FINAL WORDS part 2

“Then Ya’akov called for his sons and said, ‘Gather yourselves together, and I will tell you what will happen to you in the acharit-hayamim.’”
Genesis 49:1

We continue today from where we left off, with Ya’akov speaking his final words of blessing and rebuke over his children. Genesis 49:19 is concerning Gad, and Ya’akov jumps right to the point with one sentence. “Gad – a troop will troop on him, but he will troop on their heel.” This verse doesn’t seem to make sense. A troop will troop? Although written with the same words in English, in Hebrew it reads that a GADUWD (army) will GUWD (invade) him. In the end, however, Gad would GUWD them back. In this we piece together that Gad would be attacked but in the end would find victory. In Judges 10 we see this truth as for eighteen years the Philistines vexed the children of Isra’el before finally having their justice served. It is this constant state and declaration of war, however, that kept the men of Adonai ready with the faces of lions. Even Moshe blessed the tribe of Gad, stating that they dwelled like a lion and tore the arm with the crown of the head (Dt 33:20). Although no one famous person in the Bible is shown to derive from the tribe of Gad, one main theme is. As stated in I Peter 5:8, we are to be ready at any moment for the enemy to attack us. He may indeed guwd us, but in the end we will be victorious and guwd his heel.
To Asher also Ya’akov is quick and to the point, stating that Asher’s food is rich, fit for a king. In saying little Ya’akov was stating that Asher would enjoy the rich products of the fertile land, teeming with items to sustain life, and find himself serving his food before royalty. The tribe of Asher failed to remove the Canaanite/Phoenican inhabitants once in their Promised section, and perhaps forewent their military capability. There is thought that based on the words of Moses in Deuteronomy 33:24, oil was present with the land of Asher, be this an idea of an oil such as olive oil or in the manner of Texas tea. In the end, though, we read that Asher will be blessed, despite the oil’s form.
To finish Ya’akov’s list of one-liners we find Naftali. The words from his father again are to the point, declaring Naftali as a doe set free, bearing beautiful fawns. The term ‘doe set free’ is also translated as hind. In Psalm 18:33, David speaks of having hind’s feet when escaping his enemy. As David ran from his pursuers, so Naftali would run from his hunters but run also with the word of Adonai. Beautiful fawns seem to be symbolism for beautiful words. And consider this. The region of Naftali’s inheritance included Galilee, where in Matthew 4:13-15 Yeshua picks out a few of his disciples. Could it be that these men sharing the good news were in some way related to Naftali’s tribe? These feet, or hind, are beautiful according to Romans 10:15, for with them comes the Good News.
The final two sons to be blessed are the sons of Rachel, with Yosef receiving the lengthier of the two. Yosef is a fruitful plant by a spring with growth climbing over the wall. What is being said here is that Yosef is fruitful, and living with excess in all he does. When evil comes it is no concern to Yosef as he has already learned to follow Adonai. Writers have found that some words spoken over Yosef are parallel with those spoken concerning the Messiah. The first parallel is in Yosef being his father’s favorite. Other parallels consist of being sold for money, withstanding temptation, and rebirthing as Yosef was raised to life after prison while Yeshua was brought to life after the grave. Still, Ya’akov goes on to say that although Yosef was attacked, his bow is taut and arms are nimble because of Adonai’s hand. In other words, the harm his brothers and Potifar’s wife meant were for Adonai’s glory. In verses 25-26 the word bless/blessing is found six times, showing us that Adonai did have more in store for Yosef. And as we have already reviewed yesterday, the double portion reserved for the firstborn was split up between Y’hudah and Yosef, giving Y’hudah the leadership and Yosef the two spots of land for Efrayim and M’nasheh. If nothing else can be learned from Yosef, let us leave with the truth that with a life of humility Adonai is able to promote us.
Lastly, although not technically within today’s Parashah portion, let us look at the son named Binyamin. Of this son Ya’akov stated he was a ravenous wolf, devouring his prey in the morning and dividing the spoil in the evening. Binyamin would go forward with the characteristic of a vicious warrior. One instance of this warrior wolf-like character is found in Judges 3. Ehud, a Binyamite, was a fearless warrior who alone assassinated Eglon the Moabite king for oppressing Isra’el. Other warriors would rise and carry on in the declaration made by Ya’akov.
So now, after looking at all the sons of Ya’akov, you may wonder why it is so important and why I chose to look at each one. Well outside of studying the Torah, I want us to see one important key. The word of Adonai always comes to pass. These blessings and rebukes were passed from Adonai to Ya’akov, then spoken over the sons. These words held within them life or death. And each one of these words came to pass. So then, the question comes to mind once more. What has been spoken by Adonai over you? His word for you will come about, and His blessing or rebuke will follow you and your line. Let it be true of us that we found favor in His eyes and as such, received His blessing.