JACOB'S DOZEN BY WILLIAM VARNER

 JACOB'S DOZEN

"And Jacob called unto his sons and said, gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days.  Gather yourselves together and hear, ye, sons of Jacob and hearken unto Israel, your father." Genesis 49 verses 1 and 2

Jacob could certainly testify that God had been faithful to him even though he had not always followed God's direction.  Jacob could see no future for himself but God had revealed to him the future of his descendants in a most remarkable way.

Jacob's 12 sons born over 23 years through 4 different mothers.  Jacob's name means heel, had stolen through deceit his brother Esau's birthright and blessing, exiled from land of Canaan for over 20 years because was unwilling to wait for God's timing in his life.  Now all were in Egypt - all 12 of their brothers with their families and Jacob their father.  Reunited with Joseph whom they had sold into slavery in Egypt years before.  Now understood hand of God had overruled their evil deed for Joseph had eventually risen to the position of vice regent in Egypt and was caring for their needs while famine raged in land of Canaan.

REUBEN, SIMEON, LEVI, JUDAH, ZEBULUN, ISSACHER, DAN, GAD, ASHER, NAPHTALI, JOSEPH AND BENJAMIN

To bless someone is to bestow life and goodness on him.

In garden God blessed animals and Adam and Eve and commanded them to be fruitful - Genesis 1 verses 22 and 28

Blessed seventh day - Genesis 2 verse 3

Noah and his sons - Genesis 9 verse 1

Abraham - Genesis 12 verse 2 and 3

Isaac - Genesis 26 verse 12

Jacob - Genesis 28 verse 3, 32 verse 39

Melchizedek blessed Abraham - Genesis 14 verse 19

Rebekah's family blessing her as she left - Genesis 24 verse 0

Isaac blessing both Jacob and Esau - Genesis 27 verse 23, 38 - 40

Jacob was permitted to see the type of character each tribe would display.

"last days" appears 14 times in Old Testament

Most of blessing pronounced on Jacob's sons were fulfilled during period of judges - 6 to 700 years after Jacob's death

Blessing on Judah began to be fulfilled in David's day and found its final fulfilment at first coming of Messiah

As his hour of departure approached Jacob charged his sons with responsibility of burying him in cave of Machpelah with his parents and his grandparents - Hebrews 11 verse 21.

REUBEN - Unstable as water

"Reuben thou art my first born, my might and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity and the excellency of power.  Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel, because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou it; he went up to my couch."  Genesis 49 verses 3 and 4 

Reuben's birth recorded in Genesis 29 verse 31 and 32

A double portion is given - "excellency of dignity and the excellency of power."

1 Chronicles 5 verses 1 - 3.

Jacob revealed sin which Reuben had committed - Genesis 35 verse 22 - sin of adultery.  Jacob didn't confront Reuben at that time, 20 years had now passed and even his brothers not aware of his sin.  

"unstable as water" subsequent behaviour of tribe reveals the amazing way in which this inability stamped that tribe.

Dathan and Abiram - Numbers 16 joined rebellion of Korah who questioned leadership of Moses and Aaron.  God's judgment upon them was swift and sure - the earth swallowed them and their entire families - Jude 11 "gainsaying of Korah" ended when Israelites about to enter into Promised Land.  Reuben joined Gad and half of Manasseh in requesting portions on east side of Jordan River - Numbers 32.  Unwilling to wait for land that God eventually would have given them, settled for second best.  Judges 5 "song of Deborah and Barak" tribes who "willingly offered themselves" in battle against Sisera.  Reuben was criticized for his hesitating instability "why abodest thou among the sheepfolds to hear the bleatings of the flocks? In the divisions of Reuben those were great searchings of heart."  Reuben may have seriously considered sending troops but his concern to hear the bleatings of his own sheep overrode his patriotic commandment.  In census taken of tribes at end of wilderness journey Reuben's population evidence had already begun to decrease:

Numbers 1 verse 20 = 46,500     Numbers 26 verse 7 = 43,730

Moses when blessing tribes before he died "Let Reuben live and not die and let not his men be few."  Deuteronomy 33 verse 6.  Reuben did not produce 1 single prophet, military leader, judge or important person in history of Israel.

