Israel Predicts the Future of His Sons
Jacob assembled his sons to thell them what would happen in the days to come -- including far into the future of New Testament times. Each son led one of the 12 tribes.
- Reuben, first-born, excellent until he fornicated with Bilhah (35:22) would enter troubled waters and never again succeed
- Simeon and Levi are cursed because of angry violence
- Judah will be a strong ruler leading to David and Jesus
- Zebulun will be a sea merchant
- Issachar will be strong but lazy
- Dan would lead a generation of judges
- Gad would settle east of the Jordan and be vulnerable to constant attacks, thus needing strong warriors on his side
- Naphtal would be swift and elegant
- Asher would be rich in crops
- Joseph would be the fruit of the vine, a father of future faith leaders, including Gideon
- Benjamin would be successful in war, but cruel
Jacob then asked to be buried with his ancestors and then he died.
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