January 30th

January 30th -- Genesis 49 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2049&version=NLT)

Jacob's Last Words to His Sons

So this is after they've all been in Egypt together a while. Jacob knows he is dying so he calls all his sons together to pass along his message.

Now, you would think that he would praise his sons, as those are his last moments with them, but he starts of by speaking against Rueben for sleeping with his wife, and then against Simeon and Levi for their anger and hatred which led them to slaughter.

After them he moves on to Judah. He tells Judah he will be praised. He also says that the scepter will not leave him or his line until the arrival of the one to whom it rightfully belongs.

He says Zebulun will live by the seashore and Issachar will submit to labor when he sees the country. Dan will rule over his tribe. Gad will be attacked but then return the attack. Asher will be basically I guess a Bible-times chef it sounds like. Napthali will have pretty kids (no idea how else to interpret that XD )

Then he greatly blesses both Joseph and Benjamin, basically saying they will both be attacked but greatly overpower their attackers.

Finally, before he dies, he charges them with where to bury him.

I find this passage interesting, honestly. I think maybe it's just the fact that he knows exactly what will happen to each of his sons, and he tells them. Normally I feel God leaves our paths for our lives unknown to us so we don't try and change them if we want a different one, yet he allowed Jacob to forsee his son's paths and tell them to them. I find that interesting. Also, I find it interesting that he blesses mostly Joseph and Benjamin, who were full-brothers, both being daughters of Leah. I wonder why those two were so specifically picked out, as it seems to be due to heritage. Or maybe it was simply because Leah was the "least favorite" wife of Jacob, so her sons were favored because she was not. I have no idea, it's just a thought.

Anyways, that's all!
God bless!