All of the Sons Together (49:28-33)

The statements that Jacob made to each of his sons would be remembered by them and repeated to the members of their family for years to come. As time passed, they would see new and deeper meanings in these pronouncements, and they would treasure the assurances Jacob had given them from the Lord.

But the old man’s last statements were about himself, not about his sons, for he wanted them to guarantee that they would bury him in the cave of Machpelah where the bodies of five members of his family were now resting. Abraham had purchased the cave as a burial place for Sarah (Gen. 23), but over the years Isaac, Rebekah, and Leah had been buried there, and now Jacob would join them. He had already spoken about this matter to Joseph (47:27-31), so he knew his requests would be followed, but he wanted all his sons to know they had the responsibility of obeying his last commands and showing respect for their father.

Jacob’s long and difficult life was over. He had made his last journey, given his last blessing, and shared his last request. His work was done, and he breathed his last and died. With only his staff, he had crossed over Jordan many years before, and now he had his staff with him (Heb. 11:21) as he crossed to the other side.

He was a pilgrim to the very end.

Questions for Personal Reflection or Group Discussion

1. Why is it so valuable to have a parent’s blessing, and so sad not to have it?
2. Describe Reuben’s weakness. What could he have been and done if he had shunned sin or repented of it?
3. Simeon and Levi leveled Shechem to avenge the rape of their sister Dinah. How did God deal with them? What does this say about God?
4. Judah had suggested selling Joseph as a slave and unknowingly committed incest with his daughter-in-law. What did he do later to show that he had repented and grown in the Lord?
5. From the tribe of Judah came the kings of Israel and the Messiah. Why doesn’t God use only holy people?
6. While Zebulun and Isaachar produced few heroes, they were brave warriors and “their everyday labor was a help to others.” How would this encourage the garden-variety foot soldiers in God’s army?
7. How have you experienced God as the Mighty One (49:24)? As the Shepherd? As the Rock?
8. The tribe of Benjamin gave Israel her first king (Saul) as well as Saul of Tarsus (the apostle Paul). What do you know about these men that makes “ravenous wolf” an apt description?
9. Why do believers today qualify as family members who can claim the covenant and promises that God made with and to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?
10. Even if the members of God’s family are flawed and far from heroic, why does God continue to make good on His promises to them?