Notes: Genesis 48-49
Bob Feather February 16th, 2008
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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