Genesis Chapters 48 & 49
A Picture of Our Inheritance:
Jesus the Lamb of God
For a
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For previous lessons on Genesis or previous Bible studies, please visit our archives: http://www.twosmallfish.org/Archives/index.html
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, at times it I attempt to move Your hand because I don’t understand Your methods of blessings. But You are patient with my outbursts and continue to prove Yourself to me. I am grateful for Your mercy as You teach me Your ways. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Introduction:
Years ago, my mother had promised certain “treasures” to family members. To assure everyone knew her wishes and to avoid any disputes over the items, she taped names on the bottoms of most of her personal belongings.
Having more sentimental than monetary value, these trinkets will someday serve all the recipients as a special remembrance of my mother. Although we joke about her method of dispersing the “treasures,” my siblings and I are thankful she has made her desires known to all of us years before she leaves this world.
The prospect of gaining family heirlooms and wealth through inheritance often breaks down otherwise sensible thought processes. When it comes to sorting through the belongings of a deceased loved one, an “untamed beast” seems to emerge out of the deeps of many souls. No matter how equally an estate is divided, even in the best of Christian families, squabbles arise, anger assails, and relationships shatter.
The Lesson
When it came to inheritance, Jacob was keenly aware of what could happen to family relationships. The “untamed beast” within him conned his twin brother, Esau, out of his birthright. And later, Jacob deceived their father to gain the family inheritance, which traditionally should have gone to Esau (Genesis 27). Many years and much heartache had past before the wounds of greed were healed.
In chapter 48, Jacob is at the end of his life on earth and must now pass on the inheritance to his sons. But first, he summons Joseph to bless the offspring of his favored son.
As he bowed before his father, Joseph presented his sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, positioning them so that Jacob would place his right hand on the older boy, Manasseh’s head and his left hand on Ephraim’s head. But Jacob crossed his arms placing the left hand on Manasseh’s head thus giving the greater blessing to Ephraim. This action displeased Joseph. He attempted to correct his father, but the elderly man persisted in full knowledge of what he intended to do.
This seems to mirror Jesus’ words—But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first (Matthew 19:30). Our position in this life makes no difference to the LORD. Like Jacob, Jesus determines who will be first in His kingdom by His own standards.
Jacob chose Joseph’s sons adopting them into the family unit as his own sons to share the portion of inheritance that would be denied Levi’s descendents.
Although we must make the decision to accept the invitation, God has chosen us to become His children—According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will (Ephesians 1:4-5).
Chapter 49—After blessing Manasseh and Ephraim, Jacob focused on his own sons. Like Jesus, Reuben was the first born of his father representing his father’s might and strength and excelling in honor and power. However, the resemblance ends there and the picture of Israel the nation begins. As Reuben committed adultery with one of his father’s wives, the nation Israel, chosen by God and considered His wife, committed adultery by worshipping pagan gods (see Hosea and Revelation). Christians are not exempt. Through the practice of yoga and other forms of pagan worship, some accuse God of insufficient communication and a lack of intimacy, thereby, committing spiritual adultery. Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them [pagan nations] . . . and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods: even so will I do likewise. Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods. . . What thing soever I command you, observe to do: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish form it (Deuteronomy 12:30-32).
Simeon and Levi represent the rebellious people who refuse to live peaceably among their neighbors. These brothers were violent, deceitful, fierce, cruel, and therefore, cursed and scattered among their brethren. Nevertheless, Levi’s descendents became the priestly tribe but received no land of their own. People controlled by anger ultimately resort to violence and will not receive eternal life without a total change brought about by the indwelling Holy Spirit. And He only comes through complete submission to Jesus Christ. Even though forgiveness is promised and with it eternal life, God does not promise to immobilize the consequences of our sins on this earth. Nor does He forego the hardships our actions may ripple down to future generations.
Jacob foresaw his sons praising and bowing before Judah as their king. Like a lion, Judah’s descendents would overpower their enemies and would reign as kings until the King of kings came to rule all nations. Jesus came from the tribe of Judah (Matthew 1:1-17 lists the genealogy of Joseph, Jesus’ “stepfather.” And so that there would be no question of Jesus’ bloodline, the Holy Spirit prompted Luke to record Mary’s genealogy. See chapter 3:23-38.) In Revelation 5:5, John quotes one of the elders: And one of the elders saith unto me, weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. John saw a vision of Jesus coming on a white horse (Revelation 19:11-16). And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS (verse 16). Within Johns’ vision, he mentions that Jesus is wearing many crowns indicating His victory over all nations. It was the custom in those days for the conquering king to wear the crown of his defeated foe.
Jacob also foresaw the Messiah riding a young donkey. Isaiah also prophesied about the King coming on the foal of a donkey (Isaiah 62:11). Matthew records the fulfillment of the prophesy: And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them, And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon (21:6-7). Jacob saw the coming King cloaked in garments stained with the blood of grapes and His eyes were as red as wine. Again in Revelation chapter 19, John’s previously mentioned vision describes Jesus: His eyes were as a flame of fire (v. 12a) And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood (v. 13a) and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and the wrath of Almighty God (v. 15b).
Zebulun is the haven of rest that borders Zion-- a port of restoration. Isaiah said, But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt (57:20). Comparing sinners to the restless sea illustrates our inability to live calm lives. The filth of sin will always accompany us and the whirlwind of stress always lurks on the horizon waiting to create havoc. But as the ships that docked at the safe-haven ports developed by the tribes of Zebulun, we have a place of refuge in Jesus Christ. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls (Matthew 11:28-29).
