GenesisWeek 12 – A Blessing Before I Die

Then Jacob called his sons and said, “Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you what shall happen to you in days to come.”Gen 49:1

Text: Gen 48:1 – 50:26

A Suitable ConclusionIsrael is about to die. Retraces out promises for offspring

Recalls Great Nation promise God made to Israel at Bethel/Luz in 48:4

Recalls Land promise48:21-22 – How is blessing of land passed on to Joseph and his

sons?

Ephraim placed ahead of Manessah

What famous Israelite leader was an Ephraimite? – 1 Chr 7:20-27

48:8-22 – How is the blessing passed from Israel to Joseph?

Via adoption of Ephraim and Manasseh

Why not bless Joseph?

Blessing the Kids – Gen 49 Leah

Zilpah(L’s

Slave) Rachael

Bilhah (R’s

Slave) Israel’s Blessings

1 Reuben

1st born but not preeminent, Unstable, Defiled father’s bed with Bilhah

2 Simeon Weapons of violence, Killed men & abused animals,

Cruel Anger, divide & scatter3 Levi

4 Judah Praise, conquer enemies, Scepter until tribute comes to him, rich, purple garments,

5 Dan Judge of his people, aggressive serpent/viper in the way, left out of 144K in Rev, 1st to plunge Israel into idolatry

(Jud 1:16-20)

6 Naphtali Doe to bear beautiful fawns, Possibly a fast runner “a doe set free”

7 Gad David’s Favorite Tribe – The ORIGINAL Raiders

8 Asher Rich food, delicacies

9 Issachar

Strong donkey, Hard Worker, Name sounds like “Hired” since he was the product of mandrakes

10

Zebulun

Beach dweller, haven for ships

11

Dinah

12

Joseph Fruitful bough, persistent in face of adversity, strong & agile,

13

Benjamin

Ravenous wolf, devouring prey in AM and dividing spoil in afternoon

Death of Israel49:28-33 – Shift of focus from blessing of offspring to blessing of land

49:29-32 – Jacob’s burial place

Cave of the Patriarchs(In Hebron)

Structure built by Herod in 1st Century

Burial of Israel & Reaction

50:1-14 – Permission & Procession

50:15-18 – How do Joseph’s brothers react to Israel’s burial?

50:19-20 – How does an understanding of God’s providence help Joseph to deal with his brothers?

Death of Joseph50:22 – How old was he at his death?

110Saw his Great Great Grand Kids

50:24 – Joseph is 110 and the yougest. Yet, he is still talking to his brothers. They must be >110 years old!

50:25 – Made the sons of Israel swear to take his bones to Canaan when they leave Egypt…fulfilled in Exodus 13:19 and buried at Shechem Josh 24:32.

Gospel GlimpsesJudah – “scepter shall not depart”

In whom was this fulfilled?Judah? – No. He did not rule.King Saul? – 1 Sam 9:21 – NO, he was a BenjamiteDavid? – Partially, his sons, and their descendants

ruled Israel until Israel was no moreJesus? – Rom 1:1-5 – YES, also of tribe of Judah?Rom 15:18, 16:26Jesus is King of KingsJesus is the obedience of the NationsScepter shall not depart forever and ever

That’s It…thanks!

Wait, There’s More!Summary

Week 13Genesis Tied UpTheories on the Historical Joseph

Week 14I don’t know yet.