Lecture Notes on Jacob's Prophecies and Death

Key Meetings from the Last Lesson

1. Joseph and Jacob:
   • Completed family reunification.
   • Ensured the continuation of the promise made to Abraham and Isaac.
   • Prevented the family from breaking up and losing the promise.
2. Jacob and Pharaoh:
   • Greatest servant of God meets the greatest earthly king of the period.
   • Blessing of Joseph’s sons (Manasseh and Ephraim) was significant as they received equal standing with Joseph’s brothers.
   • Joseph received a double portion through his sons, indicating the firstborn’s double portion.

Jacob’s Prophecies for His Sons (Genesis 49)

Reuben (Verses 3-4)

• Firstborn: Represents youth and strength.
• Sin: Because of his sin with Billa, he will not have preeminence.
• Fulfillment: Tribe of Reuben produced no great leaders, settled first, erected false worship place, failed to defend the nation.

Simeon and Levi (Verses 5-7)

• Together: Known for violence and cruelty (e.g., Shechemites).
• Prophecy: They will be dispersed and scattered.
• Fulfillment: Simeon absorbed by Judah; Levi became priests and temple servants, scattered in cities.

Judah (Verses 8-12)

• Praise: Brothers will praise him, he will subdue enemies, and assume leadership.
• Lion’s Whelp: Represents security.
• Scepter: Leadership to remain until Shiloh (Messiah) comes.
• Fulfillment: From David’s kingship (640 years later) to Jesus (Shiloh).

Zebulon and Issachar (Verses 13-15)

• Zebulon: Thrives towards the sea (territory between Sea of Galilee and Mediterranean).
• Issachar: Wealthy in land but lazy; leads to servitude.

Dan (Verses 16-18)

• Judge: Will have land and leadership.
• Serpent: Small but fierce; introduced idolatry.
• Salvation: First use of the word in the Bible.

Gad, Asher, Naphtali (Verses 19-21)

• Gad: Vulnerable but will repel attackers.
• Asher: Rich land but became insignificant.
• Naphtali: Known for speed and literate minds (e.g., Deborah).

Joseph (Verses 22-26)

• Fruitful: Attacked but remained strong.
• Blessings: Bestowed physical prosperity.
• Fulfillment: Faithful from a young age.

Benjamin (Verse 27)

• Ravenous Wolf: Strong, aggressive but cruel.
• Fulfillment: Almost destroyed due to sin, produced King Saul.

Jacob’s Final Instructions and Death (Genesis 49:28-50)

• Instructions: Burial with Abraham, Isaac, and their wives as a testimony of faith.
• Mourning: 70 days, embalmed for 40 days.
• Jacob’s Death: Gathered to his people, meaning joined others who believed.

Joseph’s Actions Post Jacob’s Death

• State Funeral: Pharaoh permitted burial in Canaan; large procession.
• Brothers’ Fear: Worried about Joseph’s revenge, offered themselves as slaves.
• Joseph’s Forgiveness: Reassured them, continued support, acknowledged God’s plan.

Joseph’s Death (Verses 22-26)

• Longevity: Lived 110 years, saw great-grandchildren.
• Promise of Return: Reminded brothers of God’s promise, instructed bones to be carried to Canaan.
• Fulfillment: Carried out 400 years later during the Exodus.

Key Lessons

1. God’s Promises Are Unstoppable: Nothing can thwart God’s plans.
2. Appearances Can Be Deceiving: Jacob was greater than Pharaoh despite appearances; the church remains despite seeming puniness.
3. Forgiveness: God forgives and forgets even when we struggle to, offering grace and a new beginning.