The Blessed life

• 1^st – Choosing the blessing… vs. 27-31 
  • 1^st – Blessed in life… vs. 27-28
    • Jacob lived 17 more years in Egypt – 147 years in all – in the county of Goshen…
      • They had POSSESSIONS (piel) – when everyone else had nothing – they had LOTS…
      • And they GREW and MULTIPLIED exceedingly [מְאֹֽד] – they had LOTS of kids…
      • Because he followed the Lord – because he did not follow the world – he was blessed!
      • Jacob had a simple choice – and Israel choose to follow the Lord!
    • All of us have the same simple choice – live for the world – or live for the Lord…
      • Deuteronomy 30:11-14 – “Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between prosperity and disaster, between life and death.”
      • Too often in life I see those who are looking for the blessings – but miss the Lord…
      • They run after the world – thinking they will get everything they ever wanted…
      • Only to find themselves in bondage to the world – empty / broken!
    • Or those who go to God – only because they are looking for the blessing…
      • As if somehow if they show up to church – or read their Bible – God owes them…
      • If you had a FRIEND who only came around to see what you would give…
      • What would you think when you saw them – what would you give them!
      • We bless those whom we love – not those looking for a blessing!
    • So often we miss the simple choice God has given – Love Him or Love the world
      • The command of God is to seek Him first – Luke 21:31 – with no thought of the blessing…
      • When we follow the Lord – become the children of God – our Father blesses us…
      • What Father does not want to bless his kids – provide for their needs…
      • When we seek the Lord – we find we also are blessed by our Father in Heaven!
  • 2^nd – Blessed in eternity…
    • Jacob called his son Joseph – if I have found favor in your sight…
      • Jacob had Joseph put his hand under the thigh of Jacob…
      • First mentioned in Genesis 24:2 – Abraham sent out his servant to find a bride for Isaac…
      • Cultural – showed the severity of a vow – a way of expressing sincerity…
      • In other words this was not to be taken lightly – it was VERY serious!
    • Please do NOT [אַל־נָא] – NEVER – bury me in Egypt…
      • Jacob made Joseph swear (imperative) – and Joseph gave a vow to his father…
      • Jacob knew his time was close – he did not have long to live…
      • But he did not want to be buried in Egypt – he wanted to be buried with his fathers!
    • The REASON – Jacob knew death was not the end – looking towards the resurrection…
      • He wanted to be resurrected in the Promised Land – with Abraham and Isaac!
      • Jews to this day want to be buried on the Mt. of Olives – first in the resurrection!
      • II Corinthians 5:1-2 – “We know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down—when we die and leave these bodies—we will have a home in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands.”
      • All of us – everyone – will have our bodies wear out – grow old and die…
      • If we are living for this world – everything we lived for will be lost… 
      • If we are living for Jesus – not only will we have a blessed life – blessed eternal life!
      • The joy of following the Lord – then the overwhelming joy of eternity in Heaven!

• 2^nd – Inheriting the blessing… vs. 1-7 
  • 1^st – Joseph heard Jacob was sick… vs. 1-7
    • He took with him his two sons – Manasseh (causing to forget) and Ephraim (fruitful) …
      • ISRAEL strengthened himself – sat up in bed – to greet his son and grandsons…
      • He told Joseph – GOD ALMIGHTY appeared to me a Luz (Bethel) – and blessed me (piel)!
      • God told Jacob He would make him fruitful and multiply (hiphil) him…
      • And give THE Land to his SEED (singular) as an EVERLASTING possession!
      • A covenant God had also given to Abraham – and Isaac – Genesis 22:18 / 26:4
    • Israel now passed on that blessing to his son – and his grandsons…
      • He took (adopted in a sense) the two sons of Joseph as his own (legal heirs)…
      • Any additional sons of Joseph would count as his – but not Ephraim and Manasseh…
      • Why – because Joseph was the son of Rachel – who only had two children…
      • She died near Bethel giving birth to Benjamin – Genesis 35:19
      • So now – through Joseph – Israel would have two more sons by Rachel!
  • 2^nd – Generations of blessings…
    • Abraham followed the Lord – so his son Isaac became a godly man…
      • Isaac followed the Lord – so his son Jacob – became Israel (governed by God) …
      • Jacob followed the Lord – so Joseph followed the example – became a leader of all Egypt…
      • Joseph was a godly man – so his two sons Manasseh and Ephraim were godly…
      • All the more amazing because his sons were born and raised in pagan Egypt…
      • Showing it is not so much where they were raised – as the example of their father!
