
Genesis 49
This is Jacob’s dying and prophetic benediction, “I will tell you what shall befall you in the last days.” Taught by the Holy Spirit, he is able to declare the consequences that will surely follow certain well-defined characteristics that had already appeared among his own family. The features of Jacob’s sons, with their results, are still being manifested among the children of God. We have with us still the—
I. Unstable Reubens. Reuben had many excellencies, “excellency of dignity and of power,” the first-born, and the child of great hope, but being “unstable as water” he did not excel. Reuben is a type of those Christians who have many excellent gifts, but who have one besetting sin that acts like a fly in the ointment. Reuben’s sin cost him his birthright (1 Chron. 5:1). Sin always engenders instability, and leads to the loss of our birthright, of spiritual power, and progress. Stand fast.
II. Self-Willed Simeons and Levis. “In their anger they slew a man, and in their self-will they digged down a wall.” Jacob had to say of them, “Ye have troubled me” (chap. 34:30). How much of the trouble that comes upon ourselves, and others, has its root and cause in the same evil source, self-will. No wonder Jacob said, “O my soul, come thou not into their secret.” The conduct of these sons led to division and scattering (v. 7). There are always the fruits of a self-seeking spirit. Let the cursed self-will go to the Cross. “I delight to do Thy will, O my God” (Psa. 40:8).
III. Praising and Courageous Judahs. Judah means the “praise of Jehovah.” Judah is a lion’s whelp. “The sceptre shall not depart from Judah.” The praising and courageous Christian will always possess the sceptre of power. Like Judah, we shall be able to put the foot of victory on the neck of the enemy when we have more of the nature of the lion of the tribe of Judah in our lives and the praise of Jehovah on our lips. The sceptre of spiritual power has departed from many a once Judah-Christian because of cowardliness and unfaithfulness to God. The true Judahs are always leaders (Num. 10:14).
IV. Comforting and Consoling Zebuluns. “Zebulun shall be for a haven.” The words means “dwelling,” or a place of refuge for the distressed. “Zebulun’s border went up toward the sea.” This son of Jacob may be taken as a type of the modern sons of consolation—ready to offer a hand of help or a word of comfort to souls who, like ships, are seeking refuge from the crushing tempest. Zebuluns are always in great demand. The ministry of kindness is always acceptable. “Comfort ye, comfort ye My people, saith your God” (Isa. 40:1). “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matt. 5:9).
V. Timid and Self-Oppressed Issachars. “He saw that rest was good, and that the land was pleasant,” and, being afraid to offend the enemy, “he bowed and became a servant to tribute.” And so the dying father characterises him as a “strong ass.” Strong, but stupid; one who possesses the power, but, through the fear of man, gets ensnared and enslaved. Issachar is typical of those who, though they have all the strength of Christ at their disposal, yet remain timid and weak and helpless, bowing to the yoke of every passion, the bond-slaves of the world, strong asses.
VI. Cunning and Sharp-Dealing Dans. “Dan shall judge, and shall be a serpent that biteth the horse heels, so that the rider shall fall.” This is close, personal dealing. Dan may represent those Christians who have the wisdom of the serpent, or rather the cunning way of the adder, in knowing how to bring down the pride of the enemy. The spiritual Danites can discern and judge. They know how to apply the truth, so that the enemies of God are brought low. Such can serve God best through personal dealing.
VII. Overcoming Gads. Gad shall be overcome, “but he shall overcome at last.” Every Christian who would be an overcoming Gad must first himself be overcome. We must be vanquished if we would be victors in the cause of God. Those who overcome by the blood of the Lamb have been overcome by the blood of the Lamb. Lives conquered by the grace of God become conquerors through grace.
VIII. Blissful Ashers. Asher means “blessed.” “His bread shall be fat, and he shall yield royal dainties.” He is a type of those blessed ones, so few in number, who are themselves satisfied with good things, and who are able to bring out of their treasures rich dainties for others. They have received the unsearchable riches of Christ; they are filled with the fulness of God, and so can minister kindly portions to others. Those who do not eat fat things will groan in their leanness.
IX. Joyful Naphtalis. “He is a hind let loose; he giveth goodly words.” The happy, skipping hind escaped from bondage, and now, growing goodly antlers, is a fit figure of those bright, joyful Christians who always delight in the liberty wherewith Christ has made them free. They continue to revel in their first love; their words are goodly, and their appearance attractive.
X. Fruitful Josephs. “Joseph is a fruitful bough, whose branches run over the wall.” Here we have the type of an ideal Christian. As a branch he abode by the well, kept within touch of the source of supply. He was fruitful, an evidence that as a bough he was fully satisfied. He was shot at, persecuted for righteousness’ sake. Those fruitful for God are sure to be hated by the ungodly. His branches ran over the wall. The fruitful life is a blessing to others, even to those outside the wall of salvation. His bough abides in strength. Power for service remains as long as we abide by the well.
XI. Discontented Benjamins. “Benjamin shall ravin as a wolf: he shall devour and divide.” Alas! that he should have so many successors in the camp of Christ; they are known by their fault-finding spirit. They are the tittle-tattle tale-bearers, always dividing the spoil, delighting to pass round the faults and failings of their brethren. From such, good Lord, save us!
I HOPE YOU ENJOYED AND RECEIVED FROM THIS QUICK STUDY.
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PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM