(1) Issachar
49:14 Issachar is a strong-boned donkey
lying down between two saddlebags.
v.14 (Mathews, K. A.)The image of “lying down” conveys a welcomed respite from the animal’s fatiguing load
49:15 When he sees a good resting place,
and the pleasant land,
he will bend his shoulder to the burden
and become a slave laborer.
v. 15 (Mathews, K. A.)The blessing implies that to remain in its fertile territory Issachar submitted to Canaanite lordship, referring to the settlement period
(NET) The oracle shows that the tribe of Issachar will be willing to trade liberty for the material things of life. Issachar would work (become a slave laborer) for the Canaanites, a reversal of the oracle on Canaan.
(2) Dan, Gad, and Joseph
49:17 May Dan be a snake beside the road,
a viper by the path,
that bites the heels of the horse
so that its rider falls backward
(NET) The comparison of the tribe of Dan to a venomous serpent is meant to say that Dan, though small, would be potent, gaining victory through its skill and shrewdness.
49:19 Gad will be raided by marauding bands,
but he will attack them at their heels
(NET) I wait for your deliverance, O LORD. As Jacob sees the conflicts that lie ahead for Dan and Gad (see v. 19), he offers a brief prayer for their security.
About Joseph,
49:23 The archers will attack him,
they will shoot at him and oppose him.
49:24 But his bow will remain steady,
and his hands will be skillful
All 3 sons would be attacked by their enemies in wars, but all 3 were blessed by Jacob to have means to defend and fight back to their enemies. How?
v.24b because of the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob,
because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel,
49:25 because of the God of your father,
who will help you,
because of the sovereign God,
who will bless you
with blessings from the sky above,
blessings from the deep that lies below,
and blessings of the breasts and womb.
(NET) Jacob envisions God imparting both agricultural (blessings from the sky above, blessings from the deep that lies below) and human fertility (blessings of the breasts and womb) to Joseph and his family.
Reflection: The blessings from God are not the immunity from enemies or troubles from lives, but the ability to fight back/defend ourselves. God is the Might One or the Champion in the war. He is also the Shepherd who cares for us and the Rock who will not be shaken. God is sovereign and therefore, He is able to bless us in all areas of our lives.
Audrey
2026
Questions:
1) v.2-7 based on what they had done in the past. Some of them are controlled by their lust, some of them are violent, and cruel.
2) Judah is the leader, and the king v.8-10. A champion in war v.11-12
3)
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