Lessons to learn:

Long range tragic effects can result from flleeting act of sin

Our sins can be forgiven but effects of our sins often must still be experienced - Proverbs 6 verses 32 and 33.

 

SIMEON and LEVI - Partners in Crime

"Simeon and Levi are brethren, instruments of cruelty are in their habitations.  O my soul, come not thou into their secret into their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united; for in their anger they slew a man and in their self-will they hamstrung oxen.  Cursed be their anger for it was fierce and their wrath, for it was cruel; I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel." Genesis 49 verses 5 - 7

Simeon second son born to Jacob and Leah.  Related to Hebrew word for hear - Leah gave him this name beause of the hope expressed at his birth - Genesis 29 verse 33.

Levi third son born to Jacob and Leah.  Name means joined and given to him also because of hope expressed by Leah at his birth - Genesis 29 verse 34.

Close in age and interests - recognition of this by Jacob.  Genesis 34 verses 1 - 31 crime Jacob refers to Dinah only daughter of Jacob and Leah seduced by Shechem son of Hamor a prominent Canaanite prince.  Shechem expressed to his father a desire to have Dinah as his wife.  Hamor approached Jacob with request.  Simeon and Levi were furious sister had been defiled and conspired to deceive Hamor and Shechem by clever ruse.  They reminded Canaanites that they could never give their daughters to uncircumcised men.  Suggested if the men became circumcised then it would be OK.  Shechem consented.  He and his father convinced other men of city to be circumcised.  On third day the sinister nature of plot unveiled.  Simeon and Levi came into city with swords in hand and slaughtered all males who were unable to adequately defend themselves.  Plundered the city and took the wives and children captive.  Jacob's response - verse 30.  40 years later Jacob confronted Simeon and Levi "they digged down a wall" = "they hamstrung oxen."  Fierce anger and cruel wrath were inconsistent with their position as sons of Israel.  Example of acting under impulse of uncontrolled rage.  

Jacob's pronouncement = neither Simeon nor Levi would possess his own separate portion of Promised Land - they woud be scattered throughout of tribal portion.

Joshua chapters 1 - 12 initial conquest of land of Canaan by the Israelites forces.  Chapters 13 - 21 record division of land among the victorious tribes.  Joshua 19 verses 1 -  9.  Simeon's portion "their inheritance was within the inheritance of the children of Judah.  17 cities and surrounding villages given to Simeon - verse 9.  Judah's portion was the southern most of all the tribes and stretched from the Mediterranean Sea on the west to the dead Sea on east and below.  Jerusalem on north to below Beersheba in south = all in arid and barren region known as Negev - a most inhospitable area for cultivation and settled life.

Simeon's tribe decreased in number from beginning to end of wilderness wandering.

Numbers 1 verse 23 = 59,300    Numbers 26 verse 14 = 22,200

Levi - Numbers 35 verses 1 - 4 given cities instead portion of land.  Joshua 21 verses 1 - 42 Lvites given total of 48 cities  Most privileged of all tribes - Deuteronomy 10 verse 9.

Levites were given honoured position of representing other tribes before Lord and right to bear ark of covenant and care for the holy articles of Tabernacle.  From Aarons family came priests who were privileged to offer sacrifices of people.  Both priests and Levites were financially supported by tithes of people.

Deuteronomy 33 Moses blessing before his death.  Simeon only tribe omitted from his blessings and longest blessing is given to Levi.  Exodus 32 worship of golden calf encouraged by Aaron.  Verses 25 - 29 were told to go in and slaughter people who had sinned - Deuteronomy 10 verse 8.

Today Levites still have certain privileges and responsibilities.  Numbers 6 verses 23 - 26 priests and Levites have certain privileges in the synagogue ritual = first to be called to read Torah and ones who bless congregation at end of service.

Lesson to learn: 

Focus our zeal on God's program and purposes not on our own selfish plans.

 JUDAH - Tribe of King Messiah

"Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise, thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies thy father's children shall bow down before thee.  Judah is a lion's whelp from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he crouched as a lion and as an old lion.  Who shall raise him up?  The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a law giver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be." Genesis 49 verses 8 - 10

Judah and Joseph were benefactors of Reuben's forfeiture - 1 Chronicles 5 verses 1 and 2.  Reuben's right to double inheritance was forfeited to Joseph and his right to position of leadership over his brothers was forfeited to Judah.  2 of the longest blessings in Genesis 49 reserved for Judah and Joseph.  4 prophecies about Judah.

