Jacob speaks to his sons' futures

Genesis Challenge | Chapter 49: Jacob Speaks to His Sons’ Futures

In chapter 49, Jacob speaks to his sons’ futures. As mentioned in the previous section, parents have the special duty to understand their children. One by one, Jacob evaluates his sons and, in some cases, makes prophetic statements about them. As you read, keep these points in mind:

As Jacob’s firstborn, why did Jacob disqualify Reuben from the rights of the firstborn (see Genesis 35:22).
Simeon and Levi are also given negative evaluations (see Genesis 34). Jacob prophesies that they will not have their own tribal territories, but will be scattered throughout the other tribes.

This map shows that the tribe of Levi was indeed scattered throughout all the other tribes. The tribe of Simeon had a small territory within the tribe of Judah.

Other prophecies predict that Ephraim and Manasseh will be dominant tribes, and show Judah to be the tribe from which the eternal king will come.

For your journal

As you work your way through this chapter, use these four questions as guides for discovery and personal growth:

Find at least one new fact.
Discover at least one cultural difference between times in Genesis and our own culture.
Pinpoint any faith principles you see.
Select one attitude, behavior, or action that you want to apply in your own life.

You will find it helpful to keep a journal or log to record your thoughts, questions, and findings. As you read, I hope you will join me in sharing some of what you are learning on the Aspect Ministries Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/aspectministries/.

As you work your way through this chapter, use these four questions as guides for discovery and personal growth:

Find at least one new fact.
Discover at least one cultural difference between times in Genesis and our own culture.
Pinpoint any faith principles you see.
Select one attitude, behavior, or action that you want to apply in your own life.