Deathbed Blessings #T

In the penultimate chapter of The Genesis we read that Jacob (Israel) called his sons to gather near and hearken to his voice.  The call was issued twice, once in the first verse and again in the second.  Yet one must believe that something happened between these two summonses.  Observe:

"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."  (Genesis 49:1 AKJV)

" Gather yourselves together, and hear, ye sons of Jacob; and hearken unto Israel your father."  (Genesis 49:2 AKJV)

In the first verse Israel tells his sons that he will prophesy over them their fates in the last days. In the second verse there is no mention of prophecy regarding the last days but rather an admonition to listen to their father.  As we read the charges to each son we see that Israel does tell them their roles or positions in the future of the nation, but there is no mention of the end of days.  What happened?

It is my belief that the Lord may have revealed last days events to Jacob which he then assayed to reveal to his sons.  But God for His own purposes intervened and prevented Jacob from revealing that which had been vouchsafed unto him.  We would be presumptuous to speculate regarding the Lord's purpose as we would always be in guessing His ways, for He has revealed to us that which He would have us understand.  It is in The Book.*

We read Israel's predictions and charges to each of his sons and find it fascinating reading indeed, beginning with Reuben, his first-born from whom Jacob took the birthright of primogeniture and gave it to Joseph's sons because Reuben had defiled his father's bed.  Think about that.  Jacob had known all those years that Reuben had lain with Bilhah, and yet he had never mentioned it until he was lying on his deathbed.

And people think reading the Bible is not interesting?

*In His kingdom we can share

Because He'll always be there

He came to set us free from sin

So open your heart and let Him in

So take a look, take a look 

It's all in the Book

So take a look, take a look

It's all in the Book

From Take a Look It's All in the Book,

page 12, Gifts from God by Grace JoAnn

Harrison, 1995

Sheep, Kine, Donkeys, and Camels

Last week we referenced Genesis 32 in which Jacob is given a new name.  Continuing the reading through the chapter and into the next, we find Jacob with his family and his worldly goods approaching the land which had been promised to Abraham and his descendants, the land he had left many years prior.

It seems to be running through Jacob's mind that he and his twin brother Esau had not parted on the best of terms.  And he had to know that the trick he had played on his father, at his mother's behest, which deprived Esau of his rightful inheritance might weigh in Esau's assessment of his brother, and might in fact prove perilous to Jacob.

Then Jacob gets word via his scouts that Esau is approaching with an army of 400 men.

In a tactical maneuver, Jacob divides his camp into two contingents thinking that if one part of his party were attacked, the other part might escape.

But more, Jacob prepared a gift for his brother: 580 animals with their tenders.  These, too, he divided into blocks, sending several groups "with considerable space between them."  When the first group meets Esau the herdsmen are to tell him it is a gift from Jacob.  Then the next group will arrive with the same message, and so on until all the animals have been presented.  Then Jacob himself will show up.

Then the guys saw each other.  Clasping one another, hugging, tears of happiness at the reunion!

Esau said, "What is the meaning of all these beasts?"

"They are from me to you.  I have prospered and I want to share my wealth with you."

"Nay, keep your livestock.  I have also prospered.

"No, please take them.  They are yours."

"Okay."

Esau of course invites Jacob to join him, come with him to his land.

You  need to read the story to discover how much the newly reunited brothers trusted each other.

There is a moral in here somewhere, perhaps many of them.  But, Praise the Lord! I am not a preacher so it is not incumbent upon me to ferret them out and present them to you.

Have a blessed Lord's Day.  As Jacob did, follow God's lead in your life.