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Lesson 47

Forgiven

Genesis 50

One of the strongest weapons Satan has is guilt.  I know it is true because he has used it on me over the years.  I am not talking about conviction of the Holy Spirit.  When the Holy Spirit convicts of sin He calls me to confess that sin, to repent of it and to ask for forgiveness.  At that point that sin is done in my life.  This is where Satan shows up continually acting as an adversary who reminds me of what I have done.  His ploy is to rob me of the assurance of God’s forgiveness.  Of course he does not speak verbally, but if he drives me to dredge up old sins long forgiven what he is trying to do is convince me that God could not love someone like me because I have not been a good boy.

Thankfully, I can tell Satan to get lost.  Jesus has taken care of all my sins past, present and future on the cross.  There is a beautiful passage in Colossians that reads, “When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. (Col. 2:13-14)  I do not have to worry anymore when Satan tries to use his well known tactics because Christ has made a mockery of him and his legions. Christ has gained the victory for me. 

Churches have a difficult time of letting go of past successes and failures.  The danger is to look at the past and try to replicate it.  We forget that each new generation brings with it changes and opportunities that were not always available. Trying to hold on to glories of days gone by may lead to frustration because they cannot be achieved.  Even more difficult is trying to overcome things that may have caused conflict and division in the body.  Hard feelings may still lie under the surface of civility.  We forget that history is just that history.  Unless we remember that Christ calls us to forgive others at least four hundred and ninety times then we cannot move on to a new day.  Joseph, after the death of his father, was confronted with his ten brothers who could not forget what they had done many years earlier and were afraid that Joseph may not have forgotten either.  Would the actions of Joseph help the family move forward or would they suffer the consequences of their actions?

Genesis 50:1

It was Joseph who was most affected by his father’s death.  The Scripture mentioned only him as the one who went intor mourning. The other brothers were not there at the time of death or they did not have the same love and devotion for Jacob. Joseph fell on his father and wept and kissed him for one last time. 

1. Why was Joseph so affected by his father’s death?
2. Why would the Scriptures not mention the other brothers?
3. How would their relationship with him been affected by the giving of the blessings?
4. Who are some of those who may have been relatives for whom you did not grieve as did Joseph?
5. What caused the lack of emotion on your part?
6. What did the death of Jacob signify?

Genesis 50:2-3

Once again Joseph took charge of the situation.  Normally in the Middle East the person who died was buried the same day of his/her death because of the climate.  The burial of Sarah was an example of the practice.  Even Jesus was taken straight from the cross and put into the tomb.  Joseph had the Egyptian embalmers prepare his father for burial.  Jacob had commanded that he be taken back to Canaan which would have taken several days.  For that reason alone it was necessary for Jacob to be embalmed.  The process, which does not need to be discussed here, took forty days to complete.  Out of their great love and respect for Joseph the Egyptians mourned for Jacob seventy days.

1. Why was it Joseph who stepped forward to take charge of the situation?
2. Why did he have his father embalmed?
3. What examples do we see of what would have occurred at the death of a person in Canaan?
4. How did the Egyptians show their affections for Joseph?

Genesis 50:4-6

Out of respect for the traditions of the Egyptians, Joseph waited until the official time of mourning was complete before making a formal request to Pharaoh for permission to travel to Canaan.   He did not approach the Pharaoh himself but others intercede for him.  His request indicated that he was trying to be obedient to the dictates of his father.  He also promised to return to Egypt after the burial.  There are two reasons that this promise was important. 

• For all of the Israelites, especially Joseph, to leave would have been disruptive to life of the Egyptians because they had become such an integral part of the society.
• Although not mentioned, God had said that the nation of Israel would remain in Egypt in slavery for four hundred years.

Joseph’s word was good enough for the Pharaoh.  He was a man of integrity and could be counted on to fulfill his promises.  Pharaoh then released Joseph to carry out his father’s wishes.

1. Why did Joseph have others speak to Pharaoh instead of going himself?
2. What did he tell them to say?
3. What were the words that the Pharaoh wanted to hear?
4. Why was it important for the Israelites to return to Egypt?
5. Why did Pharaoh let him go?
6. In what ways is Joseph an example for us?

Genesis 50:7-9

Having made all of the preparations that could take place in Egypt, Joseph proceeded towards Canaan to bury his father.  Not only did he and his brothers go but a large contingent of Egyptians, including the servants of the Pharaoh and the elders from his household and all of the land, also travelled with them.  To show their intentions of returning, the brothers left their children and all of their livestock behind.  There may also have been a practical reason for doing so. To carry their whole household would have made it an arduous and slow trip for them.  Moses wrote that a large company went up from the land.

1. Why did Joseph wait so long before going to Canaan?
2. What did the brothers do that showed that the intended to return to Egypt?
3. What was the meaning of the large contingent that accompanied the family?
4. What did it say of the feelings they had for Joseph?

Genesis 50:10-11

One of the commentators wrote that the travelers took the same route that the Israelites would follow over four hundred years later.  In that case the company of mourners would not have entered into Canaan but would have arrived to the east of the Jordan River to a place called the threshing floor of Atad.  It is also a possibility that the threshing floor was on the western side of the river.  This would seem to make more sense because the people living there were Canaanites.

Upon their arrival they continued with demonstrative mourning for another seven days.  The inhabitants were so impressed with the actions of the strangers, concluding that some high ranking Egyptian official must have died, they called the place Abel-Mizraim.  The meaning of the word is the mourning or meadow of the Egyptians.  The people living in the area would have naturally thought it strange that an Egyptian would be buried away from his homeland.  

1. Which route would make more sense?
2. Why did the Egyptians continue to be so emotional in mourning after the seventy days?
3. What conclusions would have drawn by the inhabitants?
4. Why did they rename the place where the Egyptians spent the seven days?
5. Why would the people be perplexed about the whole affair?

Genesis 50:12-14

The sons, then following their father’s instructions, carried him to the cave which was in the field of Machpelah where his parents and grandparents were buried.  After the private burial of his father Joseph returned to Egypt as he had promised.