LEADER OF HIS BROTHERS - "Judah thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise ... thy father's children shall bow down before thee."  Name means praise - Genesis 29 verse 35.

Genesis 37 verses 26 and 27 assumed leadership role - suggested brothers sell Joseph to Ishmaelites rather than kill him - also spokesman went down to Egypt - Genesis 44 verses 14 - 34.

Numbers 10 verses 14 tribe went first as marched though wilderness.

Joshua 15 verse 1 after Israelite conquered land of Canaan and possessed it Judah was received first - possessed one of largest and most important sections in southern part of land of Canaan.

Numbers 1 and 26 census taken of tribes - Judah had largest tribal population.

Jew is shortened form of Judah came into existence after return of Jews from Babylonian captivity.

NT words Hebrew, Israelite and Jew, synonymous terms to describe people of Israel

JUDAH WILL BE A GREAT CONQUEROR "thy hand shall be the neck of thine enemies" graphic reference to humiliation of one's enemies in battle, symbolic at signifying enemy had been conquered - Joshua 10 verse 24.

King David 2 Samuel 8 - extended boundaries of Israel when subdued Philistines, Moabites, Ammonites and Edomites.

2 Samuel 2 and Psalm 18 David's song praising God for giving him strength particularly in battle used same phrase found here.

1 Kings 4 verses 20 - 25 Solomon further extended boundaries of kingdom to greatest limits as he consolidated his father's conquests.

Judah compared to lion - kingly character of Judah is appropriately sumbolised by lion often called king of beasts - Revelation 5 verse 15 scene in throne room of Heaven in which lion of the tribe of Judah main character - messianic reference to Lord Jesus who by descent was member of this tribe.

Lord anticipated would be kings in Israel - Deuteronomy 17 verses 14 - 20 - first king of Israel was Saul from tribe of Benjamin.  God rejected Saul and next choice was David - 1 Samuel 16.  All legitimate kings of Israel throughout history were descendants of David - Jacob stated symbols of royalty scepter and rulers staff would never depart from Judah - might to reign as king will always be with the tribe of Judah.  Succession of 20 kings in northern kingdom beginning with Jeroboam in 930 BC to Hoshea in 721BC were illegitimate and rejected by God.

JUDAH WILL PRODUCE A ROYAL LINE OF KINGS - verse 10 "his scepter will not depart until Shiloh came. until does not imply termination = in Shiloh the scepter will reach its greatest glory and extent.

JUDAH WILL PRODUCE MESSIAH.  Shiloh = personal name of Messiah could easily be related to word Shalom.  Hebrew word for peace - Isaiah 9 verse 6,  Shiloh refers to the king Messiah.  

Genesis 3 verse 15 deliverer would come from mankind (seed of woman)

Genesis 9 verse 26 descendant of Shem

Genesis 12 verse 3 Abraham would be progenitor of Him in whom all families of earth would be blessed 

Genesis 2 verse 12 further narrowed to Isaac - Genesis 25 verse 23 narrowed again to Jacob.  Verse 10 Judah is one through whom Messiah will come.

2 Samuel 7 verse 12 - 16 David would be family through whom Messiah would come.  Micah 5 vese 12 specific town within Judah, Bethlehem was chosen as site of Messiah's birth.  Romans destroyed Jerusalem in AD 70 all treasures and archives completely destroyed as well - Revelation 5 verses 5 - 10.

The lion of Judah who is the Lamb slain to redeem Jews and Gentiles from sins bondage.

 ZEBULUN AND ISSACHAR - Merchant and servant

"Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea and he shall be for a haven of ships and his border shall be until Sidon." Genesis 49 verse 13

Genesis 30 verses 19 - 20 name means "dwelling".  No mention in Genesis.  Prophecy speaks of maritime traders - tribal allotment between Mediterranean Sea and Sea of Galilee - Joshua 19 verses 10 - 16.  Traversed by one great trading route Via Maris (way of Sea).  Reached from Damascus in northeast to Egypt in southwest.  Deuteronomy 33 verse 19 "for they (Zebulun) shall suck the abundance of the seas and treasures hidden in the sand."

