Jacob’s Deathbed Prophecies
Genesis 49
Last words can be so memorable and powerful. This week, as we approach Good Friday and Easter Sunday, we would do well to remember that Jesus said seven last words from the cross, including: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34); “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43); “Woman, behold your son! … Behold your mother!” (John 19:26-27); “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Mark 15:34); “I thirst!” (John 19:28); “It is finished!” (John 19:30); and “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit” (Luke 23:46).
Genesis 49 is often given the title “Jacob’s Last Words” or “Jacob Blesses His Sons.” The dying words of any man should not be taken lightly, much less those spoken by a patriarch and recorded under the superintendence of the Spirit of God.
Listen to the word of God:
1 And Jacob called his sons and said, “Gather together, that I may tell you what shall befall you in the last days: 2 “Gather together and hear, you sons of Jacob, And listen to Israel your father. 3 “Reuben, you are my firstborn, My might and the beginning of my strength, The excellency of dignity and the excellency of power. 4 Unstable as water, you shall not excel, Because you went up to your father’s bed; Then you defiled it– He went up to my couch.
5 “Simeon and Levi are brothers; Instruments of cruelty are in their dwelling place. 6 Let not my soul enter their council; Let not my honor be united to their assembly; For in their anger they slew a man, And in their self-will they hamstrung an ox. 7 Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce; And their wrath, for it is cruel! I will divide them in Jacob And scatter them in Israel.
8 “Judah, you are he whom your brothers shall praise; Your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; Your father’s children shall bow down before you. 9 Judah is a lion’s whelp; From the prey, my son, you have gone up. He bows down, he lies down as a lion; And as a lion, who shall rouse him? 10 The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor a lawgiver from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes; And to Him shall be the obedience of the people. 11 Binding his donkey to the vine, And his donkey’s colt to the choice vine, He washed his garments in wine, And his clothes in the blood of grapes. 12 His eyes are darker than wine, And his teeth whiter than milk.
13 “Zebulun shall dwell by the haven of the sea; He shall become a haven for ships, And his border shall adjoin Sidon. 14 “Issachar is a strong donkey, Lying down between two burdens; 15 He saw that rest was good, And that the land was pleasant; He bowed his shoulder to bear a burden, And became a band of slaves. 16 “Dan shall judge his people As one of the tribes of Israel. 17 Dan shall be a serpent by the way, A viper by the path, That bites the horse’s heels So that its rider shall fall backward. 18 I have waited for your salvation, O LORD! 19 “Gad, a troop shall tramp upon him, But he shall triumph at last. 20 “Bread from Asher shall be rich, And he shall yield royal dainties. 21 “Naphtali is a deer let loose; He uses beautiful words.
22 “Joseph is a fruitful bough, A fruitful bough by a well; His branches run over the wall. 23 The archers have bitterly grieved him, Shot at him and hated him. 24 But his bow remained in strength, And the arms of his hands were made strong By the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob (From there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel), 25 By the God of your father who will help you, And by the Almighty who will bless you With blessings of heaven above, Blessings of the deep that lies beneath, Blessings of the breasts and of the womb. 26 The blessings of your father Have excelled the blessings of my ancestors, Up to the utmost bound of the everlasting hills. They shall be on the head of Joseph, And on the crown of the head of him who was separate from his brothers. 27 “Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; In the morning he shall devour the prey, And at night he shall divide the spoil.”
28 All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father spoke to them. And he blessed them; he blessed each one according to his own blessing. 29 Then he charged them and said to them: “I am to be gathered to my people; bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite,30 in the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field of Ephron the Hittite as a possession for a burial place.31 There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife, there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife, and there I buried Leah.32 The field and the cave that is there were purchased from the sons of Heth.”33 And when Jacob had finished commanding his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed and breathed his last, and was gathered to his people.
Let me make some general observations[1] about this chapter before we dive into the details.
First, these are words of blessing. Here the 147-year-old patriarch of the covenant family of God speaks his last words, words of blessing, to his sons. Genesis 49:28 emphasizes this by repeating the word blessing: “All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father spoke to them. And he blessed them; he blessed each one according to his own blessing.” The blessings were peculiar to each one of them. Some are very short, others (Judah and Joseph) are much longer. Some blessings include rebukes (Reuben, Simeon, and Levi). All the sons of Jacob were blessed in that they were to be a part of the nation Israel. All would enter the land of Canaan and inherit the land. Some would certainly receive a greater blessing than others. But even those who were rebuked by Jacob and whose future appeared not as bright were blessed.
Second, this is poetry. Jacob obviously thought out his words carefully in advance and planned what he would say to each son. Because it is poetry, it is written in figures, idioms, play-on-words, metaphors, and unusual expressions. It uses rhythm, parallelism, symmetry, and exalted language. It conveys heartfelt warmth, stern warning, and hope for the future. Poetry is much harder to translate and interpret than prose or narrative.
