How can Jacob pronounce a curse upon Levi here and yet Moses blessed Levi in Deuteronomy 33:8-11? PROBLEM: In Genesis 49:5-7, Jacob pronounces a curse upon Levi: “Cursed be their [Simeon’s and Levi’s] anger, for it is fierce; And their wrath, for it is cruel! I will divide them in Jacob and scatter... [ Continue Reading ]
Who or what is “Shiloh” in this verse? PROBLEM: The word “Shiloh” is often understood to be a reference to Jesus Christ as the coming Messiah. The word appears in a phrase which is part of the prophetic pronouncements of Jacob upon his son Judah. It is through the tribe of Judah that the Messiah wi... [ Continue Reading ]
Why did Jacob predict slavery for Issachar here, but in Deuteronomy 33:18-19 Moses predicted blessing? PROBLEM: In Genesis 49:14-15 Jacob prophesies that Issachar would become “a band of slaves” (Genesis 49:15). However, in Deuteronomy 33:19 Moses predicts that Issachar will “partake of the abundan... [ Continue Reading ]