"and his border shall be unto Sidon" great northern Canaanite city inland, later called Phoenicia, modern day Lebanon.

Separated by tribe of Asher - Joshua 19 verses 34 - 41.  Valley paralleling northern coast called valley of Zebullun.  Later history of Zebulun notable individuals.

Judges 12 verses 11 and 12 - Elon judged Israel for 10 years.  

Judges 4 and 5 - battle took place in valley of Jezreel, Zebulun's territory.  Commended for willingness to volunteer for battle.  Particular honour given to Zebulun - verse 18.

1 Chronicles 12 verse 33 "Of Zebulun such as went forth to battle except in war with all the instruments of war, 50,000 who could keep rank they were not of a double heart,  Kept rank, did not flee battle - courage to face the conflict due to an unswerving commitment to goal.

"Issachar is a strong ass crouching down between two burdens.  And he saw that rest was good and the land that it was pleasant and bowed his shoulder to bear and became a servant unto forced labour." Genesis 49 verses 14 and 15

Name means hire or wages - Genesis 30 verses 17 and 18

Donkeys in ancient Israel carried most of the cargo that was transported - remember Jesus riding into Jerusalem on donkey.  Geographical characteristic - Joshua 19 verses 17 -22.

Assigned fertile eastern end of Jezreel valley.  Boundary on north was Mount Tabor and on south Mount Gilboa.  2 mountains were large "burdens" on sides of Issachar.

Judges 10 verses 1 and 2 "Tola man of Issachar judged Israel for 23 years and was brave leader."

Judges 5 verse 15 praised for powerful assistance.

1 Chronicles 7 verses 1 - 5 "valiant men of might in all their families and in all their generations."

1 Chronicles 12 verse 32 "men who had understanding of the times to know what Israel ought to do" not only knowledgeable of God's word and God's world, knew how to apply God's word to life.  Jacob portrayed them as having insight and as one who carried burdens of others.

 DAN - The Judge and The Serpent

"Dan shall judge his people, as one of the tribes of Israel.  Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his order shall fall backward.  I have waited for thy salvation O LORD." Genesis 49 verses 16 - 18

Son born to one of his 2 handmaids - Bilhah and Zilpah.  Dan was born of Bilhah, Rachel's maid - Genesis 30 verses 1 - 4.  Social custom and regulated.  Jacob wanted to include these 4 sons - Dan, Asher, Gad and Naphtali and blessed as tribal groups.  Name means judgment - Genesis 30 verse 6 "Dan shall judge."  Hebrew expression is dan yadi.

A FAMOUS SON - Samson - Judges 13 verse 2.  Samson's father Manoah was "of Zorah of the family of Danites."  Allotment of tribe of Dan was along the southwest Mediterranean coast of Promised Land.  Joshua 19 verses 40 - 48.  Their land was bordered by Philistines.  Constantly oppressed by these people - God raised up a deliverer who would judge or avenge his own people in Philistines.  "Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path that biteth the horse heels so that his rider shall fall backward."  Suggests that principal aspects of Dan's conquests would be accomplished by cunning rather than by military confrontation.  Matthew Henry "when he pulled the house down under the Philistines that were upon its roof (Judges 16 verses 29 and 30) he made the horse throw his rider."  Samson's defeat of Philistines was shortlived - pagan enemy continued to oppress Danites and other riders.

A FAMILIAR PROBLEM - "serpent" = symbol of Satan.  John 8 verse 44.  Revelation 1 verse 9 Satanic influence would be dominant in Dan's future.  The problem of idolatry was a characteristic malady of the tribe of Dan.

Judges 18 - men of Dan sent 5 military scouts to reach out other parts for a better location - traveled to foot of Mount Hermon near border of Lebanon and found a sleepy little town called Laish.  Returned and reported this would be easy town to conquer and relocate in.  600 fighting men then departed for town but on way they persuaded a renegade Levite in Ephraim to join them and he brought along a graven image from house of Micah his former employer.  Small army smote town of Laish which received no help from her ally Sidon (Judges 18 verses 27 and 28).  Having renamed town Dan they "set up the carved image and Jonathan the son of Gershom, the son of Manasseh, he and his sons were priests to the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of land" (Judges 18 verse 30).  Dan became a cult center for idolatrous worship.  200 years later when Jeroboam rebelled against Rehoboam and split the kingdom into northern and southern divisions he officially promoted idolatry as means of preventinng pilgrimages south to Jerusalem - 1 Kings 12 verses 28 - 30.

