GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 49:1 After blessing Joseph and his two sons, Jacob summons all his other SONS together to tell them what will happen in the DAYS TO COME (or “in the latter days”; see note on Isa. 2:2). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length,... [ Continue Reading ]
GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 49:3 REUBEN’S special standing as the FIRSTBORN is taken away because of his shocking behavior with Jacob’s concubine, Bilhah (Genesis 35:22). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 49:5 Jacob’s statement regarding SIMEON AND LEVI centers on their violent behavior (see ch. Genesis 34:1). Their descendants will be scattered throughout the other tribes (Genesis 49:7). This will prevent them from bringing destruction on the whole nation. Fulfilling this pro... [ Continue Reading ]
GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 49:8 As with the other blessings, Jacob sees the descendants of JUDAH in the light of Judah’s own personal qualities. The nations will bring “tribute” (money or other gifts) and pledge their OBEDIENCE to one of his descendants. Jacob thus predicts the great empire of David, a... [ Continue Reading ]
GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 49:13 ZEBULUN is listed here before Issachar, although Issachar was born before Zebulun (Genesis 30:17). AT THE SHORE OF THE SEA. Since Zebulun’s territory did not actually extend to the Mediterranean Sea (see Joshua 19:10), Jacob’s remarks are difficult to interpret. HAVEN F... [ Continue Reading ]
GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 49:14 Although Jacob’s blessing of ISSACHAR emphasizes the strength of his descendants, it also indicates that like a DONKEY they will be forced to work for others. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 49:16 Jacob sees in DAN and his descendants both positive and negative qualities. Their snakelike behavior is later seen in their assault on the unsuspecting inhabitants of Laish (Judges 18:1). DAN SHALL JUDGE. The name “Dan” is a play on the Hebrew word “judge” (see Genesis... [ Continue Reading ]
GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 49:19 The descendants of GAD will become skillful warriors to defend their land, in the region of Gilead east of the Jordan River. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 49:20 ASHER’S descendants will enjoy success. Their territory along the coastal plain of Acco will provide fertile land and harbors for trade. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 49:21 Compared to a graceful DOE, the tribe of NAPHTALI will flourish amid the rich natural resources of upper Galilee. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 49:22 Jacob reserves his longest blessing for JOSEPH, confirming his special standing. The references to God (using a variety of divine titles), along with the emphasis on blessing, give this pronouncement an added dimension. Joseph has survived, sustained by the MIGHTY ONE O... [ Continue Reading ]
GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 49:27 Using the image of a WOLF, Jacob reveals that the descendants of BENJAMIN will be aggressive warriors (e.g., 1 Chronicles 8:40; 1 Chronicles 12:2). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0 [ Continue Reading ]
GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 49:29 Jacob’s desire to be buried in Hebron shows his belief that, as God has promised, the future for his descendants will be in Canaan rather than in Egypt. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]