    • A whole history of Godly men – blessed – because of Godly example!
      • Our kids will not grow up to do what we tell them to be…
      • They will grow up to be what we have shown them to be by our lifestyle…
      • If we tell our children to be honest – but we lie – they will grow up to be liars…
      • If we tell our kids to be kind – but we are cruel – they will grow up to be mean!
      • Our children are watching – learning – what example do we give to them…
      • When we are a Godly example to our children – they will grow up to be like Jesus…
      • When we make Jesus a real part of our lives – the Bible – Prayer – so will our children…
      • When we live for Jesus – chances are so will our kids when they grow up!
      • The greatest blessing we can pass on to our children – example of following Jesus!
        
  • 3^rd – The 12 (14) tribes of Israel
    • With the addition of Manasseh and Ephraim the tribes of Israel were complete…
    • There are always 12 tribes listed – one for each of the 12 sons of Jacob…
    • Reuben/Simeon/Levi/Judah/Dan/Naphtali/Gad/Asher/Issachar/Zebulun/Jospeh/Benjamin
    • But there are also the two sons of Joseph – counted as sons of Jacob!
    • So in all there are actually 14 tribes – though only 12 are mentioned at any one time…
    • Usually the two left out of the list are Joseph (Ephraim & Manasseh) and Levi (priestly tribe)!

• 3^rd – Seeing the blessing… vs. 8-22 
  • 1^st – Walking by faith… vs. 8-11
    • Israel was old (147) and could not see…
      • So he did NOT recognize his grandsons – but once Joseph introduced them…
      • Israel said – please bring them close (imperative) so I can bless them (piel)!
    • Joseph brought his two sons close to Israel so he could bless them…
      • He kissed them – and embraced (piel) them…
      • He did NOT think (piel) – though he often wished – he would ever SEE Joseph again…
      • Now God had caused (hiphil) him to see the children of Joseph!
      • When we walk by faith and not by what we can see – II Corinthians 5:17
      • We will experience blessing from God beyond anything we could have imagined!
      • Ephesians 3:20 – “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think…”
  • 2^nd – The opposite of the world… vs. 9-16
    • Joseph gave Manasseh to the right hand of Israel – and Ephraim to his left hand…
      • The purpose was the greater blessing (right) went to the oldest son – Manasseh…
      • BUT – Israel crossed his hands – blessing Ephraim with his right / Manasseh his left…
      • It was not a mistake – he was guiding his hands KNOWINGLY – it was intentional…
      • KNOWINGLY – the word in Hebrew suggests having special insight or knowledge…
      • Manasseh would become great tribe – but Ephraim would be even greater! 
    • Israel could not SEE with his eyes – but SAW more clearly than anyone else…
      • Living for Jesus is almost always the exact opposite of what the world says…
      • The world says to seek riches – the Bible says to be content – Hebrews 13:5
      • The world says to focus on yourself – the Bible says to die to ourselves – Luke 9:23
      • The word says to be strong – the Bible says we need to be weak – II Corinthians 12:9
      • It can be hard to accept – it is so different from everything we were taught…
      • But by faith we clearly see – what the world misses – the blessed life is found in Christ!
    • Israel intensely blessed (piel) Joseph…
      • May the God before whom Abraham and Isaac to walked – who fed me my whole life…
      • The same God who saved me from all evil – let Him bless (piel) the lads…
      • May the name Abraham – Isaac – and Jacob (Israel) be named on them…
      • Let them grow into multitude in the midst of the earth!
  • 3^rd – Blinded by the world… vs. 17-18
    • The crossed hands upset Joseph – perhaps thinking Jacob did it by accident…
    • He only saw the obvious – Manasseh was the older – he deserved the greater blessing…
    • Therefore he demanded (imperative) Israel put his right hand on the head of Manasseh!
    • Like the rich man who would not walk away from his riches (centavos really)
    • So that he might receive the overwhelming blessings of eternal life – Matthew 19:22
    • If we only look with our eyes – looking to the world – and not by faith in the Lord…
    • Then we will miss out on all the Lord has for us – the blessed life!
