Genesis 49, Deuteronomy 33
In the remarkable prophecy here uttered (Gen. 49), the dying patriarch and the last of the pilgrim fathers of Israel presents the great moral features of Israel’s history, from the rise in Egypt as a nation till her establishment in millennial glory, under the peaceful and righteous sway of the Messiah. “And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days.” For the professing church, “the last days” have already set in (2 Tim. 3), and very soon they will arrive for Israel. The figures here used are full of meaning, forcibly presented, and easily read.
Reuben, see a Son
(Gen. 49:3-4).
Reuben sets forth the nation as in Exodus 4:22, “Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my Son, even my first-born.” In the Scriptures, “Son” is the expression of dignity, as in Psalm 89:27, and this place Israel ought to have occupied amongst the nations — ”the head, and not the tail”; but weakness and utter departure from God characterized that highly-favoured people, and for her sins the crown was plucked from her brow, and the regal power transferred to the Gentile (Dan. 2); henceforth she became the “tail,” and not as she was set to be, the “head,” amongst the peoples of the earth. By-and-bye, however, her sad condition will be reversed, the days of her captivity and mourning will be ended. Judah will acknowledge her offence and national iniquity, and return to the Lord. Then Zion shall become a “praise in all the earth,” served by nations and kingdoms; the Gentiles shall flock to her light, and kings to the brightness of her rising (Isa. 60).
Corruption of the truth, or idolatry, was the special feature of Israel’s early history. Abram, their great and justly celebrated progenitor, was an idolater in the land of Mesopotamia when called out by the God of glory (Josh. 24:2); and the people whose chief boast it was that they had Abram to their father (John 8:33,39,53), were not a whit behind: for in Egypt, before their redemption, they had actually forgotten the name of their father’s God (Ex. 3:13); and even after their deliverance they carried out with them the gods of the country, Moloch and Remphan (Acts 7:43). The “golden calf” too is a standing witness of the love of priest (Aaron) and people for that terrible sin (Ex. 32; Acts 7:40-41). The wonders of Jehovah in Egypt and at the Red Sea; Divine grace and favour in the terrible wilderness; the majesty of God at Sinai; glory filling the land under Solomon; and the historical associations of Bethel, were actually used as occasions and places by the people for indulgence in their national iniquity. For this, God rent the kingdom in two; and for this he sent Israel to Assyria and Judah to Babylon.
Reuben, the first-born, to whom therefore pertained “a double portion,” besides certain other privileges (Deut. 21:17), was disinherited because of special sin (1 Chron. 5:1), and royalty conferred upon Judah (1 Chron. 5:1-2), and priesthood upon Levi (Exodus 32:26). How true it is that nature cannot maintain itself in the place of blessing. Every human vessel has leaked and let out the blessing; but what God does, He does perfectly and forever. If grace conferred priesthood upon Levi, it is an everlasting one; and if royalty is transferred to Judah, it too is everlasting.
Simeon and Levi
(Gen. 49:5-7).
Here we have other sad phases of Israel’s condition — the union of people (Simeon) and priest (Levi) in cruelty and violence. The craftily planned and cruelly executed murder of the Shechemites (Gen. 34), figures in certain respects that awful scene when priestly craft and human violence compassed the destruction of the blessed Son of God. “The chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus” (Matt. 27:20). Priests and people were united in that terrible cry, “Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas” (Luke 23:13,18). In Zech. 12:10-14, we have a vivid picture of Israel’s national repentance. The king and the prophet, the priest and the people, are fully represented. David the king and Nathan, the prophet — the reproved and the reprover (2 Sam. 12) — are mourners in common. Levi, the priest and Shimei (or Simeon), the people — brethren united in cruelty — are weeping together, and all look upon Him whom they pierced.
