Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:14:27 — 51.2MB)
Subscribe: RSS
The blessing of Joseph’s sons, which proceeded the blessings given to the rest of Jacob’s heirs, are very important. The fact is that Reuben, although he was the first born, committed such a grievous sin against his father that Jacob did not give Reuben the birthright. Jacob, instead gives his blessing to Joseph, through his sons Ephraim and Manasseh.
Jacob’s blessing of Joseph’s sons also placed the blessings of Abraham and Isaac on Joseph’s sons, not on the other sons. Jacob does not invoke the names of Abraham and Isaac on any of the other sons.
The Jewish people, to this day, invoke this blessing on their sons when they say, every Friday evening, “May G-d make you like Ephraim and like Manasseh.”
Jacob requires Joseph to make an oath to bring Jacob out of Egypt and bury him with Abraham and Isaac. This oath helped Joseph persuade Pharaoh to allow him to complete this oath later on.
The “end of days” is when you are called to judgement. This is a phrase that is used most commonly by the Prophets talk about the coming of the Messiah. When Jacob uses this phrase, I believe he is using it in a similar vein. I believe that Jacob was a prophet; he received and interpreted dreams and visions. He was even given insight into the interpretation of Joseph’s dreams as well.
“Then Jacob summoned his sons and said, “Assemble yourselves that I may tell you what will befall you in the days to come. Gather together and hear, O sons of Jacob; And listen to Israel your father.”
Genesis 49:1–2 NASB
Genesis 49: Blessings for the 12 tribes
“What will befall you” actually means “what will call you in the end of days.” This “call” is not just a name on a birth certificate. It’s your reputation, what people know of your character, identity and personality.
Most of these “blessings” from Jacob sound more like a curse to me, as we read through all of Jacob’s prophesies, you will see what I mean.
Reuben
Reuben’s character persisted in his descendants, both in the rebellion of Korah (Numbers 16) and in General Barak, who was commissioned by the prophetess Deborah (Judges 4), was reluctant to follow God’s instruction to fight against the enemies of Israel. In the end of days, the people of Reuben will be known for their impulsive, inconsistent and instability. His people are not dependable.
Simeon and Levi
God separated Simeon and Levi. He didn’t have to disperse both tribes, he only had to disperse one of them. They made sure they were no longer a team. He only had to scatter Levi to break their bond. They were both known for their extreme anger and murderous intent.
The most famous Simeonite leader was Zimri son of Salu, the scion of a Simeonite family, who slept publicly with the Midianite woman (Numbers 25). He was killed Phineas, the grandson of the High Priest, Aaron, and from that point on, the tribes were no longer connected.
Judah
Even today, Judah, in the modern state of Israel, are still looked up to by all his brothers, both Muslim and Christian. He will maintain his dominance until Messiah’s second coming when He will take His rightful thrown.
Zebulon
“And he shall be a haven for ships.” In the Land of Israel, when Joshua distributed the inheritance of the promised land they were landlocked. But in the end of days, Zebulon will be known for its naval prowess.
“And his flank shall be toward Sidon.” One’s flank is the thighs and when Jacob says that Zebulon’s thighs will be towards Sidon, it is a warning that they will be known for pornograhy. Sidon was always known for its pornography and sexual immorality. Sidon’s most famous resident was Jezebel, who was known as a immoral woman.
Issachar
“He bowed his shoulder to bear burdens, and became a slave at forced labor.” This nation will be subject to other nation, he will compromise his sovereignty for the appearance of peace.
Dan
“A horned snake in the path, that bites the horse’s heels, so that his rider falls backward.” Dan will harass and be a thorn in the side of other nations with his physical strength. The most famous Danite in the Bible was Samson. He uses whatever weapon that is at hand to fight his enemies, whether it’s a donkey’s jawbone or the pillars of a building to kill his enemies.
Gad
He is associated with both military prowess and to push back on his attackers. He will also be known for some degree of financial prowess. He will be raided but he will be able to push back against the people who had raided him.
Asher
What does a king think of “delicacies.” I would submit to you that Asher are not famous for their chocolate crème brule or cookies. I would submit that the delicacies that Asher would pursue, would be jewels, gold, silvers, natural resources, etc., which is what nations that want to be powerful, seek.
Naphtali
“Naphtali is a doe let loose, He gives beautiful words.”
Genesis 49:21 NASB
The phrase “let loose” means that the does are “in heat.”
A doe in heat attracts all sorts of suitors, good, bad and indifferent.
The good words includes a prowess in poetry, songs, media and entertainment. So the nation of Napthali will be known for their beautiful, promiscuous woman and their entertainment.
Joseph
Of all the tribes, Joseph’s migration patterns are probably the best known, except for those of Judah. In the end of days, Joseph’s descendants will still be dominance, but they will not be well-liked. They will be the most wealthy nation with the most military weapons, even though they aren’t very popular. Other nations will still look up to Joseph, even if they are jealous and resentful of Joseph.
Benjamin
Rachel’s prophetic name for Benjamin — “son of my sorry” — comes into this prophesy. The nation of Benjamin is a predatory nation. The descendants of Benjamin will be known for their hunting, raiding and plundering.
Where are the 12 tribes today?
One thing all these nations will have in common, is that they will worship and acknowledge the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Not just the God of Abraham, as the Muslims, do, but all the patriarchs.
They will all be connected through their affinity to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, even if they don’t like each other, or even hate other. These nations are siblings who bicker, fight and harass each other. When they have a common enemy, they will combine to fight that enemy, but when there’s no common enemy, the will fight amongst each other, as all siblings do. They will also be connected to Judah.
We don’t know when Messiah will return, whether it’s next year, 100 years from now, or 1,000 years from now.
Rashi tried to connect these tribes to the modern nations of his day, but he couldn’t find all of them. Even now, we may be able to connect some modern nations to these traits, but not all of them easily.
Summary: Tammy