200 years later again following an outward reformation under Jehu idolatry still reigned in Dan - 2 Kings 10 verse 29.  

In 20 different listings of the tribes Dan is generally far down and often last in the list - Numbers 10 verse 25.  Dan was last tribe to receive its inheritance in Promised Land - Joshua 19 verses 47 - 49 - 2 Chronicles 2 - 10.  Dan is omitted!

Revelation 7 verses 4 - 8 Dan omitted in 144,000 Jews sealed in the tribulation period - due to problem of idolatry.

A FERVENT PRAYER - "I have waited for thy salvation O LORD."  Jacob expressed his longing for God's ultimate act of deliverance from all spiritual ills - salvation.

Genesis 49 verse 18 first of 78 occurrences of word salvation in Hebrew scriptures - always refers to Gods deliverance or salvation of his people through supernatural means.  Jacob was expressing longing for personal deliverer - Him whose name is Yeshua.

Finally answered - Matthew 1 verse 21 and Simeons acknowledgement in Luke 2 verses 29 - 32

 GAD - WARRIOR

ASHER - PROVIDER

NAPHTALI - COMMUNICATOR

"Gad a troup shall overcome him, but he shall overcome at the last" Genesis 49 verse 19

Gad will be harassed by bands of hostile enemies but will eventually repel their advances.  Gad along with Reuben and half of Manasseh was allotted a portion of land on east side of Jordan River - Joshua 13 verses 24 - 28.

Hostile bands of Ammonites and Moabites bordered his territory.  Geographical name was Gilead - Judges 10 verse 8.

This constant exposure to hostile enemies resulted in Gad's developing a reputation as fierce warriors constantly ready to defend their land.  In David's days as a fugitive from Saul the Gadite warriors who joined him at Ziklag "And of the Gadites there separated themselves unto David into the stronghold in the wilderness, men of might and men of war fit for the battle, that could handle shield and buckler, whose faces were like the faces of lions and who were as swift as the rivers upon the mountains." 1 Chronicles 12 verse 8

Moses' blessing "And of Gad he said Blessed be he who enlargeth Gad; he dwelleth like a lion and teareth the arm with the crown of the head." Deuteronomy 33 verse 20

Most famous Gadite was Jair who "judged Israel 22 years" Judges 10 verses 3 - 5

Spiritual lesson about suffering and adversity are learned by undergoing experience of suffering itself.

Gad's constant readiness teaches us of spiritual preparedness necessary to face the spiritual foe - 1 Peter 5 verse 8.

Think of armour of God - Ephesians 6 verses 10 - 17.

Promise to Gad - "he shall overcome at the last."  7 churches of Revelation each received a promise to the overcomer.  Overcomer defined "For whatever is born of God overcometh the world and this is the victory that overcometh the world even our faith.  Who is he that overcometh the world but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God." 1 John 5 verses 4 and 5.

"Out of Asher his bread shall be fat and he shall yield royal dainties" Genesis 49 verse 20

Asher was 8th son, second born to Zilpah and full brother of Gad - Genesis 35 verse 26.  Name means "happy" Genesis 30 verse 13.  Asher will enjoy rich products of fertile land, teeming with those things which contribute to sustenance of life and also will from his ample produce, supply those tasty morsels which grace the tables of kings.  During Solomon's time each of 12 tribes in turn provided royal provisions for 1 month each year - 1 Kings 4 verse 7.  The kings must have looked forward with great anticipation to Asher's assigned month, since he was known for his excellent gourmet delights. 

Evidently Asher sacrificed any military capability for his agricultural fame.  Judges 1 verses 31 - 32 Asher never dislodged Canaanite/Phoenician inhabitants of northwestern coast of Israel - no judge, leader or military hero sprang from Asher.  Most famous Asherite was Anna the prophetess in Luke 2 verses 36 - 38.

