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Daily Devotions

Genesis

Genesis 
Day 
Day 354

"Let them praise the name of the LORD, For His name alone is exalted; His glory is above the earth and the heaven." Psalm 148:13

Text: Genesis 49:1-33

UNDERSTANDING AND APPRECIATING JACOB’S EXHORTATION TO HIS SONS

How should we interpret and understand the revelation that Jacob uttered on his death bed? It is astonishing how he could speak with such depth and clarity when he was so close to death! It is impossible to understand and appreciate his words without including the element of prophecy!

1. Prophetic words

Jacob was not a regular prophet in the usual sense of the word. He did not have a preaching or prophetic ministry. However, God is not limited by this fact. There is no way in which Jacob could have spoken of the Messiah coming from the line of Judah without special prophetic revelation from God!

2. Authoritative words

Jacob spoke as a father would to his sons. However, the words he uttered were not just good fatherly advice. There was a special ring of authority in his words that no father possesses. No earthly father is able to foresee the future of his sons! Only when a person has been given a prophetic word would there be that special ability to speak with such a ring of authority!

3. Inspired words

Ultimately, we have to come to the conclusion that the words that Jacob uttered were inspired of God! The Lord was the source of His knowledge and insight. The Lord Himself was the One who enabled him to have intimations of the future of his sons!


RATIONALE FOR THESE PROPHETIC WORDS

What are some of the reasons why these prophetic words were spoken? Let us ponder the following thoughts:-

1. A humbling preparation for the future when Israel becomes a nation

The words of Jacob were humbling to the ones who were guilty. Nevertheless, these sons would help make up the nation of Israel!

If Israel ever succeeded as a nation, the people must know that only by the grace of God were they able to triumph! Their sinful background should have seen them forfeit many blessings, yet by the grace of God they had survived!

2. A hope-inspiring declaration for the future

The words of Jacob concerning some of the sons of Israel, in particular Judah and Joseph would bring about a great sense of hope. From among them would arise kings! They were family! They had learned to take care of each other. They must determine to press on in the new spirit that had been forged.