Genesis 49: God's plan woven throughout
Genesis 49 is a prophecy. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Jacob speaks of what is to happen in the future, and yet also sets those events in action by his words. Past and future are linked, as the previous sins of some of the sons are brought up, and then propelled forwards into their tribes' future fortunes. And so, we have:
- Reuben - his honour as firstborn stripped due to his sin of sleeping with his father's concubine Bilhah (Genesis 35:22), and the lack of eminence of that tribe later on
- Simeon & Levi - again their sin, this time of violence against the Shechemites (Genesis 34), cast long shadows, specifically that they would be 'scattered' in the nation. Simeon was scattered amongst the land Judah (Joshua 9:1-9). Levi, on the other hand, was somewhat redeemed in honour later on in their status as the priesthood, and yet were still scattered as a result of this.
- Judah - here we have Jacob's words directly shaping events, as he declares that government and leadership is to come from Judah, until he to it belongs shall come - a sentence that commentators report is obscure in it's literal interpretation, but when taken in context of the rest of the Bible, leaves little doubt that it refers to the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Jacob's words are accurate in the shorter term as well, with King David and his royal line coming from Judah.
- Zebulun - Jacob speaks of them taking advantage of the sea and trade by this. Although the land allotted to them in Joshua 19 was not coastal, it was close enough to the sea and other commentators report that this tribe did business with those who imported goods via the coast.
- Issachar - by contrast, here we have a picture of a people who gladly accept their lot of fertile soil and work hard with what God has given them. This tribe was situated at the end of the fertile Jezreel Valley.
- Dan - two contrasting pictures are shown. The first is of justice originating from that tribe (possibly including people like Samson). However, the second part of the prophecy warns of danger and attack. This was also to be made true - Joshua 18 being an example, where that tribe capture and destroy, and commit idolatry.
- Gad - constantly under attack from its southerly and easterly neighbours (Ammon and Moab)
- Asher - in a fertile land of rich produce
- Naphtali - with a prophecy whose meaning appears to allude many commentators in its specifics, but also seems to refer to freedom and prosperity
- Joseph - a 'fruitful vine' despite his mother's struggle in conceiving him, we have seen Jacob's words to Joseph already played out - a bitter attack by his brothers, his own steady faith through troubles, and his exaltation to 'prince among his brothers' (verse 26).
- Benjamin - a small but spirited and warlike tribe.
Of course, it may be that the specific outcomes for each of the tribes of Israel falls into the 'well that's all very interesting' camp. But when we take a step back and look at what is going on here, we can truly see, or at least can try to fathom, what this says about our God, our universe, and our lives.
In a way that is almost impossible to get our heads round, human agency and God's sovereignty combine together, and in all of this, God knows the paths we will tread. It is indeed a great comfort to know - there is a plan, and we can echo in our hearts:
Before the mountains were born, or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. (Psalm 90:2).
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