Introduction to Genesis Chapter 49
This chapter contains a prophecy of future things, relating to the twelve sons of Jacob, and to the twelve tribes, as descending from them, and which he delivered to his sons on his death bed, having called them together for that purpose, Genesis 49:1, he begins with Reuben his firstborn, whose incest he takes notice of, on which account he should not excel, Genesis 49:3, next Simeon and Levi have a curse denounced on them for their cruelty at Shechem, Genesis 49:5, but Judah is praised, and good things prophesied of him; and particularly that Shiloh, or the Messiah, should spring from him, the time of whose coming is pointed at, Genesis 49:7, the predictions concerning Zebulun, Issachar, and Dan, follow, at the close of which Jacob expresses his longing expectation of God's salvation, Genesis 49:13 and after foretelling what should befall Gad, Asher, and Naphtali,
Genesis 49:19, a large account is given of Joseph, his troubles, his trials, and his blessings, Genesis 49:22, and Benjamin the youngest son is taken notice of last of all, all the tribes being blessed in their order according to the nature of their blessing, Genesis 49:27, and the chapter is closed with a charge of Jacob's to his sons to bury him in Canaan, which having delivered, he died, Genesis 49:29.