secures to t... [ Continue Reading ]
Genesis 49:4 I. The first thing which strikes us in the instability of water is that it has no cohesive shape of its own. It takes the form of the vessel into which you pour it; it changes one form for another without resistance; and water spilt on the ground falls asunder and vanishes. This suggest... [ Continue Reading ]
Genesis 49:5 From the history of Simeon and Levi we learn in many ways the evil consequences of giving reins to our angry passions and wild desires. It is needful to consider this, for these passions and desires have great power over us so great that we cannot depend on anything else to restrain th... [ Continue Reading ]
Genesis 49:10 I. Using the word prophecy in its predictive sense, this is the language of unquestionable prophecy. II. This prophecy contains a revelation of Christ. III. This revelation of Christ was connected with the announcement of the particular time when He was to appear. IV. This announce... [ Continue Reading ]
Genesis 49:18 These words are a parenthesis in Jacob's long blessing of his sons. The old man seemed to have been exhausted with the thoughts and visions which passed over his mind in such quick succession. He paused to take a spiritual inspiration: "I have waited for Thy salvation, O Lord." I. Su... [ Continue Reading ]
Genesis 49:19 Consider: I. Faith triumphant in doubt. The Gospel is a revelation. It is the telling of a secret. There is not one mystery either about man or about God which has been either caused or aggravated by the Gospel. Doubtless there are matters not yet revealed. There are unexplained, per... [ Continue Reading ]
Genesis 49:23 These picturesque words are part of one of the oldest pieces of poetry in the Bible the dying Jacob's prophetic blessing of his sons. Of these sons, there are two over whom his heart seems especially to pour itself Judah, the ancestor of the royal tribe, and Joseph. The text contains... [ Continue Reading ]
Genesis 49:24 These three names which we find here are striking and beautiful in themselves; in their juxtaposition; in their use on Jacob's lips. Look at them as they stand. I. The Mighty God of Jacob. The meaning of such a name is clear enough. It is He who has shown Himself mighty and mine by H... [ Continue Reading ]