Jacob blessed the two sons of Joseph who were born before his father learned that he was still alive. He declared that each son (Ephraim and Manasseh) would receive an inheritance as one of the tribes in the promised land, meaning that Joseph (the eleventh son of Jacob, but firstborn of his beloved wife Rachel) would receive the inheritance of the firstborn, a double portion of the inheritance.

Now, Jacob calls on all twelve of his sons to visit him, so that he may prophesy concerning days to come. Each son will become a tribe (or tribes in the case of Joseph) that together form the Israelite nation. These prophesies present rebukes, curses, and blessings. The Lutheran Study Bible says, “The character of the sons would live on in the twelve tribes and determine their role in the history of salvation.” Jacob delivers this message in poetic form, which can make it tougher to interpret. So, if you didn’t quite understand it as I read it this morning, that’s okay. Don’t worry. I have needed lots of help in preparing this!

This morning, I want to focus on what Jacob says to each son. Jacob begins with the sons of Leah in their birth order. Then he prophesies concerning the sons of the maidservants. He concludes with the sons of his beloved wife, Rachel.

Jacob calls Reuben (his biological firstborn) “the firstfruits of my strength.” Rebuen was born when Jacob was a younger man in his physical prime. Yet Jacob also calls him, “unstable as water.” Water takes the path of least resistance, often with destructive results. That describes Reuben. He betrayed, dishonored, and disrespected his father. He should have held preeminence among his brothers as the firstborn, but his tribe will be insignificant. The tribe of Reuben had no judge, no prophet, no priest, and no king to play a role in ancient Israel.

Simeon and Levi sought revenge on the defilement of their sister by a Shechemite, and they took their vengeance out on the whole city through genocide. To the shock and dismay of their father, they committed mass murder using God’s gift of circumcision as the means. The line about “hamstrung oxen,” according to various sources refers to an ancient world tactic of cutting the muscles in the legs of oxen so that the animals would be unusable by enemies.

Both Simeon and Levi will be “divided and scattered” in Israel. Interestingly, the tribe of Simeon was the smallest, and they inherited land for about twelve cities smack dab in the middle of the tribe of Judah. Two things happened. Most of the tribe of Simeon was absorbed into Judah. Those who weren’t absorbed migrated into the northern kingdom when the nation split into two after Solomon’s reign.

Levi never inherited land as a tribe. Although Levi was cursed by the Lord here, they will be later blessed by the Lord for their faithfulness and zeal following the golden calf debacle. So, they become the priestly tribe. They were given cities throughout the tribes of Israel.

In verse 13, Jacob declares that Zebulun “shall dwell at the shore of the sea; he shall become a haven for ships, and his border shall be at (or it can be translated toward) Sidon.” This passage seems to indicate that Zebulun’s tribe will inherit land along the Mediterranean coast. However, their inheritance was landlocked between the coast and the Sea of Galilee, in the northern part of Israel toward Sidon. Because this is poetry, the language isn’t necessarily precise, so Jacob may not be referring to geography, but to the way Mediterranean trade will positively impact the tribe of Zebulun.

Apparently, Issachar was a lazier son. He didn’t have much ambition. He just wanted to rest and relax. The same will apply to the tribe of Issachar in general. They won’t reach their full potential. Instead, they will be forced into work.

The prophesy concerning Dan is so fascinating. “Dan shall judge his people.” Dan shall be “a serpent” and “a viper” along the roadway. One of the most famous judges in Israel (a judge who pictures Jesus in his sacrificial death to save the Israelites from oppression) will come from the tribe of Dan. Samson (known for the superhuman strength given him from God) was a valiant and cunning opponent of the Philistines (a people group that sought to dominate Israel).

As Jacob relays prophetically how the twelve tribes will play a role together as a nation in the salvation history of the world, he takes a moment to praise and adore God. “I wait for your salvation, O Lord.” We are nearing the season of Advent. One of the themes is waiting for the salvation of God. God’s ancient people waited a long time for Jesus to come. And the people of God ever since Jesus’ ascension have been waiting a long time for His return and final deliverance into paradise.

The tribe of Gad inherited land along the border of the nation. This means that they will be among the first to be invaded by large nations. Also, people from the border-lands will periodically raid the tribe of Gad. However, the tribe wasn’t poor and helpless, they would do their fair share of raiding those enemies.

Asher will inherit land in one of the more fertile areas of the land of Canaan. Therefore, they will experience prosperity and surplus food production more so than many of the other tribes. They will feast like royalty.

