Genesis 49

As his final act, Jacob blesses and prophetically outlines the future for his twelve sons and the tribes that will come after them. The blessings also contain references to the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ! Revelation 5:5 refers to Jesus this way: “the Lion who is of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome” (WEB). The scepter referred to in Genesis 49:10 represents authority and kingship. Jesus, as Messiah, has authority over the nations (Psalm 2:9; Revelation 19:15), but he also holds a rod as the Good Shepherd. He is our ultimate source of comfort and protection (Psalm 23:4).

While Jacob’s prophetic abilities are God given, the blessing that he bestows should give us pause. Our words to our children and grandchildren are important and life giving. We have an awesome responsibility and ability to make a significant impact in their lives, especially as it relates to their relationship with God. 

Thought for the day: Do we take our responsibility seriously?

Deuteronomy 11:18-21 (WEB) “Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul. You shall bind them for a sign on your hand, and they shall be for frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall write them on the door posts of your house and on your gates; that your days and your children’s days may be multiplied in the land which Yahweh swore to your fathers to give them, as the days of the heavens above the earth.”

Marc Chagall, the artist, depicted the 12 tribes of Israel in stained glass windows. He used Genesis 49 as one of his primary sources of inspiration (video here).