  • 4^th – Seeing the blessing… vs. 19-22
    • Israel refused (piel) – and said I KNOW – I KNOW (perfect) …
      • KNOW – from the root [יָדַע] – meaning to SEE…
      • Israel could SEE – God that the God of Abraham / Isaac / and Jacob – had fed him daily…
      • An important point considering the famine that was in the Land!
      • Whether the economy is good or bad – good times – or times of famine…
      • No matter what – God promises to take care of all of our needs!
      • Psalm 37:25 – “Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly forsaken, nor seen their children begging for bread.”
    • Israel could SEE the messenger (Angel) who has delivered him from ALL EVIL…
      • Jacob had his fair share of challenges and problem in life – Esau / Laban…
      • Yet God had always protected him – kept him safe from harm!
    • Israel could SEE that God was with Joseph – the double blessing…
      • There was no doubting the hand God on Joseph – betrayal / slavery / prison / king!
      • Joseph received a double blessing – both of his sons were included in the tribes of Israel…
      • Because Joseph was a man who was a GOOD example for others!
    • But Israel could also SEE that the younger would be greater than the older…
      • By you Israel will bless – May God make you as Ephraim and as Manasseh!
      • And thus Jacob set Ephraim before Manasseh!
      • And when God brought the nation of Israel back to the Land…
      • Joseph would receive a double portion – because he would get one for both of his sons!
      • Side note – Jacob says he fought (sword / bow) for land from the Amorites…
      • We have no record of this – only his purchase of land in Shechem – Genesis 33:19 

• 4^th – Giving the Blessing… vs.  1-28
  • Jacob gathered (imperative) his sons together… vs. 1-2
    • So that he could tell them what will befall them in the last (future) days…
    • Jacob knowing he was close to death – called the rest of his sons to his bedside…
    • He knew his 12 sons would become the 12 tribes of Israel …
    • So he prophesied over each one – revealing their characters…
    • As well as the future of their tribes (influenced by character)!
  • 1^st – Reuben – unstable as water… vs.  3-4
    • Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob (by Leah) …
      • He should have been the leader of the family – might / strength / dignity / power…
      • Jacob had great expectation for Reuben – as any father would for his first son!
    • But you are as unstable as water…
      • Reuben wavered in his defense of Joseph before his brothers – Genesis 37
      • Worse yet he had an affair with the wife of his father – Bilhah – Genesis 35:22
      • He was indecisive and driven by his passions – a very poor leader!
    • As a result the tribe of Reuben never amounted to much…
      • No leader of Israel ever came out of the tribe of Reuben…
      • When Israel entered the Promised Land – the tribe of Reuben settled on the east side…
      • Content to settle the grazing lands east of the Jordan river – Numbers 32
      • Without the natural barrier of the Jordan river – they were the first to be conquered!
      • As Christians some of us ONLY want to get close to Jesus (the Promised Land) …
      • But we are hesitant to fully give our lives – live our lives for Jesus…
      • We try to walk with one foot in the world and one foot in Christ…
      • But those who walk the line (like Reuben) are the first to fall into the sin of the world!
  • 2^nd – Simeon and Levi – instruments of cruelty [חָמָס]… vs.  5-7
    • Both these brothers had problems with their anger – killed a man / hurt an ox…
      • When their younger sister Dinah was raped by Shechem – Genesis 34
      • They convinced all the men of the city to be circumcised – on the third day – killed them…
      • They also took pleasure in killing animals – they enjoyed the suffering of others!
    • I will NEVER [אַל] enter into their council – unite with their plans…
      • Because CURSED is their ANGER – because it is FIERCE…
      • And CURSED is their WRATH – because it is cruel!
      • Proverbs 11:17 – “Your own soul is nourished when you are kind, but you destroy yourself when you are cruel.”
      • Anger / bitterness / cruelty are like a cancer in our soul – they eat us up inside…
      • Jesus calls us to forgive others – vengeance is the Lords – Romans 12:19-21
    • They will be scattered (hiphil) in Israel…
      • The tribe of Simeon would receive a portion of land in Israel – within Judah…
      • They were eventually assimilated into Judah – not much is said of them afterwards!
      • The tribe of Levi never received a portion of land in Israel…
      • They were only given cities scattered throughout all the other lands!