1. Why did the brothers leave the Egyptians behind as they proceeded to Machpelah?
2. Why was this last act so important to them?
3. How did Joseph show he was a man of integrity?

Genesis 50:15-17a

With the death of Jacob the brothers began to think about their future. In their minds there would be no further restraint placed on Joseph to keep him from taking revenge for what they had done to him so many years earlier. Sadly, the guilt that they carried for so long had never gone away. They were questioning if the kindness that their brother had shown them was just to please Jacob and was not genuine.  Rather than accepting what Joseph had told them as the total truth, they had dreaded that day when they would have to confront their sin against him. 

They chose representatives to take a message to Joseph.  The words would give the first real evidence that Jacob had known what took place by in Canaan.  It was also the first time they had  totally confessed the wrong they committed against him.  In the words of Jacob they were identified as brothers but in their confession they referred to themselves as servants.

1. What tells us that Jacob knew what the brothers had done to Joseph?
2. What does this passage tell us about the mental and spiritual condition of the brothers?
3. Why were they not able to let go of their guilt?
4. What affect did Joseph’s words spoken nineteen years earlier have on the brothers?
5. Why were they not able to see the genuine compassion he had for them all those years?
6. Why did they feel it was necessary to send a messenger instead of going themselves?
7. Why do we hold onto the sins in our lives even after we know God has forgiven us?

Genesis 50:17b

When Joseph heard the words from the messengers he began to weep. The message from his brothers had to be disappointing and would have hurt him deeply.  Surely, they could not believe he would do anything to harm them after providing for them all during and after the famine.  It probably bothered him most of all to think that Jacob would think that he was capable of revenge.  None of his family understood that he was completely different than all of all them. 

1. What caused Joseph to weep?
2. What probably hurt him more than anything said?
3. How did had his life action show that there was no basis for the concerns of the brothers?
4. In what ways do we break the heart of God when we do not believe His words to us?
5. What are some of the ways your heart has been broken by those for whom you care about great deal?
6. How have others disappointed you?
7. How did you react?
8. How did your response differ from Joseph’s?
9. In what ways did you see God working in the situation?

Genesis 50:18

Evidently the messengers carried the news back to the others about the reaction of Joseph to the words from the brothers.  At that point the brothers decided it was safe to appear before Joseph.  They came to him with a genuine sign of humility.  Once again they bowed before him and called themselves his servants.

1. What gave the brothers confidence to appear before Joseph?
2. What do you think of their words and action when they came into his presence?
3. What should our attitude be as we appear before God?
4. What indicates they were finally willing to accept the consequences for their actions?

Genesis 50:19-21

Joseph had not changed in his feelings for his brothers since the first time he had seen them in Egypt.  He truly believed that God was the One who had sent him there. What they had intended for evil turned out to be for the preservation of his family along with countless others during the famine.  He reassured that nothing had changed.  They had been forgiven and he would continue to provide for them and their families. After this incident, Moses wrote that “He comforted them and spoke kindly to them.”

1. What is one of the qualities that you admire about Joseph?
2. What was the one belief Joseph had held onto from the very beginning?
3. What assurance did he give to his brothers?
4. What did they need to hear?
5. How has God taken the things in your life that seemed to be bad and turned them around for good?
6. What do we receive from God in difficult times that gives the confidence to go on?

Genesis 50:22-26

The final years of Joseph’s life are given in these verses. He would have been fifty-six years old when Jacob died.  For the rest of his life he stayed in Egypt along with his brothers and their families. The length of his life was one hundred ten years.  He lived to see three generations of Ephraim’s children and also the son of Manasseh whose name was Machir.  After all he had endured, those had to be years when he experienced the contentment of a life lived in obedience to God.  

When he approached the end of his life, he called his brothers together and shared some comforting words to them. They were told

• God will take care of you.
• You will return to the land promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob
• To swear that they would take his bones back to Canaan when they returned from Egypt.

Joseph died in Egypt at the age of one hundred ten. He was embalmed but not buried because he was going back home one day. 

1. What did his last years mean to Joseph?
2. What were the prophecies shared with his brothers?
3. What one last request did he make of them?
4. Why was he just embalmed and not buried?
5. What are some of the most powerful lesson learned from the book of Genesis?
6. What are some the examples of the gospel did you see in the book?

 

• Trust God for the promises made to us through His word.
• Never question the grace He has provided through His Son.
• Do not allow the devil to keep you from the relationship God wants to have with you.
• Remember that if you have confessed and repented of a sin then God has forgiven you and you must not hold onto them any longer.
• Think about those times that seemed so difficult and remember how God has turned them around.
• Remember that guilt is the great destroyer of any relationship.
• Learn to handle hurts and disappointments with grace.

Our study in Genesis has come to the end, but is it really the end?  The lessons of new beginnings and changes will never leave us as we grow in wisdom and knowledge.  We have seen all the characteristics of man at his best and worse.  Throughout the whole book there has been the common thread that has held everything together.  God sometimes acted openly but many times behind the scenes to bring about His purpose for His people. It is after all a book about His grace from the fall of man in the garden to the reconciliation of Joseph and his family.   

God continues to work in the same way today in His body, the church. In Colossians we see that Jesus was the agent carrying out the work of His Father.  It says, “He is before all things and in Him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:17) Ephesians also emphasizes this unity in chapter 4:15-16.

Although the book ends with the death of Joseph it also carries with it a promise that God would never leave His people.  We have that same assurance of His presence through any and every situation until He sees that His children arrive at home to be with Him.

 

Additional Notes:

BL- In chapter 50, Joseph is joined by all of Egypt in mourning his father’s death.  Then, accompanied by Pharoah’s officials and all the adult members of his father’s household, Joseph takes Jacob’s body back to Canaan and buries him as he requested.  Upon the family’s return to Egypt, however, the brothers begin to worry.  What if Joseph seeks revenge for what his brothers did to him, now that their father is no longer able to intervene on their behalf?  Worriedly, they send a messenger to Joseph, begging his forgiveness. Joseph weeps at their request, perhaps because they still do not seem to comprehend the love and the grace he has extended to them.  Once again, he reassures them that he has truly forgiven them and that God has turned their evil plans to good. 

