Genesis Part 075

In Genesis 49, Jacob calls together all his sons and delivers his final words to them. Reuben is addressed first before all the brothers, and Jacob calls him “the beginning of my strength” (see also Deuteronomy 21:17). Reuben was in the position to have authority over the family, and the dignity and power associated with being the firstborn, along with the firstborn inheritance. However, he lost all of that because of his own decisions and actions. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown states: “His posterity never made any figure; no judge, prophet, nor ruler, sprang from this tribe.” 

In verse 5, Simeon and Levi were not only brothers in the sense of having the same mother and father, but also in their common cruelty. The NKJV of verse 6 says, 

“Let not my soul enter their council; Let not my honor be united to their assembly.” 

This may not be easy to follow. The NLT states this more plainly as: 

“May I never join in their meetings; may I never be a party to their plans.” 

These two brothers apparently did not just act this way on one occasion, but it was a part of who they were and what they did. 

Notice the curse in verse 7 that Jacob prophesies on the tribes of Simeon and Levi. 

“I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel.” 

Both of these nations would be dispersed throughout the other tribes. Levi would end up with 48 cities spread around, and Simeon would have a few lots spread around (Joshua 19:1). Jarchi, a French Rabbi, states that a great many of this tribe (Simeon) were scribes and teachers of the law, and even teachers of children, by which they lived among the several tribes. 

In verse 8, the name Judah means “Praised.” Jacob’s blessing indicates that this tribe would take top honor, authority, and dignity above all the rest of the tribes.  

“Your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies” shows that they would rule over and defeat their enemies militarily (compare Psalm 18:40). It also states, “Your father's children shall bow down before you,” showing that the tribe of Judah would rule over all the other tribes. We see this through King David and King Solomon, but its greatest fulfillment will be through David’s descendant, Jesus Christ, the Messiah (Revelation 19:16, Revelation 11:15-17). 

Verse 9 compares Judah to various stages of a lion. From a young lion (lion’s whelp, meaning cub, young), to a strong, mature lion that is satisfied from eating its prey, who can stoop down and rest and not be disturbed. 

In verse 10 there are several words that are used for the very first time in the Bible that are helpful to understand the meaning of: 

• Scepter: Hebrew word meaning, “rod, staff, branch, scepter, tribe.”  It is used 190 times in the Bible, being translated 140 times as “tribe,” 34 as “rod,” and 10 as “scepter.” 
• Lawgiver: Hebrew word meaning “to hack, that is, engrave” (Strongs). It is used 19 times in the Bible, being translated most often “lawgiver” (6 times), but also governor (2 times), decree (2 times), “engrave” (2 times), and some unique references. But it is clear that this word has to do with those who make and record the rules, laws, and decrees. 

UYA Team | uya@ucg.org  

United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships, and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.