Again we learn the solemn and deeply humbling lesson, that every union (Levi means joined or united) short of what God has formed, will be broken up — ”though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished” (Prov. 11:21). The prediction has been strikingly verified, “I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel.” Simeon and Levi were punished (and are so still) with a perpetual dispersion among their brethren; they were not only separated as tribes, but Simeon, the least of the tribes who entered Canaan, was incorporated in the tribe and inheritance of Judah (Josh. 19:1-9). The Hebrews were accustomed to regard almost all scribes and schoolmasters as Simeonites. Levi, on the other hand, the least of the tribes who left Egypt (Num. 3:39) were scattered throughout all Israel. Joshua, in dividing the land, “gave none inheritance” to Levi (Josh. 13:14), but set apart for them forty-eight cities, with their suburbs, throughout the country (Josh. 21). Thus the dispersion of this tribe amongst all Israel, although the direct fruit of their own sin, was yet used of God to the blessing and profit of His people, as, thus scattered, they became the religious instructors of the people, and judges in their civil causes and matters. Hence piety and righteousness were in a measure, and for a time at least, preserved in the land through this general dispersion of the Levites (Deut. 17:8-13; 2 Chron. 19).
Judah
(Gen. 49:8-12).
In this tribe, from whence sprang the Messiah, we have royalty and majesty, making good blessing in Immanuel’s land and amongst Jehovah’s people. The correct reading of and a little explanation may remove the difficulty of some in regard to Genesis 49:10―”The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto Him shall the gathering of the people be.” The “sceptre,” or rather “rod,” denotes the tribal character, characteristic of Israel; “Shiloh” signifies rest or peace; “gathering” means obedience; “people” is in the plural, hence it should be peoples, that is, the Gentiles or nations. We might paraphrase the verse thus: — ”The tribal character would not cease from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh, or the Prince of Peace, come, and to Him shall the Gentiles yield obedience.” Israel refused to be gathered in the days of the Messiah’s humiliation (Luke 13:34), who in grace “came unto His own (things), and His own (people) received Him not” (John 1:11). But who can frustrate the counsels of God? Delayed they may be until Jehovah gets His people morally ready, but every counsel and purpose of God shall stand. The holy basis on which these counsels of grace and glory rest have been laid in the sufferings and death of the Lord Jesus; their fulfilment will be accomplished by the power of God. “Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet” (Isa. 28:17); then will be introduced the era of glory, when the hidden thoughts, as well as the revealed counsels, of our God will be made good in power by Israel’s once-rejected Messiah. The latter clause or part of Genesis 49:10 goes into the millennium, the reference to Christ being distinct and clear. As the “Lion,” His royal power and majesty are set forth (see Rev. 5:5), also the rest and peace subsequent to the exercise of His power and majesty as “Shiloh.”
Zebulun, dwelling
(Gen. 49:13).
Idolatry in Reuben is followed by violence and murder in Simeon and Levi, and rejection of the Messiah in Judah. Israel, having refused Christ and killed her Messiah, although God used it as the ground of far deeper and richer blessing to both Jews and Gentiles, is yet scattered world-wide in judgment, accomplished by the Romans in the year 70. The sorrowful thing in this brief and graphic account of Israel’s present condition amongst the nations is, that she is content to dwell amongst the Gentiles for mere money-making and gain; yea, becoming the center and spring of Gentile commercial life and greatness: “he shall be for an haven of ships.” All this has been wonderfully verified in the past and present history of Israel among the Gentiles. Their wealth, commercial importance, shrewdness, and sagacity in business are proverbial. Their political importance, in a monetary point of view, has been admitted and practically recognized by perhaps all European governments; and as their wealth is allowed to accumulate or laid out in movable property, they can always command any amount of ready money. The part of Canaan allotted to this tribe was so situated that she richly benefited by the commerce flowing up the Mediterranean — ”his border shall be unto Zidon” — besides driving a strong inland trade (Josh. 19:10-16). Zebulun, therefore, true to her derivation, sets forth Israel, after the rejection of her Messiah, dispersed among the Gentiles, dwelling amongst them, and amassing wealth — being also the center of the world’s commerce.
Issachar, hired
(Gen. 49:14-15).