 C-Joseph and his brothers returned to Egypt after burying Jacob.  Although the famine was long over, the family had adapted to living in Goshen in Egypt.  There was no thought of the promise made that they would possess the land of Canaan.  They had become comforted where they were and had no intention giving up a good thing.  The only concern the brothers had expressed was,  how Joseph was going to treat them now that Jacob was dead.  This indicates that had never gotten over what they had done to Joseph. (Gen. 50:14-15)

TM-The brothers like so many of us held on to their guilt and were fearful that the one against whom they had sinned would see the current situation as an opportunity to seek retribution against them.  They could not understand or accept that Joseph had forgiven them seventeen years earlier. (Gen. 50:15-21)

WM-After seventeen years in Egypt in constant contact with Joseph, his brothers still could not rid themselves of the guilt for what they had done to him. Now that Jacob was dead the fear returned that Joseph would now get even with them.  They just could not believe that he would forgive them.  They were just not the type to do so.  They completely misread Joseph.  He still believed that is was not them but God who had sent him to Egypt for such a time as all of the people were experiencing during the famine. He truly believed and understood that he was “in God’s place.” (Gen. 50:15-22)
 M-Joseph was assured he was in God’s place for he had turned what was done for evil purposes and turned it into good. (Gen. 50:19-20)

C-Joseph still believed he was in the right place where God wanted him to be.                (Gen. 50:19-20)

TM-Joseph understood that ultimately all things are in God’s hands and how he was to forgive those whom He had sent to protect and preserve. (Gen. 50:19-21)

RT-Many times we see how the events show how the weapons the devil tried to use were turned around and on him.  Just what he intended to take place was thwarted by God’s plan for mankind.  Joseph provides one those instances.

If Joseph had been killed as his brothers first planned to do, he would not have been in Egypt to save the lives of his family during the seven year long famine.  Many years after being sold into Egypt and rising to the second most powerful position in that country he finally had the opportunity to tell his brothers that they meant their actions for evil but God had turned the evil into good. (Gen. 50:20)

C- He remembered the promise that Israel would return to the land they left.  His last request was to have his bones carried back to Canaan for burial.                                 (Gen. 50:24-26; Ex. 13:19; Josh. 24:32)

C-No longer could the brothers depend on Joseph but now had to rely on God to take of them. (Gen. 50:24) 

 

 

 

Lesson 46

Israel’s Performance Review

Genesis 49

There was always one time of year when I was working that I did not like to see come.  It was when annual performance reviews were to be done.  One of the things I disliked more than anything was the personal assessment I had to do before the review was discussed with my supervisor.  To grade oneself as the greatest thing since sliced bread bordered on pride.  At the other end of the spectrum to give oneself low marks would mean no raise and possible dismissal.  Fortunately over the years most of discussions between my superior and me were cordial.  We came to a mutual understanding the majority of the time.  I did not always agree totally but those points were not mountains upon which to die.

There is one assessment that each of us has to face.  It is the scrutiny that God places on our lives.  If I am honest with myself it is the one performance review for which I cannot receive high marks.  As hard as I try there will always be something I mess up.  I thank Him that my inclusion in His family is not dependent on what I can do, but what Christ has done for me.

Churches face scrutiny like the one we will read about in today’s lesson.  It is the court of public opinion that decides whether we bring glory to God by the very culture of the church.  If we were to sit down collectively before our own Israel and have him tell us his perception of who he thinks we are and where those characteristics will lead us, what would he say?  It really does depend on the culture and values of the church which will dictate the future.

I have often heard that over time the church will reflect the leadership.  We do need to be careful that the leadership that is selected truly represents God and not themselves.  Only when we glorify God can we expect to have a bright future. 

As we look at the words spoken by Jacob, we might see if any of the characteristics fit us. By becoming aware of any of those tendencies among us will cause us to address them by confessing, repenting and receiving repentance.

Genesis 49:1-2

Jacob’s final act was to bring his son’s together to share what the future would hold for each of them.  There was no one better to do this than Jacob who had observed them for all the years of their lives.  Not only were they going to hear the words based on Jacob’s perception but prophetic ones he would speak under the inspiration of God’s spirit. There were things said that he could not possibly know from a human stand point.  Once his sons had come to him, he seemed to be saying come close to me so I can talk with you in an intimate way.

1. What was Jacob’s final act with his family?
2. Why would he believe it was necessary to share what he did with his sons?
3. What was he going to tell them?
4. How do we know that he was speaking under the influence of God’s Spirit?

Genesis 49:3-4

He wasted no time but launched into what he had to say to and about each son.  Not knowing what they might hear they did not utter a word, but waited for their father to begin speaking. As would be expected he began with the oldest.  To Reuben he had to say that even though you are my first born because of your impetuous nature which led to sleeping with my wife, Bilhad, you will not be considered first born.  Reuben according to the words of Jacob lost the blessing and the birthright.  There were some telling events that were a fulfillment of Jacob’s assessment of his oldest son.

• The tribe of Reuben along with Gad and the half of Manasseh did not follow God’s original instructions but took their inheritance east of the Jordan River.
• They were part of the tribes that broke away under the rule of Rehoboam. 
• The inheritance of Reuben was the first to be overrun by the Assyrians and sent into exile in 722 BC.

 

1. Why did Jacob begin his talk with his sons so quickly?
2. What indicates that they did not know what was going to happen?
3. Why did he begin with Reuben?
4. How would you characterize Reuben?
5. What events took place that fulfilled the prophecies spoken about him?
6. What characteristics that Reuben possessed might be prevalent in your own life?

