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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)