ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Genesis 49

Gen. 49:1–2 After blessing Joseph and his two sons, Jacob summons all his other sons together to tell them what will happen in the days to come (or “in the latter days”; see note on Isa. 2:2).

Gen. 49:3–4 Reuben’s special standing as the firstborn is taken away because of his shocking behavior with Jacob’s concubine, Bilhah (35:22–23).

Gen. 49:5–7 Jacob’s statement regarding Simeon and Levi centers on their violent behavior (see ch. 34). Their descendants will be scattered throughout the other tribes (49:7). This will prevent them from bringing destruction on the whole nation. Fulfilling this prophecy, the Levites, as the priestly tribe, receive 48 cities distributed throughout the other tribes (Num. 18:23–24; 35:1–8; Josh. 21:1–45) and the Simeonites are assigned land within the territory of Judah (Josh. 19:1–9).

Gen. 49:8–12 As with the other blessings, Jacob sees the descendants of Judah in the light of Judah’s own personal qualities. The nations will bring “tribute” (money or other gifts) and pledge their obedience to one of his descendants. Jacob thus predicts the great empire of David, and the greater kingdom of Jesus Christ, the second David. Abraham’s blessing will come to the Gentiles as Christ includes them in his kingdom. To emphasize Judah’s future royal status, he is compared to a lion, and one of his descendants will hold a scepter and a ruler’s staff. If the phrase until tribute comes to him is taken to mean “until Shiloh comes” (see esv footnote), then it could refer to the departure of the ark of the covenant from Shiloh, when the tribe of Judah (in the person of David) replaced the tribe of Ephraim as Israel’s leading tribe (see Ps. 78:59–72, which summarizes the events in 1–2 Samuel). The royal line of Judah culminates with Jesus Christ (Matt. 1:1–16).

Gen. 49:13 Zebulun is listed here before Issachar, although Issachar was born before Zebulun (30:17–20). at the shore of the sea. Since Zebulun’s territory did not actually extend to the Mediterranean Sea (see Josh. 19:10–16), Jacob’s remarks are difficult to interpret. haven for ships. Major trading routes from the coast, which lay about 10 miles (16 km) to the west, ran through the region of Zebulun, and Zebulunites were involved in the coastal commerce of exporting and importing. And, if “Sidon” refers to Phoenicia in general, then the statement that his border shall be at Sidon is appropriate.

Gen. 49:14–15 Although Jacob’s blessing of Issachar emphasizes the strength of his descendants, it also indicates that like a donkey they will be forced to work for others.

Gen. 49:16–18 Jacob sees in Dan and his descendants both positive and negative qualities. Their snakelike behavior is later seen in their assault on the unsuspecting inhabitants of Laish (Judges 18). Dan shall judge. The name “Dan” is a play on the Hebrew word “judge” (see Gen. 30:6). I wait for your salvation, O Lord. Jacob’s pronouncements are interrupted here by a brief prayer that shows his concern for his descendants. Without divine help they will not survive.

Gen. 49:19 The descendants of Gad will become skillful warriors to defend their land, in the region of Gilead east of the Jordan River.

Gen. 49:20 Asher’s descendants will enjoy success. Their territory along the coastal plain of Acco will provide fertile land and harbors for trade.

Gen. 49:21 Compared to a graceful doe, the tribe of Naphtali will flourish amid the rich natural resources of upper Galilee.

Gen. 49:22–26 Jacob reserves his longest blessing for Joseph, confirming his special standing. The references to God (using a variety of divine titles), along with the emphasis on blessing, give this pronouncement an added dimension. Joseph has survived, sustained by the Mighty One of Jacob. Jacob prays that Joseph’s descendants will experience blessings that exceed those given to Abraham and Isaac.

Gen. 49:27 Using the image of a wolf, Jacob reveals that the descendants of Benjamin will be aggressive warriors (e.g., 1 Chron. 8:40; 12:2).

Gen. 49:29–50:14 Jacob’s desire to be buried in Hebron shows his belief that, as God has promised, the future for his descendants will be in Canaan rather than in Egypt.

Gen. 49:29–33 In his final instruction to his sons, Jacob asks to be buried with his fathers in the cave Abraham purchased from Ephron the Hittite (see ch. 23). The burials of Abraham and Isaac are recounted in 25:8–10 and 35:27–29. While Jacob says that Rebekah and Leah were also buried at Machpelah (49:30), this information is not recorded elsewhere in Genesis. was gathered to his people. This phrase, commonly used in connection with dying, seems to reflect a belief in being reunited with others in the afterlife.