Genesis 49:5-7

The two brothers, Simeon and Levi, were kindred spirits thus Jacob dealt with them together.  Their actions indicated they were violent and cruel men.  Jacob did not want any part of that kind of attitude that had led them to kill men and injure animals.  Rather than blessing them he cursed their anger and did not want to even be associated with it in any way.  Neither of them would receive an inheritance of their own in the Promised Land.  Both would be dispersed among the other tribes. Simeon eventually received some land that was part of Judah’s portion.  From Levi came the priestly family through Aaron. His family was given forty- eight cities and pasture lands scattered among the other tribes.

1. Why did Jacob speak to Simeon and Levi as one?
2. What kind of people were they like?
3. In what ways do these men reflect many in society today?
4. What was to be the consequence of their behavior and character?
5. In what ways did Jacob’s prophecy come true for each of them?

Genesis 49:8-13

When Jacob comes to his fourth son there appears to be a change in the way he views him.  There is no discussion of the past failures of Judah.  He does not mention his part in the selling of Joseph or the marriage to a pagan wife.  Nor is there any allusion to the evil sons born out of that relationship.  Something had happened in the life of Judah that now elicited praise and blessing from his father.  Judah was a changed man as has been seen in the episodes leading up to Joseph revealing himself to his brothers.  Now Jacob saw certain qualities in the man as he not only blessed him but prophesied an amazing future for his descendents.  There are a number of beautiful word pictures that are painted in describing Judah and his family. Jacob said concerning him

• He would become the leader of his family.
• He would be victorious over his enemies.
• Using the symbolism of the lion there would be a continuous line of kings born after him.
• This royalty would continue until the coming of the ultimate ruler, the prince of peace.
• Under the rule of the one referred to as Shiloh who would receive the scepter as king there would be peace and plenty.

The promises to Judah only began with David who was the ancestor of the true Lion of Judah, Jesus.

1. Why did Jacob ignore Judah’s past misdeeds?
2. In what way is this the same as God deals with each of us?
3. What occurred in his life that would lead to the blessing and prophecy given to him?
4. In what way do they indicate what would happen to Israel?
5. Which of the prophecies are truly pictures of Jesus?

Genesis 49:13

Although Zebulon was the youngest of Leah’s children, Jacob chose to put him ahead of his brother Issachar.  This meant that he would play a greater role in the history of Israel than Issachar.  The words spoken to Zebulon may seem strange.  Looking at the inheritance it received it is obvious that its borders did not originally touch either the Mediterranean Sea or the Sea of Galilee.  Although with the shifting of borders it may have eventually encompassed cities around the Sea of Galilee including Nazareth and Capernaum.  That would have given it the distinction of being the place where Jesus lived until He began His earthly ministry.  (See Isaiah 9:1-2 and Matthew 4:12-16) Jacob could have in the Spirit of God seen that Zebulon would be located on a trade route which led to Acco in Asher thus giving access to a port on the Mediterranean.

1. What was the significance of speaking to Zebulon ahead of his brother Issachar?
2. Why would what Jacob said to Zebulon seem strange?
3. How could his words have been fulfilled?
4. What was special about Zebulon’s role in the future?
5.  What was the importance of the land in the ministry of Jesus?

Genesis 49:14-15

From Jacob’s description of Issachar as a strong donkey certain images emerge.

• Usefulness coming from its strength.
• Lacking ambition
• Content with life desiring to be left alone
• Servitude

These attributes often came into play in history as this tribe was often overrun and enslaved by other countries.  It is however mentioned in a positive way as it fought alongside Deborah and Barak.  Later in the reign of David the writer of Chronicles spoke of them as men who had an understanding of the times. (1 Chronicles 12:32, 38-40)

1. What are the characteristics of Issachar that you admire? Why?
2. What are the ones that are not admirable? Why?
3. Are there some that might describe you?
4. Why is the mindset described in 1 Chronicles important in our own day?
5. Why was it important enough for the writer to mention?

Genesis 49:16-17

Dan the son of Bilhah was described as a judge and a serpent.  This tribe produced the strongest of all the judges written about in the Book of Judges. Samson would be a judge in Israel for twenty years before his untimely death.  He was a constant thorn in the side of the Philistines.

One incident in the life of the Danites reflected the characteristic of a serpent.  Dissatisfied with the inheritance given to them they went into the northeast corner of Israel and captured and destroyed the citizens of Laish who were living peacefully.  It was in Dan that Jeroboam sat up one of his calves.  Some scholars believe that it will be from the tribe of Dan that the Antichrist will come.

1. How did the actions of Dan show the accuracy of Jacob’s prophecies?
2. Who was one the most famous of Dan’s descendents?
3. What was the event that occurred in Dan which led to the ultimate downfall of Israel?  “         (See 1 Kings 12:2-30)
4. How do we see this attitude at work in churches?

Genesis 49:18

Following his prophecy concerning Dan, Jacob was overcome with the pervasive sense of evil that would come through those who were descendants of his son. He responded by voicing a prayer.  Jacob expressed a hope for the future that man could be freed from such treachery.  His deep desire was to see the Lord save man from himself.  In the Spirit He prayed for God’s intervention into the affairs of man to break the cycle of evil. Like many others down through ages he was provided on a small glimpse of the future.  He could not have known how God was going to answer that cry from his heart.  Without understanding who, how or when, Jacob was looking forward to the time when the gospel would come to fruition.

1. What did Jacob see in Dan that caused him to fervently pray to God?
2. What was the one thing that he sought above all else?
3. Why did he not respond in this manner after speaking to his other sons?
4. In what way do we need to pray today as we see evil all around us?

Genesis 49:19

Like Reuben and the half tribe of Manasseh, Gad also received his inheritance to the east of the Jordan River.  Because of his decision it was one of the tribes conquered by the Assyrians and exiled in 722 BC. Even though he would often face hostile people and would be defeated he had the staying power to gain victory over his enemies.  This ability to gain victory is seen in one its greatest warriors, Jephthah. (Judges 11:1-28)  Elijah, the greatest of all the prophets of Israel was also from the tribe of Gad.

