More than just a list of names, these blessings from Ya’akov/Yisrael are prophesies that will be fulfilled in the last days and give us insight into the mission of the Messiah. For Issachar, it’s a blessing rather than a curse.
The story of Chanukah or Hannukah began before Judas Maccabee killed his first Greek, and the culmination didn’t end with him. The events were no surprise to God either. He told the prophet Haggai something spectacular would happen in His temple during the time we now call Chanukah. Today’s talk starts all the way to the days of Darius the Mede and touches us in the 21st century.
Many people who read Genesis 49 believe that the prophesies Israel gave to his 12 sons were only about their or their immediate descendants. This is not the case. These prophesies encompass our prophetic future and those of our descendants all the way to the very end of time.
Today’s talk focuses on the prophesies given to Israel’s first four sons, culminating with his fourth son, Yehudah (Judah). All 4 of these sons were sons of Leah, the daughter of Laban as well, which gives us an additional insight as well.
Many take Acts 18:6 to mean God gave up on the Jews. Is that what it says in context? If so, why did he take a Nazarite vow after his year and a half in Corinth?
We read more about how the land of Egypt survived the seven-year famine thanks to God’s revelation to Yosef (Joseph) and his stewardship of Pharaoh’s land. Later, Ya’akov (Jacob) gives Yosef his double portion of the blessing vicariously through his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh.
David is fleeing Sha’ul (Saul) and at the same time liberating towns from Philistine occupation but more often than not, he experiences betrayal rather than gratitude. When David would have a right to despair whether he had any friends or allies, Yahunatan/Yonatan (Jonathan) finds David and renews their covenant. David learns a lesson about when to “throw your hat into the ring” and when to “mind your own business.”
Ya’akov asks God’s permission to go to the Land of Egypt, Mitsraim in Hebrew, to meet his son Yosef (Joseph) again. When God gives him the green light, he leaves the land of Canaan and travels to Mitsraim in the entourage Pharaoh provides him and his family. Ya’akov’s and Yosef’s joy are complete.