EN 49THE following outline of Gen. 49, is given in order to show that this chapter traces in type, as we believe, the history of the Jewish nation from beginning to end, from their redemption out of Egypt to the establishment of Messiah's kingdom.
Observe, as to its order, that six out of these tribes get the blessing; the remaining six get none. Of the former, three express Christ, and three the faithful remnant. In order to mark this distinction, the letter B here indicates blessing; B B double blessing, in connection with CHRIST; the cipher 0 no blessing; 0 0 the same thing in connection with Dan, the type of ANTICHRIST.
Apostate Israel of old.
Reuben
0
Leah's Sons.
Simeon
0
Levi
0
Christ at His first coming, and now.
Judah
B B
The dispersed Nation now.
Zebulun
0
Issachar
0
The Antichrist.
Dan ("I have waited for thy salvation, O Lord."*)
00
Son of Rachel's Handmaid.
The Faithful Remnant hereafter.
Gad
B
Sons of Leah's Handmaid.
Asher
B
Naphtali
B
Son of Rachel's Handmaid.
Christ, just before, and at His second coming.
Joseph
B B
Rachel's Sons.
Benjamin
B B
(* Why this utterance of the Spirit in connection with Dan? The answer appears to be this.-Dan is here seen as the type of that false one whose kingdom will precede the kingdom of Christ; and hence' at the mention of his name, the hopes of the Patriarch, in reference to the deliverance of Israel, are awakened. Thus, though encompassed with trouble, the remnant hereafter will lift up their heads, because their redemption draweth nigh.)