INTRODUCTION: Jacob, as a prophet, gathers his sons to speak of their future as tribes of Israel. The depth and beauty of his words reveal the spirituality of the patriarch. Remember that some of these prophecies have fulfillments of future importance. These tribes still exist within the Jewish nation and are known to God, although most of the records have been lost to man [Matthew 19:28].

I. PRICIPLES TO REMEMBER - verses 1-2.
A. As we live and die our main concern should be the spiritual condition of our children and descendants. Our words and actions should reflect a concern for their eternal well-being [II Peter 1:13-15; Psalm 71:18]. Many Bible characters gave speeches to those who would survive [Deuteronomy 33; Joshua 24].

B. Our lives affect our descendants. While Jacob was given prophetic ability to know the future, this did not preclude him from also making observations regarding their character. Often the character of the sons affected the tribe that descended from them.

C. Prophecy has the practical value of helping God's people through dark days. It would be a long time until Israel came into Canaan and even longer until Messiah came. These prophesies gave hope during their long wait. Unfulfilled prophecy is still the comfort of God's people [I Thessalonians 4:13-18].

II. THE SONS OF LEAH - verses 3-15.
A. Reuben - verse 3-4.
Sin can remove people from places of leadership in God's kingdom. Reuben's lost honor as firstborn was mentioned to remind us of how sin can blight our lives [I Chronicles 5:1]. Reuben's incest revealed the unstable element of his character. The tribe of Reuben never produced a great leader and became an unimportant people in Israel.

B. Simeon and Levi - verses 5-6.
Simeon and Levi were guilty of violence and of total disregard of Jacob's authority as a father [Genesis 34:25-31]. They were brethren or men of like character. Jacob disclaimed all complicity with their actions. No doubt these strong rebukes were intended to humble the pair.

Both tribes were scattered when Israel inherited Canaan. Simeon's land was scattered throughout Judah's inheritance [Joshua 19:1-9]. Levi of course became the priestly tribe and was given cities distributed throughout Israel [Joshua 21]. In this case the punishment was turned into a blessing.

C. Judah - verses 8-10.
One can sense the joy Jacob felt in considering Judah. Let us so live as to bring joy to our parents [Proverbs 10:1]. Judah and Joseph have the two most extensive prophesies.

1. Verse 8 states that Judah as a tribe will hold a position of leadership. Judah by his wise behavior in the latter part of his life gained this over Reuben who lost it by his sin.

2. Verse 9 explains that Judah like a lion will become a mighty tribe.

3. Verses 11-12 reveal that the coming of Messiah would bring a new day of prosperity. Vines would become so common that one might tie an animal to one with no concern for its being broken and not producing fruit. The winepress will be so full that not just the feet, but the clothes of those who tread will be stained. The people will be in good health through abundance of food.

Often in the Old Testament the two Advents of Christ are not separated. These words picture the spiritual prosperity brought by Christ's coming as well as the material prosperity to come at His second Advent.

D. Zebulon - verse 13.
Zebulon would be a tribe enriched by maritime trade.

E. Issachar - verse 14-15.
Issachar would be a strong and prosperous tribe, but not over-zealous of freedom. They would even serve or pay tribute to other nations as long as they enjoyed worldly prosperity.

III. THE SONS OF THE HANDMAIDS - verses 16-21.
A. Dan - verses 16-17.
Dan means judge. This tribe would be a clever enemy who could overthrow a larger adversary as a serpent striking a horse. Samson was of the tribe of Dan. (Some ancient writers believed that the Antichrist would come from Dan. This was because the tribe was not mentioned in Revelation 7:4-8. They also believed this was the reason for Jacob's outburst in verse 18. All of this is mere theory.)

B. Jacob's Outburst Of Praise - verse 18.
Jacob had spoken of Judah's leadership, Issachar's strength, and Dan's craft. Here he reminds all that not these things, but Almighty God is his strength.

C. Gad - verse 19.
Gad as a tribe would be exposed to marauding bands but would fight and overcome. Their territory would be open to attack from enemies because of its location.

D. Asher - verse 20.
Asher would be a productive tribe producing food fit for a king.

E. Naphtali - verse 21.
These freedom-loving highlanders would remind one of a deer. They would also be an eloquent people. Think of the song of Deborah and Barak [Judges 4:6 and 5:1-31].

IV. THE SONS OF RACHEL - verses 22-27.
A. Joseph - verses 22-26.
Joseph is given a large and wonderful prophecy. In verses 22-23, we are given a picture of his youth and persecution. Verse 24 explains that he was upheld by God the Shepherd and Rock of Israel. Verses 25-26 explain how God abundantly blessed Joseph. Five times the word blessing was used to describe the Lord's treatment of Joseph. Both of Joseph's sons became tribes. There may be a reference in verse 26 to the fact that all of Jacob's sons became tribes. Jacob was the only one of the three patriarchs who did not have a son pruned from God's program for Israel.

B. Benjamin - verse 27.
Benjamin like a wolf was a fierce and successful opponent. We think of men like Mordecai and Ehud. The Old Testament mentions several times the skill of soldiers from this tribe. We also think of the Apostle Paul who was a warrior for the Gospel [Philippians 3:5].

V. JACOB'S DEATH - verses 28-33.
Jacob must die, but he died in faith. His request for burial in Canaan revealed his faith in God's future promise keeping. He wished to be buried where the tribes of Israel would one day live and rule.

Two things about death are to be noted here:
A. Death gathers our soul to be with our people. Who are your people?

B. Burial is emphasized because the body will one day be resurrected. Christians know that God has a future plan for the body [Philippians 3:21].

CONCLUSION: Are you ready to die? Have you tried to pre- pare your family for their own eternal future? Note Proverbs 14:32.

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