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Genesis 49 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
What did Jacob’s prophecies mean long-term for these sons of Israel?
Reuben, you are my firstborn, my strength and the firstfruits of my virility, excelling in prominence, excelling in power. 4 Turbulent as water, you will no longer excel, because you got into your father’s bed and you defiled it—he got into my bed.
Genesis 49:3-4 HCSB
The tribe of Reuben never excelled. The sin of his past would haunt him, and he would never recover. He is an example of someone with incredible potential who squanders it in the end. He had strength, prominence, and power, but it was wasted because of his instability. No king, prophet, or judge ever came from the tribe of Reuben.
Simeon and Levi are brothers; their knives are vicious weapons. 6 May I never enter their council; may I never join their assembly. For in their anger they kill men, and on a whim they hamstring oxen. 7 Their anger is cursed, for it is strong, and their fury, for it is cruel! I will disperse them throughout Jacob and scatter them throughout Israel.
Genesis 49:5-7 HCSB
The prophecy over these two brothers would be especially difficult for Simeon. His tribe ended up being the lowest numerically when summarized in Numbers. They also would be forced to share their land with Judah. The scattering would prove to be a blessing for Levi because they would become the priests who inherited the Lord instead of any plot of land.
Judah, your brothers will praise you. Your hand will be on the necks of your enemies; your father’s sons will bow down to you.
Genesis 49:8 HCSB
For reasons unknown to us, Judah was given an amazing blessing. His descendants would carry the royal lineage of Jesus Christ. Even though Judah had his share of struggles, it is important to note that by the end of Genesis, he was willing to lay down his life for his brother.
Zebulun will live by the seashore and will be a harbor for ships, and his territory will be next to Sidon. 14 Issachar is a strong donkey lying down between the saddlebags.
Genesis 49:13-14 HCSB
Zebulun settled in a place between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sea of Galilee. Issachar became a strong tribe with the third-largest population.
Dan will judge his people as one of the tribes of Israel. 17 He will be a snake by the road, a viper beside the path, that bites the horses’ heels so that its rider falls backward. 18 I wait for Your salvation, LORD.
Genesis 49:16-18 HCSB
Dan was an aggressive tribe that produced a famous judge by the name of Samson. This tribe, however, would also introduce God’s people to a slew of idolatry. Some believe this prophecy means that the Antichrist will come from the tribe of Dan. Later in Scripture, they abandoned their land allotment, and spiritually, many from the tribe of Dan abandoned their faith. This may be why Jacob pleads for Salvation.
Gad will be attacked by raiders, but he will attack their heels. 20 Asher’s food will be rich, and he will produce royal delicacies. 21 Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns.
Genesis 49:19-21 HCSB
Gad settled in an area that exposed them to their enemies, so their soldiers were top-notch. They actually supplied King David with many valiant army commanders.
Asher settled in on rich and abundant land which provided the opportunity to produce tasty bread and various gourmet delicacies.
The phrase “bears beautiful fawns” can also be translated “gives goodly words.” Naphtali was an area where Jesus often taught, so the words were most definitely good. The warriors of Naphtali were also known for their deer-like speed.
Joseph is a fruitful vine, a fruitful vine beside a spring; its branches climb over the wall.
Genesis 49:22 HCSB
Joseph and his sons were indeed blessed by God. Verses 22-27 provide a powerful but concise biography of Joseph’s life.
Benjamin is a wolf; he tears his prey. In the morning he devours the prey, and in the evening he divides the plunder.”
Genesis 49:27 HCSB
Benjamin was a tribe with a reputation for being menacing warriors. They were fierce, as evidenced by the apostle Paul who came from this tribe!