Genesis 48 & 49
Jacob (Israel) is blessing his children before he dies.
In 48:5 he claims Joseph's two sons as his own, thus ensuring that Joseph would receive double the land inheritance of his brothers. And he also places the younger Ephraim over the elder Manasseh, deliberately crossing his arms to do so (vs. 13-20).
Then in Chapter 49 he gives the Patriarchal Blessing to his 12 sons. This is very interesting, as these are prophesies that will play out in the lives of these men and their families through many generations.
Reuben was first-born, but forfeited his position when he fornicated with Bilhah (see 35:22). And Jacob saw that he was unstable (vs. 3-4).
Simeon and Levi are the next two sons, but their temper and cruelty to people and animals disqualified them for the birthright (vs. 5-7).
So it fell to Judah, to be the progenitor of our Savior and Redeemer (vs. 8-12).
After he pronounced all the blessings, Jacob asked that they not bury him in Egypt, but carry his body to Canaan to the cemetery field and cave that Abraham bought from the children of Heth, and bury him there. He knew that God would bring them back to the land He promised them. Then he died (vs. 29-33).
Jacob, who became Israel, is the final Patriarch who would prophetically pronounce the future to his sons. God is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Joseph lived the rest of his life in Egypt, as an Egyptian, and also with his first family, the Hebrews (Habiru, in the archaeological records). So he really did have it all: Not only was he prosperous and respected, he also had his extended family with him; God gave him much more than he ever would have thought.
And God is still the same today as He was then; He still loves His own, He cares for His own, and when we live our lives with the mind-set of God's attitude toward us--loving one another, forgiving one another, and seeking God in all our life paths--then He will bless us with all the Earthly and Heavenly blessings we can stand, out of His riches in glory.
O my Father, just as Joseph went through so much adversity, but never gave up on You, so teach me to have that same mind-set, to think Your thoughts, adopt Your attitudes, and walk in Your ways, every day of my life. Whether I am enjoying life at the moment or walking through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I know that You are with me, just as You were with Joseph, and if I persevere like he did, then I know that I will also prosper and be blessed by You in all the Earthly and Heavenly ways I can stand, beyond everything I can ask for, or hope, or dream, or imagine.
And You will receive all the glory, for that is Your plan that You are working out in me, in us.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