"fat" word translated is feminine form of word for oil (Sheman).  Deuteronomy 33 verse 24 "and let him dip his foot in oil."  Reference to olive oil - "sheman" appears 190 times in Hebrew Scriptures - olive oil had an abundance of uses in biblical times:

cooking - 1 Kings 17 verse 16

lighting - Exodus 25 verse 6

medicine - Ezekiel 16 verse 9

religious anointing - Exodus 25 verse 6

Territory of Asher always known for its vast olive groves.  

Lesson of prophecy - God will take care of Israel in His own way.  Asher will be blesed with an abundance which he will share with others - we are to share with others that with which God has blessed us, not heard it for ourselves - Luke 16 verses 9 - 12, 1 Timothy 6 verses 16 - 18.

Oil is symbol of Holy Spirit - believers are to bear fruit - the fruit of the Holy Spirit - Galatians 5 verses 22 - 25.

"Naphtali is a hind let loose; he giveth beautiful words." Genesis 49 verse 21

Hind is female deer or doe.  Hart is a male deer or buck.  Fleetness and surety of foot seen in hind is mentioned often in Scripture - David's flight from Saul Psalm 18 verse 33.

Jacob's prophecy is that Naphtali will be characterised by speed and agility of a doe.  Prophecy refers primarily to the swiftness characteristic of tribe of Naphtali.

Barak - Judges 4 verse 6 - great battle between Israelite and Canaanite forces prompted tribes to send volunteers.  Tribes such as Naphtali were swift to rush their troops to battle.  Jesus at beginning of his ministry in Galilee Matthew 4 veres 13 - 15 states that he called his disciples in very region of tribe of Naphtali, hence, most of his disciples were from the area allotted to this ancient tribe.

Feet of hind are swift - Romans 3 verse 15 condemns feet that "are swift to shed blood" while on other hand, Romans 10 verse 15 commends those who preach the gospel with these words.

"How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things"  What a contrast and what a lesson to those of us who are followers of Jesus.

Are our feet as swift to tell someone about the gospel as they are to share some damaging gossip?

Lesson from Gad - be ready

Lesson from Asher - be fruitful

Lesson from Naphtali - be swift

 JOSEPH - FAITHFUL AND FRUITFUL

Genesis 49 verses 22 - 26 - son of beloved Rachel.  Genesis 30 verse 1 "Give me children or else I die" God responded to her cries of longing "And God remembered Rachel and God hearkened to her and opened her womb.  And she conceived and bore a son and said "God hath taken away my reproach.  And she called his name Joseph and said The LORD shall add to me another son." Genesis 30 verses 22 - 24  Name means may he add - she wanted more children and she had one more son before she died - Benjamin.  

"Joseph is a fruitful bough by a well, whose branches run over the wall." Genesis 49 verse 22

 A LOOK BACK - fruitfulness marked Joseph's life - verses 22 - 24.  Also characterised his descendants - verses 25 and 26.  "Fruitful bough" Genesis 41 verse 42 "And the name of the second son called he Ephraim For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction".  In spite of numerous obstacles placed in his path Joseph was faithful and fruitful in overcoming each one.

Joseph was delight of his father - Jesus was beloved Son

Joseph was rejected by his brothers - Jesus' own did not receive Him

Joseph was sold into Egypt - Jesus fled there with his parents

Joseph withstood temptation to sin - Jesus withstood Satan's temptation 

Joseph was raised from death of prison and exalted to side of Pharaoh - Jesus was raised from dead and exalted to His Father's right hand

Joseph mercifully forgave his brothers for causing him to suffer - Jesus prayed that the Father would forgive those responsible for His suffering

Joseph took a Gentile bride - Jesus is calling out Gentiles to be part of his bride

"The archers have harassed him and shot at him and hated him.  But his bow abode in strength and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob (from there is the shepherd, the stone of Israel." verses 23 and 24

5 titles of Lord are mentioned here:

"the mighty God of Jacob"

"the shepherd"

"the stone of Israel"

"the God (Eli) of thy father"

"the Almighty" - Hebrew word Shaddai All sufficient One or sustainer.  Formed from Hebrew word for a mother's breast (sad) which nourishes and sustains the child.  In same way God sustained Joseph in his weaknesses.  When Jacob described abundant blessings on Joseph, he carefully mentioned "blessings of the breasts" (shad).