These two tribes — Zebulun and Issachar — set forth the present state of Israel from the rejection of the Messiah. Not only have we Israel, the active spring and center of commerce, but in Issachar her degradation is lower still: she is content to be beneath the heel of the Gentile; to bear any burden and pay any tribute, if only allowed to rest in her exile. What forgetfulness of Jehovah and her hopes and glorious destiny! The most peaceable and industrious subjects of any kingdom are the Jews; and yet they have been universally oppressed, pillaged, robbed, and ill-treated. Even in this free country, it is in the recollection of many when certain civil disabilities, resting for centuries upon that people, were abrogated. For nearly 2000 years they have patiently suffered the most unheard of cruelty and oppression. It is doubtful if a clear case can be established of a rising of that much-persecuted people against their Gentile oppressors. In their land they were troublesome enough, and probably cost their Roman masters more treasure and blood to keep them in due subjection than any other of the subject provinces of the empire; but since their exile they have become the least troublesome of any people — paying tribute to any amount if only allowed to dwell quietly. Many an impoverished exchequer has been replenished by the taxes levied upon the Jews. What is here prophesied of these two tribes is fulfilled before our eyes to the very letter.
The following extract shows the position of this tribe in the land; “Issachar stayed at home and attended to husbandry, the taking care of and feeding cattle, in which employment the tribe was most prosperous. Being delighted with the tranquillity of an agricultural life, and content with its fortunes, the tribe was not desirous of enlarging its borders by war, nor of increasing its wealth by the hazardous speculations of commerce, or the toils and dangers of a maritime life. The people of the tribe were willing to give a large portion of the abundant produce of their land, that they might enjoy the remainder free from strife and contention.” In Issachar then we have subjection to the Gentiles, and in Zebulun commerce with them.
Dan, a Judge
(Gen. 49:16-18).
Here we have Israel energized by Satan. The ‘Serpent’ is the well-known and familiar expression of satanic power and influence, hence the application is direct and positive to that solemn crisis, yet future in Israel’s history, when the full power of satanic evil will rise to its height in Judea (Matt. 12:45). The nation restored in unbelief will receive “the man of sin,” “whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders.” A remnant or faithful few in midst of these scenes of abounding iniquity is intimated in Genesis 49:18: “I have waited for Thy salvation, O Lord.” This rapid transition from Satan and his power, to Jehovah and His salvation is very beautiful. This coming period of Israelitish history is not far distant. Soon the Jewish people will become all-important in a political point of view, as now they are commercially. Satan’s power and diabolic energy will, for a short time, be paramount in the land trod by the feet of the blessed Son of God, afterward, Jehovah’s salvation will be known in Zion, for it is written: “Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the Lord hath comforted His people, and will have mercy upon His afflicted” (Isa. 49:13). It is a generally accepted tradition among the Jewish doctors that the “Antichrist to come” will be of this tribe. Certain it is that idolatry — Satan’s master-piece — was introduced into Israel by Dan, and further, that in the city of Dan, Jeroboam set up one of his golden calves (1 Kings 12:29). The tribes of Dan and Ephraim, both notoriously guilty of idolatry, are omitted in the enumeration of the tribes sealed in Revelation 7, but both are remembered in the future millennial settlement of the land — Dan being first named (Ezek. 48).
Gad, a troop
(Gen. 49:19)
“Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last.” Here the Jewish remnant in “the day of Jacob’s trouble” come publicly into view. Many of these Jewish confessors will swell the noble army of martyrs (Rev. 15): others will have to flee for their lives (Matt. 24:16), for there “shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be” (Mark 13:19). The blood of these beloved Jewish saints will be shed as water in the streets and environs of Jerusalem (Psa. 79:1-3) — the remnant will be “overcome.” But the victory of the enemy is not final, and his triumphing is but short-lived, for after the divinely appointed period of distress, which God will shorten for the preserving of life (Matt. 24:22), victory will be claimed by the remnant of Judah, and a remnant will emerge out of “the great tribulation” conquerors at last.
The exposed position of this tribe brought them at one time into thorough subjection to their enemies for eighteen years (Judg. 10:8). Historically, the Gadites were overcome by bands or troops of robbers, but the tribe “overcame” at last, as Judges 11 shows.
Asher, blessed
(Gen. 49:20).