      • Those who dedicate their lives – loose themselves to – anger – bitterness – vengeance…
      • End up empty in life – no friends – scattered and without purpose!
  • 3^rd – Judah – your brothers will praise… vs.  8-12
    • Judah would be the leader of his family – the children of your father will bow down…
      • Rueben / Simeon / and Levi – had proven UNWORTHY so the birthright passed to Judah…
      • He would be like a Lion who would rule over his people – as well as his enemies!
    • The scepter will not depart…
      • The scepter – is a picture of authority – defining the KING or ruler of Israel…
      • Judah did not become the KINGLY tribe for another 640 years…
      • Leaders came from a variety of tribes over the early history of Israel…
      • Moses (Levi) / Joshua (Ephraim) / Gideon (Manasseh) / Sampson (Dan) / Saul (Benjamin)
      • But once King David (Judah) took the throne – Judah reigned as ruler from that time on!
    • Till SHILOH comes…
      • SHILOH – only here OT – the one who brings peace – referring to Jesus…
      • Isaiah 9:6 – “For unto us a Child is born… His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of PEACE.”
      • Jesus – the Lion of the Tribe of Judah – Revelation 5:5
      • Jacob here prophesies a king from Judah will reign over Israel – till Jesus comes!
      • Literally fulfilled – Judah remained the dominant tribe of Israel up to the time of Jesus…
      • Even when the other tribes had been conquered and scattered – Judah remained…
      • The name Jews – is derived from the root word – Judah!
      • In 7 A.D. Jewish leaders thought the Word of God had been broken…
      • The right to Capital punishment was taken ways from them by Rome…
      • This was seen as finally removing the scepter from Judah – but Jesus was already born!
      • Key point – authority (the scepter) was removed AFTER – Jesus (Shiloh) had come!
    • Binding his donkey to the vine…
      • Donkeys speak of labor – they were commonly used in labor…
      • Judah would be very prosperous – he would have plentiful vineyards…
      • They would work in the vineyards – wash their clothes in wine…
      • They would drink from the vineyards – eyes red – teeth whiter than milk!
  • 4^th – Zebulun and Issachar (last two of 6 sons of Leah) … vs. 13-15
    • Nothing is said about these two sons in the narrative of Genesis…
      • Little is said of them in the history of Israel as recorded in the Bible…
      • The tribe of Zebulun would live by the sea…
      • Joshua 19:11 – says they were given land up by the sea – the exact borders unclear…
      • Apparently – they were close the port city of Sidon (Lebanon) – and had ships!
    • Issachar would be strong (donkey) – third largest of the tribes – Numbers 26:25
      • But also lazy (lying down) – he bowed his shoulder and became a band of slaves…
      • Historically Issachar would receive a fertile portion of land in Israel…
      • Their rich crops attracted invading armies – forced them into servitude!
  • 5^th – Dan (the son of Bilhah) … vs. 16-18
    • Dan is the oldest of the children of the concubines of Jacob…
      • He shall be a judge – perhaps a reference to his name – Dan means a judge…
      • Also a possible reference to Sampson – who would be a judge of Israel – Judges 13
    • He shall be a serpent…
      • In the Bible the serpent is used as a reference to satan – Genesis 3:1
      • The tribe of Dan historically led the nation of Israel into idolatry…
      • Both in the times of the Judges – when they set up a carved image – Judges 18:30 
      • And in the Divided Kingdom – one of the Golden calves was in Dan – I Kings 12:28-30
      • The same Golden calves that caused Israel to be taken into captivity!
      • Perhaps for these reasons Dan is not listen among the tribes in Revelation 7:4-8
      • BUT Dan is the first tribe listed in the Millennial kingdom – Ezekiel 48:2
    • The VIPER biting at the heels – reminiscent of the prophesy to Eve…
      • Genesis 3:15 – “[The Seed] shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.”
      • Satan (snake) would bruise the heal of Jesus (Seed) – but He will crush his head…
      • Speaking of the crucifixion and the cross – at Calvary satan bruised Jesus…
      • But it was at the cross Jesus crushed the head of satan – He defeated sin!
    • Remembering this prophecy – Jacob says…
      • Genesis 48:18 – “I have waited for your salvation, O Lord.”
      • First mention of SALVATION – [יְשׁוּעָה] – ya (Yahweh) and shua (salvation) – Jesus!
