Genesis 49-50: Blessings, Forgiveness, and Legacy – A Reflection on the End of Jacob’s Journey
As we reach the final chapters of Genesis, the story takes an emotional and powerful turn, culminating in Jacob’s death, his blessings to his sons, and a profound moment of forgiveness and closure with Joseph and his brothers. These last two chapters are rich with symbolism, family dynamics, and reflections on God’s providence. Let’s dive in.
Jacob’s Blessings: The Deathbed Confessions
Jacob is on his deathbed, and as he gathers his sons to offer his blessings, what begins as a final reflection on his family’s past becomes a pivotal moment in the future of the twelve tribes of Israel. If you’ve ever read The Gift of the Blessing by Gary Smalley and John Trent, you may have learned about the power of speaking blessings into the lives of others, especially our children. While Jacob’s blessings are not quite like the encouraging words we might hope to give to our loved ones today, they still hold great significance.
Jacob speaks truth, acknowledging both the good and bad in his sons’ lives. He starts with Reuben, his firstborn, and his words are far from flattering: “You will no longer excel.” Reuben’s sin—sleeping with his father’s concubine—has cost him the birthright and a prominent place among his brothers.
Following Reuben, Simeon and Levi’s blessing addresses their violent anger, which culminated in the massacre of the Shechemites after their sister, Dinah, was defiled. Jacob, though appreciative of the Levi line being set apart for priestly duties, acknowledges their reckless actions.
Then, we get to Judah, and the blessing is much different. Jacob speaks prophetically about Judah’s leadership and kingship, including the famous image of a lion: “The lion of Judah.” This is especially significant because, through Judah, the line of David (and ultimately Jesus) will come. Judah’s willingness to sacrifice for his family, such as offering himself as a slave to save Benjamin, has earned him a blessing of leadership.
The Blessings Continue: Prophecies and Purposes
Jacob’s blessings continue as he moves through the other tribes, offering words that shape their future. Some are brief, such as Zebulun’s destiny to live by the sea, while others, like Joseph’s blessing, are long and rich with meaning. Joseph, who has already been favored by his father, receives a beautiful blessing acknowledging God’s providence in his life, describing him as a prince among his brothers.
Joseph’s blessing also alludes to the dreams he once had as a young man, where his family bowed before him. Despite all the hardships Joseph faced—betrayal, slavery, imprisonment—God’s hand was upon him, and his faithfulness is rewarded. His blessing is expansive, speaking of God’s protection and the abundant blessings of the heavens above and the earth below.
And lastly, Benjamin, the youngest, is described as a “ravenous wolf.” His tribe will be fierce and powerful, and the symbolism here is a little more mysterious, but it adds to the unique character of each son.
Jacob’s Final Request: Burial in the Promised Land
Jacob’s death is not as dramatic as we might expect from a patriarch of his stature, but his final words reveal something important: his desire to be buried in Canaan, the land promised to his ancestors. Even in death, Jacob clings to the promises of God, ensuring that his bones are taken back to the land where Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Rebekah were laid to rest. This is a powerful statement of faith in the promises of God.
Joseph honors his father’s wishes, and his request to be buried in Canaan is fulfilled with a grand procession, so elaborate that it earns mourning from the Egyptians as well. The funeral procession is described almost like a royal parade, with dignitaries and officials joining in, illustrating the high esteem in which Jacob was held.
The Brothers’ Fear and Joseph’s Forgiveness
After Jacob’s death, the brothers grow fearful that Joseph, now in a position of power in Egypt, might seek revenge for their betrayal. They concoct a lie, claiming that Jacob’s last wish was for Joseph to forgive them. But Joseph’s response is one of grace. He weeps when he hears their words and reassures them, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
This moment is one of the most profound in the entire Genesis narrative. Joseph, despite the wrongs committed against him, chooses forgiveness over retaliation. He sees the bigger picture—that God’s plan, even through their betrayal, has led to salvation for many during the famine. This moment of forgiveness is the fulfillment of God’s promise to bring good from evil, a truth that echoes throughout Scripture and resonates deeply in our own lives.
Joseph’s Legacy and His Death
Joseph, like Jacob, lives to a ripe old age. At 110, he passes on, but not without one last instruction for his family: “I am about to die, but God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land.” Even in death, Joseph affirms God’s promise to bring his people into the Promised Land, and he makes his brothers swear to carry his bones with them when they leave Egypt. Joseph’s death marks the end of an era, but his faith and vision for his family’s future continue to influence them long after he is gone.
Conclusion: Lessons from Genesis 49-50
As we close the book of Genesis, there are a few key lessons that stand out:
- God’s Providential Plan: Despite the ups and downs, God’s plan for His people unfolds through the lives of these twelve brothers. What man intends for evil, God can use for good.
- The Power of Forgiveness: Joseph’s forgiveness of his brothers shows us the importance of letting go of past hurts, even when we’ve been deeply wronged.
- A Legacy of Faith: Both Jacob and Joseph finish their lives with unwavering faith in God’s promises. Their desire to be buried in Canaan signifies their belief in the future God has promised for their descendants.
The end of Genesis sets the stage for the journey ahead, with the Israelites in Egypt, awaiting deliverance. Next, we’ll begin exploring the book of Job, a profound exploration of suffering, faith, and the mysteries of God. But for now, let’s reflect on the faithfulness of God that carries His people through their highs and lows—and the call for us to live out that same faith today.