Ironic for hunting season, but picture a doe that has been confined in some way, but as it’s set free, it leaps away with such graceful strides. It’s a beauty to watch. This is how the tribe of Naphtali is described. Different interpretations abound. Some suggest Naphtali will enjoy freedom and bear good fruit among all the tribes. Others suggest that they will be swift in battle. The interpretation that makes the most sense to me so far, is that the word translated “fawns” could also be translated “words”, so that Naphtali produces “beautiful words.” Another famous Israelite judge named Deborah came from Naphtali, and she sang a beautiful song after God granted the Israelites victory.

The prophecy concerning Joseph and his tribes (which would be the tribes of his sons Ephraim and Manasseh) is one of the longer prophecies. Joseph (unsurprisingly) is distinguished from his brothers for many blessings. They will experience bountiful agriculture. God will grant them large families. Important Israelite leaders will emerge from Joseph’s descendants.

Joseph’s brothers “bitterly attacked him, shot at him, and harassed him severely” in their jealousy, “yet his bow remained unmoved.” Though he was sold by them into slavery, he was made a leader in Egypt. The descendants of his son, Ephraim, will be leaders among Israel. Moses’ successor Joshua, the judge Gideon, and King Jeroboam are well-known Israelite men from Ephraim. Ephraim and the tribe of Judah became rivals in leadership among the Israelites.

As Benjamin is the youngest son of Jacob, so the tribe of Benjamin will be considered among the least. However, being situated between the large prominent tribes of Ephraim and Judah, they will be known for their tenacity, as they will hold their own. The first king of Israel, Saul, was from Benjamin. Except for Goliath, Saul wasn’t afraid of battle. The great apostle Paul, who came from the tribe of Benjamin, was known for his zealous persecution of the Church as a Pharisee. Then, following his conversion, he zealously preached “Christ crucified.”

I skipped over one son and one tribe: Judah. The prophecy concerning Judah is so great and so important that I’ll read it again.

“Judah, your brothers shall praise you; your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; your father’s sons shall bow down before you. Judah is a lion’s cub; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He stooped down; he crouched as a lion and as a lioness; who dares rouse him? The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples. Binding his foal to the vine and his donkey’s colt to the choice vine, he has washed his garments in wine and his vesture in the blood of grapes. His eyes are darker than wine, and his teeth whiter than milk.”

Judah shall be praised by the other tribes. Judah shall place his hand on his enemies’ necks, meaning he’ll pin them down. The rest of the family will bow before Judah. Judah is going to be powerful. Judah’s enemies are going to be put under his feet. Judah will be praised and worshiped by His brothers. Judah shall rule over Israel and they shall listen to his voice. The great and powerful King David is in the loins of Judah, which means that the “King of kings” and “Lord of lords” shall come from the tribe of Judah. Jesus (son of David, son of Judah) reigns unto eternity as Lord of heaven and earth.

The first portion of this prophecy relates to Judah’s victory in war. David is well-known as the warrior king. Yet, David also prophesied, “The Lord (God the Father) said to my Lord (God the Son), sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.” David’s renown as a warrior is nothing compared to Christ Jesus who slays sin, death, hell, and the devil for us. Jesus is “the Lion of the tribe of Judah.”

In the book series, the Chronicles of Narnia, the Lion named Aslan pictures Jesus. Called “untamed,” the children ask if He’s safe. “Safe!” comes the reply. “Safe! No He’s not safe! But He’s good.” That’s a good picture of Jesus. Don’t mess with Him. He’ll call you a whitewashed tomb. He’ll flip over tables. He’ll lament that He has to put up with you when He needs to. He’s the Judge. But… He also extends grace and mercy to you. He leads and guides you as your Good Shepherd. He lays down His life so that you may have forgiveness of sins, new and abundant life, and eternal salvation in His name.

Jacob’s prophecy concerning Judah and Christ Jesus then delves into the peace that Jesus gives. The phrase “until tribute comes to him” can also be translated “until Shiloh comes.” This would make verse 10 say, “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.” Shiloh means “peace” or “rest.” That translation makes the most sense to me. It foretells of the coming of Jesus. Jesus is our peace. Jesus is our rest. The Lord says, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you.” The Lord says, “Come to me, everyone who is weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.”

The line about the donkey and the vine is said to concern the peace and prosperity of the kingdom of Christ. The fact that He has “washed his garments in wine and his vesture in the blood of grapes” refers to the abundance of His kingdom. Isaiah speaks of the heavenly banquet involving the best and richest foods and wines beyond imagination. The tribe of Judah will see much peace and prosperity in the midst of warfare, which provides only a little glimpse into the kingdom and salvation of our Lord—and the peace He gives. Amen.