><>...Jacob/Israel...><>
The harshest language came against Reuben, the firstborn, who was rejected by his father for his sin <49:3-4>, and Simeon and Levi, who were cursed for their anger and cruelty <49:5-7>. The loftiest language was applied to Judah, who would be praised by his brothers and whose tribe would be the source of royalty, even the ruler of the people <49:8-12>.
Words of warning were addressed to Dan, called "a serpent" and "a viper," a life which would be marked by violence <49:16-17>. The longest speech was addressed to Joseph, Jacob's favorite son <49:22-26>.
Following this scene, Jacob died and was embalmed by the physicians <Gen. 49:33; 50:2>. By his own request Jacob was carried back to the land of Canaan and was buried in the family burial ground in the cave of the field of MACHPELAH <Gen. 49:29-32; 50:13>.
(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary)
(Copyright (C) 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers) |
