Bible Study Material: Genesis 49-50
Genesis 49:19-21
Gad and Asher's Blessings
Scripture Text:
Genesis 49:19-21 (ESV)
Explanatory Notes:
John Wesley's Commentary:
Asher is prophesied to be a rich tribe, providing not only necessities but also royal delicacies to other tribes or lands.
Delicacies are acknowledged as gifts from the bountiful benefactor, and the variety in provision contributes to the beauty and strength of the community.
Rashi:
Asher's richness is associated with olive trees, and the territory will flow with oil like a fountain.
Menachot 85b recounts an incident highlighting Asher's abundance of oil, emphasizing its importance even in times of need.
Genesis 49:21
Naphtali's Blessing
Scripture Text:
Genesis 49:21 (ESV)
Explanatory Notes:
John Wesley's Commentary:
Naphtali is likened to a doe let loose, symbolizing zeal for liberty, refined language, and a courteous disposition.
The diversity of dispositions within God's people contributes to the overall beauty and strength of the community.
Sotah 13a:9 (Rabbinic Commentary):
Naphtali's swiftness is utilized in retrieving a bill of sale, showcasing the practical application of the blessing.
Genesis 49:22-27
Joseph and Benjamin's Blessings
Scripture Text:
Genesis 49:22-27 (ESV)
Explanatory Notes:
Berakhot 20a:7 (Rabbinic Commentary):
Rabbi Yoḥanan associates Joseph's descendants with immunity to the evil eye, interpreting "alei ayin" as above the eye, transcending the influence of the evil eye.
Genesis 49:28-33
Jacob's Final Words and Death
Scripture Text:
Genesis 49:28-33 (ESV)
Explanatory Notes:
Rashi:
Jacob blesses all his sons, emphasizing that each receives a blessing suitable to him.
Rashi notes a unique phrasing regarding Jacob's death, stating that our father Jacob did not die, which aligns with the rabbinic belief in the eternal nature of the righteous.
Genesis 50:1-15
Joseph's Actions After Jacob's Death
Scripture Text:
Genesis 50:1-15 (ESV)
Explanatory Notes:
Rashi:
Joseph fulfills his father's command to bury him in Canaan, seeking Pharaoh's permission and highlighting the importance of keeping an oath.
The embalming process involves compounding aromatic spices.
Additional Insight:
The fear of retribution from Joseph's brothers highlights the ongoing consequences of their past actions.
Genesis 50:16-26
Joseph's Reassurance and Death
Scripture Text:
Genesis 50:16-26 (ESV)
Explanatory Notes:
Joseph's brothers seek forgiveness, acknowledging their past wrongdoing, and Joseph responds with compassion, emphasizing God's higher purposes.
The mention of embalming and Joseph's placement in a coffin in Egypt sets the stage for the eventual exodus.
Discussion Questions:
How do the blessings and prophecies given to the sons of Jacob contribute to the overall narrative of the Israelite people?
What can we learn from the actions of Joseph in fulfilling his father's wishes and responding to his brothers' plea for forgiveness?
How does the concept of the evil eye play a role in the interpretation of Joseph's blessing in Berakhot 20a:7?
In what ways does the fear of consequences for past actions resonate with the theme of forgiveness and reconciliation in the biblical narrative?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the lessons and insights from the lives of the patriarchs. Help us to apply the principles of forgiveness, obedience, and trust in your higher purposes in our own lives. May we learn from the diverse dispositions within your people and contribute to the beauty and strength of our community. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Comments