Genesis 49:1-27 ESV

The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - Genesis 49:13-18

The Blessing upon Zebulun, Issachar, and Dan v. 13. Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for an haven of ships; and his border shall be unto Zidon. The country later inhabited by the tribe of Zebulun fronted on two seas, on the Sea of Galilee in the east and on the Mediterranean in the west. Its northwestern boundary was to extend to Phenicia. Although the actual physical boundaries of Zebulun afterward did not include all this country, its influence extended to both... read more

Paul E. Kretzmann

The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - Genesis 49:19-28

The Prophecy upon Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Joseph, and Benjamin v. 19. Gad, a troop shall overcome him; but he shall overcome at the last. The picture is that of a person crowded by malicious hordes, who nevertheless manages not only to hold his own, but even to turn upon the masses and drive them away. The tribe of Gad, living on the eastern side of the Jordan, was harassed more or less by the desert hordes, but managed to hold its own very successfully, 1 Chronicles 5:18; 1 Chronicles 12:8-Ezra... read more

Johann Peter Lange

Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Critical, Doctrinal and Homiletical - Genesis 49:1-33

TENTH SECTIONJacob’s blessing of his sons. Judah and his brethren. Jacob’s last arrangements. His burial in Canaan. His death. Genesis 49:1-331And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days. 2Gather yourselves together, and 3hear, ye sons of Jacob; and hearken unto Israel your father. Reuben, thou art my first-born, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of... read more

Alexander MacLaren

Alexander MacLaren's Expositions of Holy Scripture - Genesis 49:23

Genesis ‘THE HANDS OF THE MIGHTY GOD OF JACOB’ Gen_49:23 - Gen_49:24 . These picturesque words are part of what purports to be one of the oldest pieces of poetry in the Bible-the dying Jacob’s prophetic blessing on his sons. Of these sons there are two over whom his heart seems especially to pour itself-Judah the ancestor of the royal tribe, and Joseph. The future fortunes of their descendants are painted in most glowing colours. And of these two, the blessing on the ‘son who was dead and is... read more

Alexander MacLaren

Alexander MacLaren's Expositions of Holy Scripture - Genesis 49:24

Genesis ‘ THE HANDS OF THE MIGHTY GOD OF JACOB’ THE SHEPHERD, THE STONE OF ISRAEL Gen_49:24 . A slight alteration in the rendering will probably bring out the meaning of these words more correctly. The last two clauses should perhaps not be read as a separate sentence. Striking out the supplement ‘is,’ and letting the previous sentence run on to the end of the verse, we get a series of names of God, in apposition with each other, as the sources of the strength promised to the arms of the... read more

Frederick Brotherton Meyer

F.B. Meyer's 'Through the Bible' Commentary - Genesis 49:1-13

Jacob Foretells the Future of His Sons Genesis 49:1-13 Once more Joseph visited his father’s dying-bed. This was the third time and the last. He stood as one of twelve strong bearded men, gathered around the aged form, whose face was shadowed by death, but aglow with the light of prophecy. How intense their silent awe as they heard their names called one by one, by the old man’s trembling voice, speaking with difficulty! The character of each was delineated with unerring insight: the... read more

Frederick Brotherton Meyer

F.B. Meyer's 'Through the Bible' Commentary - Genesis 49:13-27

Joseph Specially Blessed Genesis 49:13-27 The position of Zebulun and the following tribes in the land of promise is accurately foretold. Compare the allotments of Joshua 18:1-28 . Notice the exclamation of the dying man in Genesis 49:18 . Such a spirit of waiting cannot be disappointed. See Isaiah 26:8-9 . Joseph’s blessing is pre-eminently beautiful: Fruitful! This is mentioned twice, reminding us of John 15:8 . But fruitfulness is only possible where there is the wall for separation,... read more

G. Campbell Morgan

G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible - Genesis 49:1-33

Before his passing, Jacob, in forecasting the future of his sons, based what he had to say on what he had already seen in them. In some cases the allusions are difficult to follow, and the connection is not easy to see. In others both are unmistakable. Speaking of Reuben, Jacob declared that pre-eminence of privilege does lot necessarily issue in pre-eminence of position. Of Simeon and Levi he declared that cruelty of character ever issues in division and scattering. In Judah he saw the... read more

James Nisbet

James Nisbet's Church Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 49:18

WAITING FOR GOD’S SALVATION‘I have waited for thy salvation, O Lord.’ Genesis 49:18 These words are a parenthesis in Jacob’s long blessing of his sons. The old man seemed to have been exhausted with the thoughts and visions which passed over his mind in such quick succession. He paused to take a spiritual inspiration: ‘I have waited for Thy salvation, O Lord.’ I. Such chapters of life, such seasons of suspense, such exercises of the quiet confidences of the soul, are to be found in every... read more

Peter Pett

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 49:1

Jacob’s Deathbed Blessing on His Sons (49:1-28). Genesis 49:1 ‘And Jacob called to his sons and said, “Gather yourselves together that I may tell you what will befall you in later days.” This is, and is stated to be, not so much a blessing as a series of prophecies. But that does not diminish its effectiveness. The dying words of a man were considered to have powerful effect on the future, and Jacob knew that God was with him (Genesis 48:20). Yet at the end they are called a blessing, for such... read more