May 1999
Genesis Chapters 49-50
The 49th and 50th chapters of Genesis closes out the first book of the Old Testament and concludes a major part of the history of God’s chosen people. It is here that the story of Jacob concludes. It is here that the twelve tribes of Israel begins, and the stage is set for the story of Moses to lead his people out of Egypt and back into the promised land of Canaan.
There is a big jump in time from the conclusion of the book of Genesis to the beginning of the book of Exodus, which starts the story of Moses. However, the lengthy period of time which begins at the end of Genesis, and goes to the start of Exodus, is the fulfillment of one of God’s promises to Jacob.
Jacob lived in the promised land and did not want to leave to go to Egypt. He went to save his youngest son, not knowing at the time that he would find and also be saved (from starvation) by the son he thought was long dead (Joseph). But the Lord told Jacob: "Fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation: I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again..." Gen. 46:3-4.
So God promised to make Jacob a great nation while in Egypt. Chapters 49 and 50 of Genesis start that promise.
At chapter 49, Jacob is living in the Land of Goshen in Egypt where Joseph established the family of 70 to live. Jacob is growing old and calls before him all 12 of his sons. He begins his prophecy about the family. He goes through all 12 sons, telling what to expect of their lives.
For Reuben, he is the excellency of dignity and of power, but as unstable as water.
Simeon and Levi are instrument of violence and will be cursed in their anger.
Judah is forecasted to be praised by his children, and his is said to become a leader of the people.
Zebulun is said to dwell at the haven of the sea and be a haven for ships.
Issachar is physically strong and a hard laborer.
Dan will be a judge of his people, as one of the tribes of Israel.
Gad shall be overthrown by invading troops, but shall later overcome in the end.
Asher is said to be expected to grow rich and royal.
Naphtali is like a deer let loose, and is given to beautiful speaking.
Joseph is a fruitful bough, whose branches will overflow. Joseph is especially blessed of God to survive attempts on his life.
Benjamin is a person of prey like a wolf, only to divide his daily capture at night.
"All these are the twelve tribes of Israel: and this it is that their father spake unto them, and blessed them; every one according to his blessing he blessed them." Gen. 49:28.
Jacob then requested his sons to bury him back in Canaan in the cave of his family with Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah and Leah. He then died.
The 50th chapter of Genesis tells of the burial process of Jacob. They embalmed Jacob and mourned him. Joseph got permission from the Pharaoh to transport Jacob in a large funeral procession back to Canaan, including a large crowd, chariots and horsemen.
Seeing the very large funeral procession, the people of Canaan near the burial site knew a person of great importance had died.
After the funeral, back in Egypt, Joseph’s brothers feared Joseph would now seek vengeance against them for selling him into slavery as a child. Joseph told them God had made good of their evil deed and assured them not to fear him.
The twelve tribes remained in Egypt and began to prosper and multiply. Joseph lived to be 120 years old before he died. Before his death, Joseph told his family: "I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob." Gen. 50:24.
Joseph made his family promise him that when God delivered the family out of Egypt, they would take Joseph’s dead body with them. Joseph then died and the family embalmed his body and put it in a coffin.
The extended family of Jacob began many years of living in Egypt. Their numbers grew and they prospered over the next 300 years. However, the Egyptians grew jealous. A new Pharaoh would later turn on them and require the death of all new-born Israel males. But the tribes of Israel would survive. Their delivery out of Egypt was yet to come — a child named Moses was soon to be born into the tribe of Levi. God’s providence was about to work in another strange way and the Pharaoh’s daughter would play an important role.