Genesis 48-50

Here we are at the end of the book of Genesis.  Amazing all that was packed into it, huh!

Chapter 48 is an intimate exchange between Joseph and Jacob.  It seems odd that Jacob would claim Joseph's sons as his own, but I think he means that they will be blessed and receive an inheritance as if they were his own. This explains why later the tribes of Israel include Ephraim and Manasseh, but not Joseph.   In doing this, he is giving Joseph a double portion.

Verse 11 gives us another example of the abundant, impossible blessings of God.  I think that's the theme I'm taking with me this time through.

So, did any of you think that the blessing of the two boys seemed oddly familiar?  Once again God is switching the birth order, just like he did with Jacob and Esau, and Tamar's twins.  I think God likes to turn our earthly traditions upside-down.

Chapter 49 is full of interesting information as each of Jacob's sons receives a prophecy from their father.  I'm not going to go into each one extensively, but there are a few that stuck out to me.

Reuben's legacy was of a lack of self-control.  Seems odd, since he's the one who repeatedly tried to save Joseph.  But there was a tiny mention back in chapter 35 of a big mistake that Reuben made.  And Jacob heard of it.  He sure did!

Simeon's and Levi's legacy will be that of murderous anger because of their revenge on their sister's dishonor.  I thought it was interesting that he predicted that they would be scattered.  Later we'll find out that the Levites don't get their own land.  They will be the priests for the Israelites, and will be scattered among the rest of the tribes.

And of course, Judah's prophecy is that of royalty.  A King.  A Lion.

Chapter 50
I think it is so cool that Jacob was even mourned by the Egyptians. 

After Jacob's death, the brothers are worried that Joseph will now have his revenge on them.  But they had nothing to worry about. They had received true forgiveness.  Verse 20 is something that we can claim for ourselves.  A very powerful statement.   Who cares what the evil intents of man are?  If Joseph had concentrated on that, he would have been paralyzed by resentment and self pity.  We can LIVE by focusing on the GOOD (always good) intentions of God.

Before Joseph dies, his last words to the Israelites remind them that Egypt is not there home.  Don't get too comfortable here, because this is not the land that God has promised you.  He's got something better in mind.

So, we have completed the book of Genesis.  Is this anyone's first time to read a whole book of the Bible straight through?  It makes a difference, I think, in the understanding of the history.  You are also able to grasp an underlying theme in the book that you can remember later. For me, this time, it was the idea that God wants to bless us in ways that we can't imagine.  Impossible blessings.  Did any of you get something else?  Please share in the comments section!  I want to know how God is speaking to you through his living Word.

Next time:  Exodus.

Comments

[Jessie Hurst]

I have loved reading Genesis straight through this time. My eyes have been opened to so many individual verses that I did not focus on in the past. The story of Joseph has always been one of my favorite. I read it three times this time. I am excited to start on the second book. Thanks for your insight.