Genesis 49
Jacob/Israel knew he really was at the end of his life. He called his sons together and gave them a glimpse into their future. Basically, he summed up their lives and where they were headed...
Here is a quick rundown:
Reuben...he was the strongest of the bunch. I also love the way Jacob/Israel said, "Your birth showed I could be a father." That all sounded warm and fuzzy. Then this part came. "You are uncontrolled like water..." Jacob/Israel then went on to say that he would no longer be the "head" of the bunch due to some poor errors in judgment on his part. I would think that would take a little wind out of his sails!
Simeon and Levi...brothers of violence. No warm and fuzzy here. They use violence to get what they want, they use violence just because. Jacob/Israel goes on to curse their violent ways, ending with the comment that they would be divided among the tribes of Jacob.
Judah...Judah is like a lion. He is the family warrior. His brothers will praise him, and his family will reign through a line of kings.
Zebulun...he will reside close to the sea and his shores will be a safe harbor for ships. Sounds like my kind of guy...a beach bum. :)
Isacchar...I don't know that I would be thrilled to be compared to a donkey. Still, you think it is starting off well. He is like a donkey working hard. At least until he decides to take a load off and chill for a bit. He turns his head and ends up a slave instead. Nice.
Dan...he will rule his own people. His comparison? A dangerous snake lying by the side of the road. Another nice description...
Asher...the ultimate farmer. He will grow food. Good food. Food fit for a king!
Naphtali...compared to a female deer. I am sorry. I have read this a couple times and I still don't know how to respond to this one...
Joseph...strong and powerful in spite of the trials thrown his way. God blesses Joseph. He is living in God's blessing.
Benjamin...he is like a hungry wolf. Jacob/Israel sure liked these animal comparisons!
Jacob/Israel goes on to give each of them a blessing appropriate for each one.
After all of that talking, he lays down. He puts his feet on the bed. And he takes his last breath...
Tomorrow's reading: Genesis 50
More soon,
Reba
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