Third, this is more than poetry, it is prophecy. Twice Jacob commands them to gather together and to hear and listen to him. Jacob is giving them the word of the Lord (Gen. 49:18) as the patriarch of the covenant.
1 And Jacob called his sons and said, “Gather together, that I may tell you what shall befall you in the last days: 2 “Gather together and hear, you sons of Jacob, And listen to Israel your father. (Gen. 49:1-2).
Jacob says that he will tell his sons “… what shall befall you in the last days” (Gen. 49:1), implying that the fulfillment of his words would be beyond the lifetime of his boys. Jacob’s words reveal “things to come” for his descendants—not just Jacob’s sons as individuals but as tribal leaders. Jacob foretells the future of the nation as manifested in the twelve tribes. Many of these prophecies have been fulfilled already and some may still be ultimately fulfilled in the future Kingdom of God.
Fourth, this Jacob’s prophecy concerning his sons was based partly on their character. Moses told us that every one of the sons was given “the blessing appropriate to him” (Gen. 49:28 NASB). The blessings of Reuben, Simeon, and Levi, were based upon the sins which they had committed in the past. Joseph, on the other hand, had been bitterly attacked but had remained faithful (Gen. 49:23-24). For others, their blessings related to the name they had been given at birth. Judah, meaning ‘praise’ (Gen. 29:35), is now prophesied to be praised by his brothers (Gen. 49:8). Dan, meaning ‘judge’ (Gen. 30:6), will “judge his people” (Gen. 49:16). “Prophecy, then, is not detached from history, but an extension of it into the future.”[2]
These things give us a clue as to the purpose of Genesis 49. Although these words were spoken to the sons of Jacob, they would not live long enough to see them all fulfilled. Most of these prophecies would be fulfilled hundreds of years later when the nation of Israel returned to the land of Canaan.
But that is the point. One message that Jacob is preaching to his sons, and that the author Moses is preaching to his congregation is this: Egypt is not the end. Jacob has been sending this message ever since he arrived in Egypt. He instructed his sons to bury him in Canaan, not Egypt (Gen. 47:29-31). He assured Joseph that “God will be with you, and bring you back to the land of your fathers” (Gen. 48:21). He has promised Joseph a double portion of the land of Canaan (Gen. 48:22).
And here in Genesis 49, Jacob gives a prophecy to his sons. This prophecy meant to focus their gaze on the future, on the promised land, on the promised seed, and on the blessing that would come to the whole world through them. Jacob is moving their perspective to the future, to the “things to come,” to the things beyond Egypt. He will speak of the hardships they will face, victories they will win, even on the specific land that some of them will inherit.
Israel needed this blessing to guide its course through the dark days they would encounter during their stay in Egypt. Israel was to look forward to the blessed time when the tribes would be safely established in the Promised Land, every tribe in its own inheritance. Jacob wanted his sons to focus on the covenant promises, on the covenant land, and on the covenant Savior.
Jacob gives his blessing by the order of his wives. He begins with Leah’s six sons, then he moves to the sons of the concubines, and lastly, he speaks to Rachel’s sons.
I am going to move quickly through much of this, only commenting briefly on some of the sons.
Reuben (Gen. 49:3-4)
Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob. He was born to Leah. By natural selection, Reuben should have received the birthright and the blessing from Jacob. He should have been the heir, the next patriarch, And he should have received the double portion of the inheritance. And yet, because of Reuben’s sin in sleeping with Bilhah, Jacob’s concubine Reuben lost his place as the firstborn. Reuben had to be rejected from his position of power and pre-eminence. He who would rule must surely first rule himself.
Matthew Henry writes: “No judge, prophet, nor prince, is found of that tribe, nor any person of renown except Dathan and Abiram, who were noted for their impious rebellion against Moses.”[3]
Simeon and Levi (Gen. 49:5-7)
Like Reuben, Simeon and Levi had demonstrated character that was not befitting to godliness. We are familiar with the incident regarding the Shechemites back in Genesis 34 when one of the Shechemites raped their sister Dinah, Simeon and Levi consented to give her in marriage to the man if all the men would agree to be circumcised. When the men were in pain from the procedure, Simeon and Levi attacked them with the sword and slaughtered the entire village.
Jacob was angry then, and apparently, this act also disqualified them as potential firstborn in Jacob’s eyes. Jacob said, “Let my soul not enter into their council; Let not my glory be united with their assembly.” In other words, don’t let them call the shots and don’t let my name be associated with their violent decisions.