1. What were the consequences of Gad’s decision to take his inheritance to the east of the Jordan?
2. What seemed to be one of its greatest attributes?
3. What famous men came from the tribe?

Genesis 49:20

Zilpah had given birth to both Gad and Asher.  Asher was to receive his inheritance along a fertile strip of land on the Mediterranean Sea. He would enjoy all the comforts of life because the land would be productive.  Moses would mention in Deuteronomy a reference to the oil producing Olive trees found there. See Deut. 33:34

Genesis 49:21

Naphtali was also born to Zilpah the maid servant of Leah.  Here is a picture of a man who in his youth may have been wild and untamed.  Later he became one who had come to speak words that were beautiful.

1. What hope does the change in the life of Naphtali hold out for all of us?
2. What was it that changed the wild doe into a man who was refined?

Genesis 49:22-26

Although Jacob had already spoken of the future of Joseph’s sons Ephraim and Manasseh, he now turns to Joseph himself.  It is a picture of both his trials and triumphs.  Intertwined in the words are both the blessing and birthright that was to be his from his father.  The words are so powerful that unless one already had heard that Judah would be the leader and the ancestor of the future king, it would almost appear that the Joseph was the one through whom those men would come.  By human standards Joseph would have been the chosen one.  The Spirit, however, directed Jacob to prophesy that the one who Jacob cried out for to provide salvation would not come from Joseph but Judah.  God’s sovereignty overruled the desire of man.

1. How did the words spoken to Joseph give an indication of Jacob’s great affection for him?
2. How do we know that the Messiah was not to come from Joseph?
3. In what way do we see the Holy Spirit at work in Jacob’s life at this point?
4. What did Jacob give to him that the others had not received?
5. Why did he spend more time in describing Joseph than any of the others?
6. What attributes of Joseph would you like to be said of you?

Genesis 49:27

Jacob finally gets to Benjamin, the youngest son of Rachel.  According to his father he would be a warrior. The inheritance he would be given would have to be defended often.  His family would by nature well suited for the conflict.  Two prominent men would come from the tribe of Benjamin.  The first was Saul, the king, who would be the strong warrior who battled the Philistines his entire adult life.  The second was Saul who would become Paul.  He was the greatest of all the leaders of the early church spreading the gospel all over parts of Asia and Europe.  From his ministry many would become followers of Christ. Both of them showed true tenacity in the tasks they were given.

1. What do you think of the description of Benjamin?
2. In what ways did he fulfill the prophecy placed on him by Jacob?
3. In what ways were the two greatest men descended from Benjamin different?
4. In what ways were they the same?

Genesis 49:28

All twelve men heard the words of Jacob.  They were representative of the twelve tribes that would be born of them.  Each one heard words that were appropriate for them.  Because of the substance of the words it is obvious that Jacob spoke under the direction of the Holy Spirit.

1. Why was it important not to leave a single man out of the blessings given?
2. What one thing stands out to you in the words of this verse?
3. What evidence do we have that Jacob spoke under the influence of the Holy Spirit?
4. If we had been there what might he have said about us?

These descriptions have been only a snapshot of the blessing given by Jacob.  What I have tried to do was to present the essence of each of them.  If there is further interest any good commentary would be a good source.

Genesis 49:29-33

Having taken care of the last details of his life by giving the blessings, he then turned to the matters of his death.  He gave all of them instructions of what he wanted them to do after he died.  He commanded them to take him back to Canaan to be buried in the cave in the field of Ephron, which was the burial spot of his family beginning with Sarah and ending with Leah.  Finally having accomplished everything and putting his house in order Jacob died in the presence of his sons.

1. Why was it important to Jacob that he be buried in Canaan?
2. Why did he not want to be buried in Egypt?
3. What had to be satisfying to him?
4. Why was it important that his sons all be present?
5. In ways are we always to be prepared for our own passing?

 

• Paul said in 2 Corinthians 13:5, “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves.”  This is a good plan for each person to do every day as he/she reviews the day.
• Look back at the lesson to see if which characteristics you admire in each man and those that you do not like. 
• See if any of them fit who you are and what you want to do about them.
• Take advantage of opportunities to learn about your personality and spiritual gifts.
• Unlike Jacob, who could only pray and hope for the coming Messiah, realize how fortunate you are that He has come and you can know Him and have Him live in your life.
• Imitate Christ in every way possible. This can only happen if you truly love Him with all your heart, soul and mind.

We as the body of Christ must take every opportunity to evaluate ourselves in light of the life of Christ.  Much time needs to be spent in discerning who we are by spending time in prayer and the study of His word.  There is one thing for sure if we do not examine ourselves the world will do it for us.  It is a difficult thing to honestly look within and to see how others may view us.  Only by doing so can we remove those areas of our life that hinder the spread of God’s kingdom.  From the lesson today we have seen that Jacob was only able to look at two of his sons as having praiseworthy qualities.  He saw in Judah a man who had changed from being self-centered to one who genuinely put others ahead of himself. This was a Christ like characteristic that would be displayed in Judah’s descendant.  Joseph was a godly man and remained steadfast in his faith through many trials and tribulation.  This is the kind of man that would receive the blessings of God and the inheritance given to the saints.  What kind of church do we want to be?  How do we want the world to see us?  More important than either of those is how do we want God to see in us?

It is the choice that we can make.  Remember what we have been does not have to be a reflection of what God wants to do with us in the future.  In the same way that God has been changing lives since the time of Judah, He can lead us to be the church He wants us to be in the future.

