Genesis 49-50

Welcome to The Safe Space! Where we last left off in the Bible, Jacob had settled in Egypt with his family and blessed Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Now Jacob’s life is drawing to its close. He gathers his sons around him, knowing that what he is about to say will reveal what lies ahead for each of them and for the tribes that will come from them. Jacob begins by calling his sons together and speaking over them one by one. Reuben, his firstborn, is reminded of his strength and position as the eldest, but his instability has cost him the privileges of the firstborn. Simeon and Levi are confronted with the violence of their anger, and Jacob declares that their descendants will be scattered in Israel. Then Jacob turns to Judah. His words take on a powerful and prophetic tone. Judah is compared to a lion, and his brothers will bow before him. The ruler's staff will remain with Judah, pointing toward a future of authority and kingship. Jacob continues with blessings and predictions concerning Zebulun, Issachar, Dan, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Joseph, and Benjamin. Some will experience prosperity, others conflict, and others uncertainty. Yet when Jacob speaks of Joseph, his words overflow with affection. Joseph is described as a fruitful vine whose branches reach over the wall. Though enemies attacked him and tried to harm him, Joseph remained strong because of the God of his ancestors. Jacob declares that Joseph will receive abundant blessings from the Almighty. Finally, Jacob gives his sons instructions concerning his burial. He commands them to bury him in the cave at Machpelah in Canaan, the burial place Abraham purchased from the Hittites. Jacob then draws his feet into his bed, breathes his last, and is gathered to his ancestors. Joseph falls upon his father’s face and weeps. He orders the Egyptian physicians to prepare Jacob’s body for burial, and Egypt mourns for him seventy days. Joseph receives permission from Pharaoh to carry out his father’s final request, and a great procession travels to Canaan. There, Jacob’s sons bury him in the cave with Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, and Leah. After returning to Egypt, Joseph’s brothers become afraid. They wonder whether Joseph will finally take revenge now that their father is gone. They plead for mercy, offering themselves as his servants. Joseph responds with one of the most powerful declarations in Genesis. He tells them not to be afraid, reminding them that although they intended to harm him, God intended it all for good. What began with betrayal had become the means by which God preserved the lives of many people. Joseph reassures his brothers and promises to care for them and their children. He lives to see several generations of descendants before dying at the age of 110. Before his death, Joseph reminds his family that God will surely come to help them and bring them back to the land He promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Joseph’s body is embalmed and placed in a coffin in Egypt. Genesis closes with the family of Israel still in Egypt—but carrying with them a promise that God’s purposes are far from finished. Verse of the Day: Proverbs 3:26 The LORD will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared. Question of the Day: What are some talents you feel God has given you?