“Out of Asher his bread shall be fat, and he shall yield royal dainties.” After the latter-day conflicts are over, the earth shall yield its rich and abundant increase to victorious and blessed Israel; even the tops of the mountains, where vegetation is almost unknown, shall be covered with fruit both rich and abundant (Psa. 72). “And it shall come to pass in that day, I will hear, saith the Lord, I will hear the heavens, and they shall hear the earth; and the earth shall hear the corn, and the wine (‘bread’ and ‘dainties’) and the oil; and they shall hear Jezreel,” i.e. restored and happy Israel (Hos. 2:21-22).
Naphtali, wrestling
(Gen. 49:21).
“Naphtali is a hind let loose: he giveth goodly words.” In Gad we have victory; in Asher fruitfulness; while in Naphtali we have liberty. Israel from the time she bartered the liberty of grace in which she stood before God as a redeemed people, for the acceptance of law as the ground of her blessing (Ex. 19:8), came under a yoke of bondage which neither they nor their fathers were able to bear. Ere the law was given, they were sinners, under it they became transgressors, and by the gospel, they are proved to be enemies of God and of Christ. Israel’s indictment was proclaimed by Stephen, and written out by Luke in Acts 7:51-53. The testimony of the Holy Spirit resisted; the prophets persecuted and slain; the just One betrayed and murdered; and the law, although received by the ministry of angels, broken. What a solemn charge! When restored to their land, effected by the powerful aid of a certain maritime people (Isa. 18), they will suffer under the righteous government of God. Stephen’s charge against them will again be preferred, and God will demand an answer. “His blood be on us, and on our children” was the cry of all the people, and so God will answer the cry in the coming crisis of woe. But the blood of their Messiah, so cruelly and wantonly shed, was the blood of atonement on God’s part, and so the very sin of shedding it will be wiped out, and they shall look upon Him whom they pierced and mourn (Zech. 12:10-14); then will have arrived the true day of atonement for Israel; then will the people pass into the blessed liberty of grace. “Naphtali is a hind let loose,” is the striking figure employed by the Holy Spirit to set forth Israel’s deliverance and liberty when under the terms of the new covenant, the old being superseded and set aside forever (Jer. 31:31-34). Saved and liberated, Israel will then sing her songs and celebrate the works and ways of Jehovah; “he giveth goodly words.”
Joseph, God shall add
(Gen. 49:22-26).
Christ is here seen (for Joseph is the most perfect type of the Lord in the pages of the Old Testament) the heir of all things, the center of all blessing, heavenly and earthly, with power to hold the blessing forever. He is strengthened by the “mighty God of Jacob,” that is, He will take all and hold all for the glory of His people — Israel. Christ personally will uphold the glory and blessing of millennial days, as it was prophetically announced, “they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren.” Thus the glory and blessedness are taken and held in connection with, and on behalf of, Israel.
Benjamin, son of the right hand
(Gen. 49:27).
Here again we have Christ personally, but as victorious on Israel’s behalf. Glory is witnessed in Joseph, power in Benjamin, but both center in Christ. Thus the history (Gen. 43) and the prophecy correspond. Joseph (Christ glorified) cannot make himself known to his brethren till Benjamin (Christ in power) be brought to him. As the two brothers were associated, so we have the union of glory and power, in order to secure the blessing of Israel on earth. It is Christ glorified in whom we find our deepest, richest blessings. We are blest now with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places (Eph. 1:3-5), but the Jew will be blest on the earth; hence power will be needed to clear the scene of evil, and thus we get the union of Joseph and Benjamin — glory and power — in connection with Israel and earthly blessing.
Brief Summary
Past History of the Nation.
Reuben The early history of the nation, exhibiting instability and idolatry.
Simeon and Levi People and priest united in cruelty and wickedness.
Judah Royalty and majesty established in Christ.
Present History of the Nation.
Zebulun Israel the center of commerce in the world.
Issachar Israel content to pay tribute, and in subjection to the Gentiles.
Future History of the Nation.
Dan The power and energy of Satan, and the cry of the remnant in the coming crisis.
Gad The remnant “overcome” in the tribulation, but at last “over-comers.”
Asher The earth yielding its increase to victorious Israel.
Naphtali The liberty of grace enjoyed and victory celebrated.
Joseph and Benjamin Personal types of the Lord in glory and power united for Israel.