Jacob spelled out the consequences for their violence: “I will disperse them in Jacob, And scatter them in Israel.” Neither of these tribes had a true inheritance in Canaan. Levi became the tribe without a land inheritance since they were the priests. Simeon’s allotment actually came inside of Judah’s (Joshua 19:1, 9).
And so, the first three sons all carry a common theme, And that would be the consequences for iniquity. This would be a tremendous reminder to all the nation of Israel about the dangers of sinful behavior and its effects on generations to come. By God’s grace, although these tribes suffered the consequences of their own sin, they were not treated like Ishmael or Esau. They still had a blessing. God had not rejected them—only disciplined them.
Judah (Gen. 49:8-12)
Clearly here we see prophesied the leadership of Judah. We have seen this begin to emerge in the last few chapters of Genesis as Judah spoke for the brothers, was even willing to sacrifice himself in order to save Benjamin, and led the brothers into Goshen.
The important fact to remember again, however, is that Judah’s selection was not due to his impeccable character. Reuben was rejected for adultery. Simeon and Levi were rejected for violence. And yet Judah was guilty of both. We know of his incestual affair with Tamar, and we remember that selling Joseph into slavery was his idea.
Yet God selected Judah for preeminence. Jacob prophesied 4 things for Judah:
1) Praise (Gen. 49:8)
Previously, Joseph had received such a promise from God. Yet now it is given to Judah. If you will remember when Joseph received the revelation that his brothers would bow down to him and honor him, we attributed it to the fact that God was indicating Joseph as a savior. God indeed saved this family from the famine through Joseph.
Now God is setting Judah apart as the savior. And as a result of his salvation, his brothers will praise him.
2) Power (Gen. 49:9)
Jacob portrays Joseph as a conquering lion, satisfied with his kill, sitting supreme over all the other beasts. His power is unmatched and no one dares mess with him.
3) Preeminence (Gen. 49:10)
Rueben may have lost it, but Judah received it. It is promised that “the scepter shall not depart from Judah” and that “until Shiloh comes.”
The term “Shiloh” has been a difficult one for translators and theologians. Some see it is a proper name (another name of the Messiah). Some see it as a single word meaning peace or rest. Some see it is a compound word meaning “he whose it is.”
Regardless of how you read it, the interpretation is the same. There is One who rightly deserves the scepter. There is One who will bring peace and rest. He is none other than Messiah. He is the “Lion of the tribe of Judah” (Rev. 5:5). And Jacob prophesied that Judah will reign until Messiah comes.
And the result of this will be:
4) Prosperity (Gen. 49:11-12)
All of these poetic statements speak of excess and abundance. You’d never tie your donkey to the vine – it would eat the grapes! You certainly wouldn’t tie it to the choicest vine. That would be as foolish as using wine or grape juice to wash your clothes. The picture is that of such excess that they use the most valuable things for the most menial purposes.
Washing in wine should remind us of Jesus’ first miracle in John 2. There Jesus takes six stone water jars (the kind used for ceremonial cleansing) and He turns the water into wine. He abundantly provides for the wedding—a preview of the Kingdom age.
Of course, this will be the effect of the Messiah reigning on the earth. Judah, regardless of his past flaws, will be the tribe that ushers in the Messiah Who is the Savior, Who will restore Israel to prosperity.
6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9:6-7).
In another Messianic prophecy, Isaiah would say:
“Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price.” (Isaiah 55:1).
The last two sons of Leah are:
Zebulun, Issachar (Gen. 49:13-15)
Not much is said about Zebulun, Except that Jacob announces his allotment of the land. “Zebulun will dwell at the seashore” That may seem insignificant to you, but remember, when Jacob made this prophecy, Israel didn’t own any of the land. Jacob was dispensing the land, even when he did not yet own it.
Issachar would be a man not given to battle, but rather to peace and service. It does not indicate some sort of forced slavery but rather the quiet life geared for work and labor.
Then Jacob speaks to the sons of the concubines:
Dan, Gad, Asher, Naphtali (Gen. 49:13-21)
16 “Dan shall judge his people As one of the tribes of Israel. 17 Dan shall be a serpent by the way, A viper by the path, That bites the horse’s heels So that its rider shall fall backward. (Gen 49:16-17)
Jacob obviously does a wordplay on his name here. Dan means “to judge” and Jacob says that is precisely what he will do. He will also be a dangerous enemy to those who oppose him. Pictured as a snake that lies in wait, but that which is lethal when it strikes. Over the centuries people have almost universally seen this at least partly fulfilled in Samson, a judge from the tribe of Dan who brought judgment to the Philistines.
And then comes a parenthetical thought from Jacob: (Gen. 49:18) “I have waited for your salvation, O LORD!”
