Jacob was dying. He summoned his 12 sons to bless them.
Reuben – first born – he had uncontrolled passions, he had bedded his father’s concubine, not good!
Simeon & Levi – they were violent men, self-willed and would be scattered throughout Israel. [Levi was the priestly tribe, and they were scattered throughout the nation of Israel in various cities.]
Judah – praised by his brothers, through Judah’s lineage, Messiah would be born.
Zebulon – his descendants would live by the seashore – the Mediterranean Sea.
Issachar – strong and a slave by forced labor.
Dan – a judge and a serpent.
Asher – rich food, yield royal dainties.
Joseph – fruitful bow – there were enemies in his life, he remained firm, agile. God was a helper to him. God Almighty blessed him, he was distinguished among his brothers.
Benjamin – like a wolf. Genesis 49:1-27
Twelve tribes of Israel, each blessed with a blessing appropriate to him.
Jacob knew he was dying. He requested to be buried in the land of Canaan, where the family burial tomb was located. Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, Leah, a wife of Jacob, was buried there.
Jacob grew in his faith in God over many years. Jacob-Israel died, surrounded by his sons. He finished life well… he appropriately blessed each of his sons. Genesis 49:28-33
When I am on my deathbed, may I be a blessing to my family. May my family never, ever regret my dying because I am home.
God’s Word ~ Alive!
Psalm 116:15
“Precious in the sight of the LORD
Is the death of His godly ones.”
May you continue to exercise your faith in God,
as you are dying.