      • In light of the prophesy of the sin of Dan– Jacob rejoices knowing Jesus was coming!
  • 6^th – Gad / Asher / Naphtali (the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah) … vs. 19-21
    • Nothing is also said about these three sons in the narrative of Genesis!
    • The Tribe of Gad – an army would invade him…
      • Gad – like Reuben and ½ Manasseh – settled on the east side of the Jordan river…
      • As with Reuben – without the Jordan river – they were especially susceptible to attack…
      • They overcame their enemies for a while – eventually conquered – II Kings 10:32-33
    • The tribe of Asher – becoming rich – having royal food…
      • Asher was given land in northern Israel – next to the rich port cities of Tyre and Sidon…
      • But they were never able to conquer the land – and the tribe never amounted to much…
      • Perhaps compromised by the desire for the wealth of their gentile neighbors!
    • The tribe of Naphtali – swift warriors (deer) – poets (beautiful words)
      • Naphtali is most famous for the judge Barak (Deborah) – Judges 4-5
      • Who after their victory over the Canaanites – wrote the beautiful victory song Deborah!
  • 7^th – Joseph (son of Rachel) … vs. 22-26
    • The blessing of Judah and Joseph…
      • Of all the sons of Jacob – Judah and Joseph received the greatest blessings…
      • It is significant to note these two tribes became the greatest in Israel
      • When the kingdom divided into the Northern and Southern Kingdom…
      • The North was called Ephraim (son of Joseph) and the South Judah!
    • Is like a fruitful tree – by a well – whose branches run OVER the wall…
      • Joseph was only fruitful because of who he was connected too!
      • Psalm 1:2-3 – “Blessed is the man… his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.  He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. “
      • A branch by itself cannot bear fruit – a tree without water will not last…
      • We will not bear good works – fruit – apart from Jesus – John 15:4-5
      • We abide in Jesus – stay close – when we DELIGHT in His Word – then we are FRUITFUL!
    • Attacked by archers – but he remained strong…
      • His brothers (archers) had sought to destroy him – but God had been with him…
      • Strengthened by the Mighty God of Jacob – the Shepherd – the Stone of Israel…
      • The first time in the Bible God is called a Shepherd – first time God is called a Stone!
      • John 10:11 – “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.”
      • I Corinthians 10:4 – “That Rock was Christ.”
      • Joseph was not strong – he was founded on the Rock – God was his good shepherd!
      • Therefore the God of his fathers helped him – the Almighty blessed him…
      • Blessing from above / beneath / from his fathers – all on the head of Joseph!
      • The answer to every problem in life – is found solely in Jesus – our rock / shepherd
      • When we have troubles – we find solutions as we sand on His word – follow Him!
  • 8^th – Benjamin (son of Rachel) … vs. 27
    • The tribe of Benjamin – prowling wolf – powerful but untrustworthy / unstable…
    • The tribe of Benjamin would become a powerful warrior tribe – but dangerous…
    • So much so when some of them sinned – raped and murdered a woman – Judges 20
    • 26k Benjamites defeated 400k Israelites in battle – killing 40k men!
    • King Saul was also from Benjamin – a powerful warrior – but unstable!
  • 9^th – These are the 12 tribes of Israel… vs. 28
    • Reuben – an adulterer / Simeon and Levi – murderers…
    • Judah – betrayed Joseph and had an affair with his daughter – Tamar
    • Zebulun and Issachar – strong but lazy / Dan – who led Israel into idolatry…
    • Gad and Asher – who loved the things of this world / Naphtali…
    • Joseph – who was arrogant – you will all bow down before me…
    • And Benjamin – who was a dangerous and unstable as a wolf!
    • These are the chosen people of God – scary bunch!
    • Funny thing – God does not change – they look like the bunch Jesus choose – 12 disciples!
    • I Corinthians 1:26-28 – “God has chosen the foolish things of the world…”
    • Funnier thing – they look an awful lot like you and me…
    • That should bless us – since God knew we were foolish – He expects nothing from us…
    • He is not shocked when we make mistakes – He knows we are but dust – Psalm 103:14
    • God chose us – desires to use us – knowing full well the sinners that we are!
    • He knows we are foolish – so does the world – and when God does a work through us
    • The world marvels – and recognizes the genuine work of God in our lives!