Jacob’s Lament  –  Genesis 49:18, 22-26   –  12-24-23

Following the theme from last week's sermon: “Shepherd’s Lament” from Ps 123 and returning to our text in Genesis 49, we trace the yearning for salvation language back further still to the patriarchal era of covenant history.  (Review) Lament: “When the longing of our souls joins the groaning of all creation in anguish and faith that upon the coming Day of the Lord redemption will be complete. (Rom 8:22-23). The shape of Jacob’s dying song centers on the stand alone phrase (18): “I wait for your salvation, O Lord.”  Before and after this lament for advent, blessings proclaimed over two of his sons add prophetic context to Jacob’s heart cry.  Judah will figure prominently in Israel’s future hope (8-12), and an extended oracle features Joseph’s legacy as well (22-26). It is in this second prophecy that Jacob introduces 3 names steeped in Messianic anticipation (24).  Hope is to be found in “the Mighty One of Jacob, the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel”!  Who is this? As we confirm and confess this side of the incarnation, He is the same savior pictured in Judah’s legacy (8-12).  In his dying song we find Jacob has discovered a source of hope strong enough for 1740 years of waiting.