Day 29: Genesis 48-50

As Genesis comes to a close, we see Jacob blessing Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Jacob adopts them as his own, and now they will receive the inheritance alongside his 12 sons. As he blesses them, he intentionally crosses his hands to give Ephraim, the youngest, the blessing of the firstborn. This isn’t the first time this has happened in this family line. The firstborn blessing going to the youngest also happened to Jacob and Esau, and to Perez and Hezron.

In chapter 49, Jacob blesses his sons and prophesies over each one of them. Reuben, the oldest, is disqualified from leading the messianic line because he slept with Jacob’s concubine (Gen 35:22). Simeon and Levi are also disqualified because they are men of violence and they killed the men of Shechem in their anger (Gen 34:24-29). 

The fourth son in line is Judah, and he is the one God has chosen to lead the messianic line despite his past failures. Judah is the one who fathers the line of kings leading to Christ. Remember, we witnessed the changing of Judah’s heart and his character transformation in Genesis 44. He was being prepared for this. In Jacob’s prophecy, Judah is described as a lion. Hence, the Lion of (the tribe of) Judah, a name we use to refer to Jesus according to Revelation 5:5. The end of the prophecy in verses 8-13, regarding Judah, sounds like a description of Jesus as well. Some scholars believe that it is a messianic prophecy.

Jacob blesses the rest of the sons, sharing information about each one’s tribe. Joseph is blessed, and it’s stated that he will be fruitful and successful to bless others. He is the most prosperous of all the 12 tribes of Israel.

Another fun fact is that King Saul and Apostle Paul came from Benjamin’s tribe.

Jacob dies at 147 years old and requests to be buried with Leah in the land of his fathers. In this way, he finally honors her. Remember, Jacob and Leah had Judah, the one to carry on the messianic line. I think the decision, in part, has something to do with this fact.

We conclude Genesis with chapter 50. Joseph mourns Jacob’s death for 70 days, and the nation of Egypt joins him. The Egyptians respected Jacob. Joseph had his father embalmed like Egyptian royalty, and he took his body back to Canaan as he swore he would.

After Jacob’s death, Joseph’s brothers were afraid that Joseph’s kindness was a charade. They thought he might turn on them and mistreat them now that their father is gone. In their fear, they lie and tell Joseph that before his death, Jacob sent a message for him to forgive his brothers. However, Joseph had already forgiven his brothers. He acknowledges that everything was part of God’s plan. What his brothers meant for evil, God used for good, to save many people. The way Joseph handled his past and what happened to him is quite profound and commendable! What a reminder that vengeance belongs to God. You’re only hurting yourself when you choose not to forgive someone. 

Joseph dies and is embalmed. Before he died, he requested that his bones be taken back to the land of his father. So, he was placed in a coffin, and his bones eventually were carried to the Promised Land with the Israelites on their journey (Exodus 13:19 and Joshua 24:32)

This is a grace-filled space—come as you are. If you’d like, comment below to share what stood out to you; your words may bless another sister. You can also connect with us in our GroupMe Bible Study chat (link in your email).

Resources Used:

ESV Single Column Journaling Bible (Original, Black): Holy Bible, English Standard Version

The Tony Evans Bible Commentary: Advancing God's Kingdom Agenda

The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible

Bible Hub: https://biblehub.com/

Crayola Silly Scents Twistables Colored Pencils, 12 count

BIC Xtra Strong Mechanical Pencils with Erasers, Thick Point (0.9mm), 24-Count

Mr. Pen- Sticky Index Tabs, 480 Pcs, Colorful Sticky Tabs for Notebooks

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase. This supports the ministry!

Note: I'm sharing my personal study notes, which means they may contain doctrinal or technical errors. Extend grace as we learn together, and be sure to study the Word for yourself.

By: LaRissa J

toddlermomdiaries.com