Additional Notes:

BL- In chapter 49, Jacob/Israel gathers his sons around him in order to bless them, a blessing that is also prophetic concerning the future of their descendants.  Reuben, as the firstborn, should have excelled in honor and power; but by sleeping with his father’s concubine, he became a source of shame instead.  His tribe never crossed the Jordan to permanently live in the Promised Land, nor did any leaders come from Reuben. Simeon and Levi are cursed for the savage anger they displayed in avenging their sister Dinah’s rape. Later, Simeon’s tribe inherited only a small pocket of land within the middle of Judah’s territory.  Levi’s descendants became a tribe of priests due to their valor in Exodus 32, but the only land they inherited were cities scattered throughout Israel.  Judah’s blessing points to his royal descendants, King David and later, Christ Jesus. Zebulun’s tribe would trade with sea peoples to the north; Issachar’s would be strong and well-protected.  From Dan would come some of Israel’s judges, like Samson; but they also led Israel’s descent into idolatry and are not mentioned among the tribes in Revelation 7.  Gad, whose tribe settled east of the Jordan, was often under attack from the enemies of Canaan.  Asher inherited the rich seacoast area of Israel; and Naphtali, Asher’s neighbor to the west, is described as a doe with beautiful fawns (?).  Benjamin, north of Judah, is likened to a ravenous wolf, aggressive and passionate, but with a tendency to be cruel–his descendants included King Saul of the Old Testament and Saul of Tarsus, who later became the apostle Paul.  Joseph, whose descendants are split between Ephaim and two half-tribes of Manasseh,  receives the largest blessing and is called “the prince among his brothers.”  Following the blessing, Jacob gives instructions for his burial–his body is to be returned to Canaan and buried with Abraham, Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah in the cave near Mamre.  With that, Jacob/Israel breathes his last.

GC-Jacob had the gift of prophecy.  The things that Jacob proclaimed about his sons came true down through the history of Israel. (Gen. 49:2-28)

GC- A Christian’s life is such that he begins to see people as God sees them.  Jacob’s blessings show real sensitivity, insight, wisdom and discernment which could only come from God. (Gen. 49:1-27)

WM-By looking at prophesies concerning his sons, Jacob showed that he had never totally forgiven some of them.  He did not seem to take into account they may had matured and changed.  To be fair we also do not know if Reuben ever repented or asked for forgiveness after committing adultery with Bilhah.  There is also no indication that Levi and Simeon had become different men. (Gen. 49:1-7)

GC-Reuben, must have self control (Gen. 49:4; Prov. 16:32: 25:28; 29:18)

M-Reuben had all the potential but no control over his appetites, so he was to miss out on what he could have had. (Gen. 49:3)

GC-Simeon and Levi, Not to be violent (Gen. 49:5; Prov. 6:17; 21:7; 24:2)

GC-Jacob wanted to make it very plain that he would have no part in the actions of Simeon and Levi.  David expressed Jacob’s feelings when he admonished us not to walk in the council of the ungodly. (Gen. 49:6; 2 Chron. 19:2: Ps. 1:1; Prov. 1:15; 18:5)

GC-Simeon and Levi also committed murder. (Gen. 49:6; Ex. 20:13; 1 Kings. 21:13: Neh. 9:26; Prov. 6:17; Lev. 24:17; Judges 19:27-30; 2 Sam. 11:15, 25; 12:9; 13:28; 20:10; 2 Kings 8:15; 11:1; 12:20; 24:4; 2 Chron. 21:4, 13; 33:24)

GC-Simeon and Levi let their anger result in the killing innocent men.                       (Gen. 49:6; 2 Chron. 26:17)

GC- Simeon and Levi, Does not let self-will but God’s will dominated actions.               (Gen. 49:6)

TM-In response to the characteristics describing Dan given by Jacob seeing his descendents as:

1. Judge
2. Serpent
3. Horned snake who cause riders to fall from the horse

Jacob would say” For your salvation I wait, O Lord.”  He must have seen in Dan the one who would be in total opposition to God. (Gen. 49:16-18)

WM-It was said of Dan that he was like a serpent cunning and crafty.  He was not to be trusted.  He certainly would be one to whom you would turn your back. (Gen. 49:16-17)

GC-Joseph remained firm in his faith no matter what the enemy brought into his life.  (Gen. 49:23-24)

M-Did not lose faith even when under attack. (Gen. 49:23-24)

WM-There was a cruelty in Benjamin’s future. (Gen. 49:27)

GC-Jacob displayed an insight in his prophetic blessings of his son that was gained from a lifetime of experiencing God’s love and guidance. (Gen. 49:28)

C-Jacob’s prophecy concerning his sons reflected some of the events that would occur in the life of each of the tribes that would be descended from them.  They also indicated the status that each of them would hold in history.

1. Reuben lost his pre-eminent place in leadership because of his sexual promis- cuity.  He forfeited both his birthright and his blessing.
2. Simeon and Levi are listed together because they were of like nature.  They would neither have a inheritance of their own in the Promised Land but would be dependent on the other tribes.
3. Judah would become the leader of Israel.  He was given the birthright that had been Reuben’s.  From him would come not only the rulers of Israel but also the Messiah, the eternal ruler.
4. Zebulun would be a safe harbor.  Isaiah prophesied and Matthew wrote of that prophecy.
5. Issachar would become a slave.
6. Dan would be a judge of his people and a serpent.
7. Gad would be at war.
8. Asher would have the pleasures of life.
9. Naphtali would be a poet
10.  Joseph received the blessing that could have been Reuben’s.  He had experienced much and had remained strong and firm.
11. Benjamin was described as a ravenous wolf.                                                          (Gen. 49:1-28; 1 Chron. 5:1-2)

C-Jacob died at the age of 147. No longer would the nation have a central figure to whom it could turn.  The age of the patriarchs ended with the death of Jacob.  Israel would have to wait for over four hundred years for a leader until Moses came onto the scene.     (Gen. 49:33)

 

 

 

 

Lesson 45

Jacob’s Last Days

Genesis 47:27- 48:22

None of us know the number of days we have been given. Even though long life has been prevalent on my grandmothers side of the family guarantees nothing. Jacob was given an additional seventeen years to enjoy with his beloved Joseph. As I contemplate getting older my thoughts often drift to what I want that time to hold for me and those I love.  One thing is for certain is I want to as useful as possible.  I have often said that when the day of passing comes my desire is to be closer to Christ than I have at any other time in my life.  As long as I can I want to study His word and teach it to others.  These precious days are not to be wasted. 