The Hebrew word for salvation is “yeshuwah.”[4] This is the word later used of the Messiah (Jesus). It is a reminder that Jacob is focused on the prize. He sees the service of Issachar and the fighting of Dan and still longs for a better day. Jacob is looking to Yahweh, to the LORD for salvation for not only himself but his whole family and the nation that would come from him. Knowingly or not, Jacob called out for Jesus.
Up next is Gad. (Gen. 49:19). Gad’s name meant “fortune” as in “good fortune.” And yet, Jacob prophesied that there would always be others who would seek to take that from him.
Then comes Asher. (Gen. 49:20) Asher would also be a picture of wealth and comfort. Some see it as though Asher would be a great farmer, others as though he would be rich and luxurious.
And finally, Naphtali (Gen. 49:21) “Naphtali is a deer let loose, He uses beautiful words.” Naphtali is apparently the gracious and beautiful one of the sons.
Finally, Jacob speaks of Rachel’s sons:
Joseph and Benjamin (Gen. 49:22-27)
Obviously, the keyword for Joseph is that of blessing and prosperity. Jacob recounts the hardship that Joseph went through and how God blessed him in the midst of it. This not only accurately described Joseph’s life but also was prophesied over his descendants.
Importantly in this section, Jacob uses five titles for God. Taken together, the names for God found in Genesis 49:24—“ the Mighty God of Jacob…the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel”—speak of His strength, His tenderness and care, and to His firmness and stability, respectively. The Lord had been all these things and more to Jacob, and he now invokes those same blessings for his beloved son, Joseph. Those last two terms in particular are used in reference to Christ in the New Testament, where He is called “the good shepherd” in John 10:11 and “the cornerstone” in Ephesians 2:20.
The names for Deity continue in Genesis 49:25 with “the God of your father” and “the Almighty.” The God in whom Jacob had come to trust was the One who had brought Joseph through all the trials and pitfalls and into the privileged position he now enjoyed. All the hope of the nation rested in God Almighty.
And the final boy to be addressed is Benjamin. Benjamin is a wolf that attacks, plunders, and enjoys the plunder. He would be one successful in battle and victorious in his raids.
What lessons can we see from these prophecies for the entire nation and for us?
1) There will be consequences for sin.
It is impossible to read these prophecies and not recognize that choosing sin was not wise. Reuben, Simeon, and Levi felt the consequences of their sinful behavior. And it would affect their tribes for years to come.
Another clear reminder for the nation of Israel is:
2) There will be times of tranquility.
By in large what Jacob prophesied for his boys was positive. They are seen as dwelling by the sea, resting between the flocks, enjoying royal dainties, speaking beautiful words, being blessed beyond measure, and enjoying the spoil. Much of what Jacob promised was good for his descendants. There would be times of tranquility and peace and comfort.
However, they would also see:
3) Moments of adversity.
They would be raided. They would be slaves. They would be in battle. There will be difficult times. God will use those to shape and change and mold and sanctify, but that does not mean they will be easy.
And yet all of that points to Jacob’s main focus:
4) Eventual blessing.
Without a doubt, the prophecy that sticks out in the chapter is that of Judah. When the descendant of Judah comes who rightly deserves to rule, then the entire nation will be able to enjoy the peace and prosperity that God intended. As Jacob lay dying in Egypt, his message to his sons was extremely clear. Look for the coming savior!
Don’t settle for Egypt, God has much more in store for you than that. The Lion of Judah will come and lead you to absolute victory, and when He does, praise Him!
Of course, from the New Testament we know exactly who this is: Revelation 5:5,
But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.”
It is Jesus who will receive the praise of the nations. It is Jesus who will be clothed in power. It is Jesus who will rise to absolute preeminence. It is Jesus who will lead Israel to prosperity.
As Jacob lay dying, he did not want his sons and their families to grow comfortable in Egypt, he wanted them to eagerly await the coming savior who would usher in God’s promises to Israel.
That is the same message Moses would preach to his congregation and the same message preached to us today. Don’t settle for this place. Don’t seek treasure here. Don’t attach yourself here. Look beyond Egypt, look for the Savior, look for the coming King who will set this world right.[5]
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[1] Robert Deffinbaugh, The Purpose of Prophecy, Genesis 49:1-28, https://bible.org/seriespage/purpose-prophecy-genesis-491-28 (I adapted these preliminary observations from Deffinbaugh’s introduction).
[2] Deffinbaugh, ibid.
[3] Matthew Henry, Commentary on Genesis, pg. 68, notes on Genesis 49:3-4
[4] David Guzik, Enduring Word Commentary: Genesis 49. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/genesis-49/
[5] FBC Spur TX, https://fbcspur.org/beyond-egypt-genesis-491-33/ (I was greatly helped by a sermon on this website and drew some of the points from here).