Because of his intimate knowledge of God, Joseph was able to discern His hand even in his personal setbacks - when he finally revealed his identity to his brothers he told them - Genesis 45 veres 5, 7 and 8.  Every time Joseph speaks he mentions God.  Real lesson - such a God filled life will also lead us to discern God's hand even in our trials and troubles - to perceive His purpose and leading even in difficult circumstances which we all encounter.

A LOOK AHEAD - blessings to be experienced by tribe of Joseph.  "The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors into the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren." verse 26

Words "bless" or "blessings" appear 6 times in verses 25 and 26.  These blessings are placed squarely on Joseph's head. 

"separate" = nazir later used to describe one who took a Nazarite vow to be separated from the vine and from dead bodies as well as to refrain from cutting his hair (Numbers 6 verses 2 - 21).  Use of word here however recalls the long period of time during which God set Joseph apart from his brothers and advanced him to preeminence over them.

Joseph received double blessing because of Reuben's incest.  When he became established in Egypt Joseph and his wife Asenath had 2 sons - Manasseh and Ephraim - Genesis 41 verses 50 - 52.  Jacob had been in Egypt 17 years when Joseph and 2 sons visited him as he lay on his sickbed.  Genesis 48 verses 1 - 22 Jacob actually adopted Ephraim and Mansseh as own elevating them to position of his other sons.  "And now thy two sons Ephraim and Manasseh who were born unto thee in the land of Egypt before I came unto thee into Egypt are mine as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine." Genesis 48 verse 5

Numbers 1 total population of Ephraim and Manasseh = 75,900 compared to 74,600 of tribe of Judah.

Numbers 26 total population was 85,200 Judah was 76,500.  Jacob prophesied tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh would "grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth." Genesis 48 verse 16.  Even switched his right hand to head of younger and prophesied that Ephraim would be greater than his older brother Manasseh, following a pattern practiced earlier in Genesis 48 verses 17 - 19.

Manasseh had largest land allotment of any tribe settling on both sides of Jordan with an eastern and western branch.  Ephraim produced greater individuals (Joshua, Moses' successor).  Ephraim often was called by that name alone in many of the later prophets - Hosea 11 verse 3, 12 verse 1, Jeremiah 31 veres 9 and 20. 

Joseph is convincing example of truth - 1 Peter 5 verse 6

Humanly speaking difficult to wait for God's timing after having been unjustly sold as slave, unjustly imprisoned for remaining pure and unjustly forgotten by an acquaintance whom he had helped.  Joseph waited on God during his trials without seeking either revenge or advancement.  Finally in his timing God exalted his faithful servant and lifted him to a place of honour where he could be a blessing to others.

Our responsibility is to be faithful - God's job is to hand out promotions.

Joseph faithfully waited in prison before he was lifted to the throne

Elijah faithuflly waited at Cherith before he triumphed at Carmel.

Moses faithfully laboured in Midian before he challenged the power of Egypt.

Jesus faithfully carried the cross before He wore the crown.

 BENJAMIN - A RAVENOUS WOLF

"Benjamin shall ravin as a wolf: in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil." Genesis 49 verse 27

"shall ravin as a wolf" word translated "ravin comes from a verb which means to tear ie Benjamin - a wolf which tears in pieces."  Benjamin would be charaterised by a vicious and warlike attitude.

12th son of Jacob and second son borne by Rachel - birth was an occasion of joy mingled with sorrow - Genesis 35 verses 16 - 20.  Rachel's last act was to name her newborn son Benoni meaning son of my pain.  Jacob named him Benjamin meaning right hand son - prophetic because Benjamin was later to replace the lost Joseph in Jacob's affection.

Genesis 42 verse 36 - Jacob "Me have ye bereaved of my children; Joseph is not and Simeon is not and ye will take Benjamin away; all these things are against me."  Later it was Benjamin's sack that Joseph secretly had his cup placed as the brothers were leaving Egypt after having brought more grain - Genesis 44 verse 1 - 13.

Joshua 18 verses 11 - 28 allotted buffer zone between 2 dominant tribes of Judah and Ephraim.

Benjamin territory included many cities ie Jericho, Bethel, Gibeon, Ramah and Mizpah.  Jerusalem was in Benjamin.  

Moses' blessing Deuteronomy 33 verse 12 "And of Benjamin he said, The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by him; and the LORD shall cover him all the day long and he shall dwell between his shoulders."