Over the years I have often wondered if I have made any impact in the lives of people.  If my life was reviewed and the future pronounced for me by someone like Jacob what would be said.  I will not go into the failures because there are many.  My hope is that along the path I have traveled that at least one person has been encouraged in their walk with the Lord.

What does the history of the church tell us about its impact in the community where it is located?  There are, of course Jacob like individuals outside our doors judging us every day.  The witness of our church in relationship to those people in way will determine the future.  When we stand before the ultimate judge will His words be ones that applaud our service or condemn us for not using the resources given to us to the fullest.  A church can be around for a long time just because there may be a faithful few holding it together. That is now how we want to be remembered.  For the sake of God’s kingdom the word on the street should be that under the influence of the Holy Spirit we did everything to proclaim the gospel to the world.

Genesis 47:27

The use of the name Israel now becomes connected to the descendents of Jacob.  As the family took root they began to purchase land in Egypt.  As God had promised they became numerous in number. 

There is no indication how Jacob spent the last seventeen years of his life.  Although left unsaid he probably enjoyed his time under the care of his son Joseph.  No longer did he have to concern himself with anything.  Moses gives one last terse sentence to describe Jacob’s time.  He said he was there for seventeen years and the total years of his life were one hundred forty-seven.

1. How did Moses begin to use the word Israel?
2. What did it describe?
3. What took place among Jacob’s descendents during the final years of Jacob’s life?
4. What are we told about those final years of Jacob’s life?
5. How differently might you want your life described?

Genesis 47:29-31

As Jacob came to the realization that his time was short he called Joseph to him.  From Joseph he elicited a promise that he would be returned to the land of Canaan to be buried.  This was way of making sure his wishes were carried out before he died.  Jacob never for a moment thought of Egypt was home.  It was the place where his beloved son lived and that was enough for him. Once plans for his burial were made he bowed in worship.

1. What indicated that Jacob’s heart was not in Egypt?
2. Why did he want to be buried in Canaan?
3. Why did Joseph agree to his father’s wishes?
4. What does this say about the future of the nation of Israel?
5. What did the time spent in worship mean to Jacob?

Genesis 48:1-2

When Joseph heard that his father was sick he took his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim with him to see their grandfather.  Joseph had no way of knowing if Jacob was about to die and wanted to make sure that he saw his grandsons for the last time.  Also it provided the opportunity for them to spend some time with him. Hearing the news that Joseph was coming to see him, Jacob’s strength was renewed and he was able to sit up on his bed.      

1. What was Joseph’s response to the news his father was ill?
2. What affect did Joseph’s visit have on his father?
3. Why did he take his two sons with him?
4. What did it mean for them and for Jacob?
5. What did Joseph expect to happen?

Genesis 48:3-6

As a prologue to what he wanted to say to Joseph, Jacob recounted the words that he had received from God when he was in Luz.  God had promised to enlarge his family and to give him the land of Canaan as an everlasting possession.  Having spoken of the promise he then told Joseph that the descendents of Ephraim and Manasseh would be named among the sons of Israel.  Joseph was to be given double the inheritance of the other brothers.  This was in line with Joseph receiving the birthright and the blessing from his father instead of Reuben.  He essentially gave him all the rights and privileges due the first born of the family. Jacob did one other thing.  He put the younger brother, Ephraim ahead of his brother Manasseh. Jacob adopted Joseph’s two sons as his own.  Any other children that may have been born to Joseph would take the name of their father.

1. Why did Jacob recount the promise made to him from God?
2. Why did he take Ephraim and Manasseh as his own?
3. By placing them alongside Joseph’s brothers what did Jacob do?
4. What rights and privileges did he give Joseph?
5. Why did he place Ephraim before Manasseh?

Genesis 48:7

Jacob then told Joseph about the passing of his mother Rachel.  He shared how her death had grieved him.  The site of her burial was given.  He possibly did this in case Joseph might have the opportunity to visit the grave of his mother.

1. Why did Jacob tell Joseph about the death of his mother?
2. What do we see in Jacob’s description?
3. Why did he specifically spell out where she was buried?
4. What would it mean to Joseph to know about the death of his mother?

Genesis 48:8-10

Beginning with this verse Moses reverts back to the name Israel which had been bestowed on Jacob by God. It appears that either he had not seen Joseph’s sons or had been so engrossed in his conversation with Joseph that he had ignored them.  He then saw two people with Joseph but did not know who they were because of his poor eyesight.  Joseph explained to his father that they were the two sons that God had given him in Egypt.  Israel then directed him to bring them close to him so he could bless them.

Moses indicates the reason that Israel did not recognize the boys.  He said that his eyes were dim because of old age. Joseph obeyed his father and brought them close enough for him to kiss and hug them.    

1. How is it that Jacob had not noticed the two sons of Joseph?
2. Why did Joseph need to explain who they were?
3. Why was it necessary for them to be blessed?
4. What did Israel’s actions indicate had happened to him over the years?

Genesis 48:11

One can read into Israel’s words all to the sadness of the years when he and Joseph were apart.  The other side is the joy that not only had he been able to spend seventeen years with his son but he had been allowed to live long enough to see his grandsons as well. Notice he gave God all the glory for the events that had taken place.

1. What is expressed in Israel’s words to his son?
2. What did the last seventeen years mean to him?
3. To whom did he give credit for bringing the family back together?
4. How does this reflect a change in his life?

Genesis 48:12-13

In order for Israel to be able to bless the children, Joseph took them from Israel’s lap.  Then in gratitude for all that had occurred he bowed in worship.  Rising from the ground, Joseph took the two boys and brought them forward that they might receive the blessing.  According to the tradition of the oldest receiving the blessing and birthright of the father, he moved them into a position where Manasseh would be at Israel’s right hand and Ephraim to the left.

1. Why did Joseph remove the boys from his father’s lap?
2. Why did Joseph fall down and worship?
3. What tradition was he following in positioning the boys before his father?