Issachar worked with great strength, willingly submitting himself to become the servant of his brothers. Jesus also humbled Himself to become the servant of all humanity. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:5-8). Like Christ, we, too, must humble ourselves to be servants. First, we must choose spiritually who or what we will serve. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness (Romans 6:16)? If we choose to be the servants of righteousness, we become the property of Christ and His slave. For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant (1 Corinthians 7:22). And as a servant of Christ we are called to serve Him by serving others. And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many (Matthew 20:27-28).
Through Dan, Jacob predicted the judgment of his people. His judgment would be harsh as a snake bite causing the rider to fall backward. The picture of Jesus as judge of the world sending the wicked to eternal hell surely causes many unbelievers to fall backward. Nevertheless, who would not be outraged to learn that an earthly judge set a known serial-killer free or sentenced a known pedophile to civic service at a children’s daycare facility? We demand justice in our land, yet condemn the Supreme Judge for rendering perfect justice.
Jacob foresaw a troop that would overpower Gad, but in the end, Gad would overcome and see victory. We can see the correlation here with Jesus. While our LORD hung on the cross, Satan appeared to have overpowered Him. But death could not keep its prey. Jesus rose again and defeated the enemy for good. We, too, shall be victorious at last.
Asher’s was the promise of prosperity. Bread, in Biblical times, was the main staple of life. And Asher’s was to be fat. Plus, he would yield royal dainties--delicacies or pastries. In essence, Asher would inherit life and the abundance of its sweetness. This, too, is a picture of our LORD. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst (John 6:35). In Christ is life for He is life and in Him is the sweetness of the abundant life.
In Jacob’s eyes, Joseph was the main branch of the family tree. Although the enemy fought diligently to destroy him, Joseph stood strong and by the power of Almighty God, overcame every obstacle the opposing force threw at him. Because of all Joseph’s trials and triumphs, scholars have unanimously agreed that he is the most extraordinarily clear Old Testament picture of Jesus Christ. We can learn much about our LORD through a thorough study of Joseph.
Benjamin, the youngest of Jacob’s 12 sons, was compared to a ravenous wolf tearing his prey to pieces in the morning and in the evening, dividing the spoils. Not a picture of Jesus we’re accustomed to seeing or even desire to view. Nonetheless, one we must take a serious look at. As a gentle lamb, Jesus walked the earth during His first advent. But when he comes again, He’ll be suited for battle and be prepared to take vengeance on His enemies. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS (Revelation 19:15).
NOTE: Joseph came first to show us the meekness and overcoming power of Jesus Christ. Then, Benjamin depicts the second coming of Christ in His vengeance and glory always and forever bringing honor to the Father.
Conclusion and Challenge
As I studied the inheritance of each of Jacob’s sons, I realized that their blessings were based on their personalities and characteristics. Likewise, when we come into our heavenly inheritance, it will complement our personalities and characteristics.
While enduring this pilgrimage, we are servants to the Living God and to those He places in our path. In Galatians chapter 4, Paul links this earthly existence to the custom of child rearing in that era. Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father (vs. 1-2). Although members of a royal family, children were placed in the care of the servants and expected to serve the household until they came of age. At the moment of adulthood, the royal children were taken into the palace and lived the lives of kings and queens. What an explicit picture of our eternal heritage!
Paul had no problem repeating his most important points in letters to the churches that he encouraged. To the Roman church, he wrote: For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together (chapter 8 vs. 14-17)
In a society that demands we take care of “number one,” we need to heed the Master’s call to servant-hood, looking forward to our heritage with Christ. In doing so, we will indeed be taking care of the true “Number One.”
Prayer Requests:
Abigail, Derek, Mike, Frosteen, Mayson, Phil and Kathy, Clayton and family, Dodie, Adrian, Hans and Erin, those who recently lost their jobs and are seeking employment, children with cancer, Melinda & Barry and family, Ryan, Nick and Rachel, Tammy, children with birth defects and their families, our Bible Study, special unspoken needs, and remember me, Brenda Hendricks.
Praise Report:
The LORD graciously met Tammy’s needs this week. He knows what is best for us and gives us far more than we can ask for or imagine.
When fretting because my prayers seemed to go no further than the ceiling, I received this answer from my Father:
"There's no need for your prayers to go any further than your tearstained pillow. I am here with you. I don't expect you to ascend to me any more than a father expects his infant to jump into his arms. I have loved you with an everlasting love and with loving kindness I have drawn you (Jeremiah 33:3 paraphrased by me).”
WOO HOO!! God is so good—always, all ways.
We are looking forward to your praise reports. Please keep us informed so we can share the wonderful grace of Jesus.
Our Next Bible Study
In preparation, read Genesis Chapter 50
To read previous lessons on Genesis or previous Bible studies,
please visit our archives:
http://www.twosmallfish.org/Archives/index.html
Invitation:
Although we have not chosen to be, we are all born into sin because of the fall of man. It sounds hopeless and unfair. But in His infinite wisdom and abundant love, God has provided a choice for us. We can choose to repent of our sinful nature and believe in Jesus Christ. He is faithful and will cleanse us from sin and give us His Holy Spirit to equip us to live for Him. If you’ve made your choice to repent and believe in Jesus, we’d like to hear about it.
If you are free in Christ Jesus, pray for those who remain captive. And tell others, Christians as well as non-believers, what Jesus has done for you. Your testimony will benefit them and help you to strengthen your confidence in Christ’s work in your life and in the future.
If you’d like to participate in our Bible Study, please contact us with your comments, questions, and prayer requests or at twosmallfish@verizon.net . Be sure to mention today’s Bible study in the subject line to get my attention.
A special reminder: to find out what other readers have to say check out the comment page.
May God grant you safety, reassurance of His love, and the revelation of Jesus Christ,
Brenda Hendricks.