Jacob's prophecy stated that the "wolf would devour his prey in the morning and divide to spoil in the evening."  Many ferocious Benjamins are recorded from earliest to latest periods of Israelite territory.

Ehud - Judges 3 verse 12 - 30 - second judge in Israel.  Single handedly assassinated Eglon, King of Moabites who had been oppressing Israel for 18 years.  Ehud's left handedness characteristic of Benjamites - ironic since Benjamin means right hand son.  Concealing his weapon under his garments he gained entrance to Eglon's presence, ran the fat king through with his dagger and escaped undetected.  Resulting confusion led to a great Israelite victory over the Moabites and resulted in 80 year period of peace.

Judges 17 vesre 6, 21 verse 25.  Benjamin was at the centre of a devastating civil war among the tribes.  Responding to brutality of Benjamite men of Gibeah the other tribes launced a disciplinary action against entire tribe - Judges 20.  When tribal leaders refused to relinquish guilty offenders a major military confrontation resulted.  Although greatly outnumbered Benjamin with famous 700 left-handed stone slingers inflicted 40,000 casualties on their brethren in first 2 days of fighting.  On 3rd day, however the tide of battle turned and forces of Benjamin were devastated nearly to point of anniliation.  Only 600 escaped and these formed nucleus of continuing, although greatly weakened tribe.  The wolf had torn but in the end it had been torn! 

Saul, son of Kish - when town of Jabesh-gilead and was beseiged by Ammonites Saul probably due to family ties (Judges 21 verse 12 - 14) dramatically mustered the armies of Israel and attacked the Ammonites by night "so that 2 of them were not left together" 1 Samuel 11 verses 1 - 11.  Saul's warlike rule was felt by many surrounding kingdoms whom he not only defeated but also "humiliated" and wherever he turned himself he defeated them - 1 Samuel 14 verse 47.

Jonathan, Saul's son also great warrior.  1 Samuel 14 records brilliant manoeuvre of Jonathan and his armour-bearer in climbing a sheer cliff and slaughtering a Philistine garrison of 20 soldiers.  This led to complete confusion in enemy camp and its eventual rout at hands of Israelite troops.  Jonathan acted on faith in God's promise - 1 Samuel 14 verses 6 and 12.  This godly "wolf" was doubtless 1 of these unnamed heroes of faith who, according to Hebrews 11 verse 4 "became valiant in fight and turned to flight the armies of the aliens."  Other ferocious Benjamites were

Abner, Saul's cousin and commander of his army who merilessly killed Aschel and was himself murdered by Joab - 2 Samuel 2 verse 23, 3 verse 30.

Shimei who cursed David during his flight from Absalom and was himself killed by Solomon in return - 2 Samuel 16 verses 5 - 13, 1 Kings 2 verses 44 - 46.

Sheba who led a rebellion against David and was himself beheaded by citizens of Abel Beth-maacah - 2 Samuel 20 verses 1 - 22.

Esther and Mordecai, cousins in Persaan town of Shushan were boldly instrumental in saving their own people and turning the tables of Haman and other Jew haters of that time - Esther 7 and 9.  The Jewish festival of Purim commemorates their brave zeal - in this unique way Benajmin divided the spoil in fulfilment of Genesis 49 verse 27.

Romans 11 verse 1 "I say then Hath God cast away his people?  God forbid For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin."

Philippians 3 verse 5 "Circumcised the eighth day of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews as touching the law, a Pharisee."  Parents called him Saul, after an ancient namesake although know him by his Roman name, Paul.

Galatians 1 verse 13 "For ye have heard of my manner of life in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God and wasted it."

Acts 22 verse 4 "And I persecuted this way unto the death binding and delivering into prisons both men and women."

Acts 26 verses 9 - 10 "I verily thought within myself that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth, which thing I also did in Jerusalem; and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having receieved authority from the chief priests.  And when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them."

Acts 8 verse 3 - Acts 9 verses 1 and 2 - Acts 9 verse 4

Saul changed - his zeal didn't abate but channeled in positive God-honouring direction.  He spent rest of his earthly life asaulting citadels of Satan.

Lesson - let us be clay in the Potters' hand, willing to be moulded for His purposes.