Genesis 48:14

Although Israel could not see which of the boys were before him crossed his arms and laid his right hand on Ephraim and his left on Manasseh.  By his actions he indicated that Ephraim would be the greater of the two sons of Joseph. He could not have known what would happen in the future but had a sense of what God wanted him to do even if it went against the conventions of man.

1. What did he indicate by crossing his arms and laying his right hand on Ephraim?
2. What had Joseph wanted done?
3. Who was in charge of Israel’s actions?
4. In what ways has God sometimes led you to do opposite of what the world would do?

Genesis 48:15-16

The blessing was really meant for Joseph. Through his sons would be the fulfillment of all Israel and God was planning for his people. He asked that the God of Abraham, Isaac and the one he had served bless the lads.  It was through them that Joseph’s name would continue down through history.  He then pronounced the same blessing on them that had been given to those who had gone on before them.  He said, “May they grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.”

1. Why was the blessing really meant for Joseph?
2. Why did he include the names of Abraham and Isaac in his blessing?
3. What was the part of the blessing that had been given to his ancestors?

Genesis 48:17-18

Joseph became upset when he saw that his father was in the process of blessing Ephraim over his brother.  According to the ways of man that was not the proper thing to do.  The older brother was to receive the birthright and the blessing thus making him head over the family.  Joseph tried to stop his father but to no avail. Israel was carrying out God’s plan for the two boys and would not be thwarted.  As a prophet he let Joseph know that it was Ephraim that God had chosen to be greater of the two and father of many nations.  It was by the name Ephraim by which all of the family would be called in the future.

Once that was said he continued with his blessing. The blessing for all of Israel would occur as God made them like Ephraim and Manasseh.  He put Ephraim first as the example for the nation of Israel. 

1. What upset Joseph?
2. Why would he question his father?
3. Why did Israel refuse to head Joseph’s words?
4. How was God using Jacob at that moment?

Genesis 48:21-22

Israel had issued his blessings and then spoke to Joseph once again.  If the nation of Israel was like what he saw in Joseph’s sons then the nation would have a long and successful history.  His last words indicated that he knew he was close to death.  He spoke of confidence in God sure that He would fulfill His promises to His people.  Jacob knew that God would return the people to Canaan. 

By blessing both of Joseph’s sons he was giving him two portions in the Promised Land.  Verse 22 speaks of something that Jacob had not done.  It was a prophecy that would be accomplished after the Israel’s time in Egypt and the forty years in the desert. It was a true example of prophecy.  Israel saw an event that was in the future as if it was already accomplished.

1. What did Jacob see as the future for Israel?
2. Why could he die in peace?
3. What is prophecy?
4. What examples do we see of Jacob as a prophet?
5. By reading this chapter what confidence does it give us that God will accomplish what He has promised?

 

• View every day as the one when Christ may return for His people.
• Make sure that you are prepared by having confessed your sins and received forgiveness.
• Study God’s word to see how He has been faithful to His people.
•  Understand that He has always done what He has promised?
• Look for those who can provide leadership in the future and mentor them.

What a picture we have been given in this chapter of ending of one era and the beginning of a new one.  Every generation must prepare the next one for the future.  Without consistently doing so the church would not continue to growth and be an impact in the world.  The reason we are here today is because of the faithfulness of those who were willing to make the sacrifice necessary to keep the church moving forward.  God promised from the beginning to be with His people.  He has kept the church strong in every generation no matter what has happened in the world.  He has always had His committed followers, the remnant, working behind the scenes,  even when societies have opposed them. May we continue to be that remnant and remain strong in the faith so future generations will look back on us as its inspiration.

Additional Notes:

BL- We looked at chapters 48-50, which ends the story of Joseph and the Book of Genesis.  In chapter 48, Joseph brings his sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, to visit his father, Jacob.  Jacob, who can no longer see, realizes he is dying and is anxious to pass his blessing on to Joseph’s sons.  It turns out to be a very special blessing, because Jacob reckons Joseph’s two sons as his own, bypassing Reuben and granting them the double inheritance that normally belonged to the firstborn.  Jacob also bucked tradition by giving the richer blessing to the younger son–it is Ephraim, not Manasseh, whom Jacob says will be the greater of the two.  He prophesies in verse 21 that Joseph will return to Canaan one day, which came true in Exodus 13:19–Moses took Joseph’s bones with him when he left Egypt for the Promised Land.  Jacob also reiterates for Joseph the covenant that God has made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob–that He would be their God, that their descendants would be fruitful, their numbers increased, and the land of Canaan would be theirs as an everlasting possession. 

 

 C-Jacob recalls the changes in his life.  He remembered how God had led him throughout his lifetime. Even though he did not understand the experiences he had were to transform him into the man God could use. Like each of us it was a maturing process that brought him to acknowledge what God had done. (Gen. 48:3-4, 7, 15-16)

C-Jacob claimed Manasseh and Ephraim as his own.  They were to become two tribes in Israel in place of Joseph. (Gen. 48:5, 16, 22)

UE-Once again God put the younger in the position greater than his sibling. Jacob blessed Ephraim ahead of Manasseh. (Gen. 48:5, 14, 19-20)

TM-Sometimes a person spends years in preparation, doing things that at the point in time in which they occur do not make sense.  From retrospect he is able to see that God had been preparing His willing servant for a specific purpose.  Joseph could not have known this until his brothers came that the famine was about fulfilling God’s words to Abraham before all of these events took place. (Gen. 48:14-20)

TM-God’s ways are not man’s ways.  Joseph wanted Mannaseh to receive the blessing from Jacob, but it was to Ephraim that the blessing would be given. (Gen. 48:14-20)

M-The motivation for Jacob’s (Israel) life is wrapped up in the verse, “The God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day.” (Gen. 48:15)

C-Ephraim was to become greater than his brother although he was the younger of the two.  In his blessing given to them he put Ephraim’s name first. (Gen. 48:19-20)

GC-Knowing that his time on earth was coming to an end, he now entrusted his family to God. (Gen. 48:21)