Genesis 49:18

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. Such Chapter s of life, such seasons of suspense, such exercises of the quiet confidences of the soul, are to be found in every Christian's experience. They may come in different ways to different men, but they are in some form or other a necessity to every man an essential part of the discipline of the school of salvation.

II. These intervals of waiting must be filled up with four things: prayer, praise, fellowship, and work.

III. It will be a helpful thought to you as you wait, that if you wait, Christ waits. Whatever your longing is that the time be over, His longing is greater. There are many things that you have had that have turned to a curse, which would have been blessings if only there had been more "waiting."

J. Vaughan, Fifty Sermons,9th series, p. 101.

I. From these few words we may learn what was the nature of that inheritance which the patriarchs regarded as bequeathed to them by the Divine promises. The patriarchs looked for salvation.

II. We learn from the text what had been the great characteristic of Jacob's life from the time that he was first brought under the power of Divine grace. His affections had been set on things above. His chief interest had lain in eternity.

III. The language of Jacob in the text proves most fully the truth elsewhere stated, that "the righteous hath hope in his death."

Practical questions: (1) Do you know what is meant by the salvation of the Lord? (2) Do you know what is meant by waitingfor salvation i.e.,ardently but patiently looking forward to it? (3) Do you know what is meant by preparingwhile you wait for the salvation of the Lord?

A. D. Davidson, Lectures and Sermons,p. 147.

References: Genesis 49:18. J. Van Oosterzee, The Year of Salvation,vol. i., p. 8; R. S. Candlish, The Book of Genesis,vol. ii., p. 285.