CRITICAL NOTES.—
Genesis 49:14. A strong ass.] Heb. An ass of bone. “The figure here employed has nothing mean about it. The Oriental ass is a more stately animal than the Western.” (Lange)—
Genesis 49:16. Dan shall judge his people.] Dan, from a verb signifying to judge. The expression, shall judge, is a play upon the name. An adder in the path, that biteth the horse-heels.] “The well-known horned snake, a small serpent of a sandy colour. Its habit is to coil itself, usually in the camel’s footmark, in the sand, and thence suddenly to dart out on any passing animal. Horses are in the greatest terror when one is seen ahead.” (Tristram.)—
Genesis 49:20. Asher.] The word means blessed. His head shall be fat.] His territory extended from Carmel to Tyre, and comprised some of the richest plains, abounding in wheat and oil. Royal dainties.] “Solomon supplied the household of king Hiram from this district (1 Kings 5:11).” (Jacobus.)—
Genesis 49:21. Naphtali is a hind let loose.] “He is a beauteous and active warrior, comparable to the so much praised gazelle (2 Samuel 2:18, etc.).” (Lange.) He giveth goodly words.] “Eloquence in prose and verse was characteristic’ of this particular tribe. In Judges 4:5, we may study the character of the tribe.” (Murphy.)—
MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Genesis 49:13-21, and Genesis 49:27
THE BLESSINGS OF ZEBULUN, ISSACHAR, DAN, GAD, ASHER, NAPHTALI, AND BENJAMIN
Consider these blessings—
I. In their variety.
1. Maritime power. Zebulun was to “dwell at the haven of the sea,” to be “for an haven of ships.” (Genesis 49:13.)
2. Husbandry. Issachar is compared to “a strong ass, couching down between two burdens” He was to be an agricultural tribe. He would not require the heroic qualities of Judah, nor the enterprise of Zebulun. He would be content with the fruits of peace and industry, not caring for a life of adventure or the fortunes of war. He would be willing enough for humble and patient service, but his fault was that he had no strong heroic impulse. “He saw that rest was good, and the land that it was pleasant.” (Genesis 49:15.) He wanted to enjoy ease at the cost of liberty. He had no public spirit, no energy to strive for a larger and higher freedom. “He bowed his shoulder to bear,” was satisfied with slavish work and easy wages; and thus he “became a servant unto tribute.”
3. Political sagacity. “Dan shall judge his people.” (Genesis 49:16.) He was to be raised to a position of rank and political power. But he would gain dominion by a serpent subtlety, employing the might of craft against stronger foes. (Genesis 49:17.)
4. The power to conquer by perseverance. (Genesis 49:19.) Gad, whose name signifies “a troop,” was to become a warlike tribe. Though he might be often vanquished yet he was to overcome at last. He would have the rewards of patient continuance. The promise of final victory would enable him to bear present defeat.
5. Plenty. (Genesis 49:20.) The name “Asher” signifies the happy, or making happy. He was destined to enjoy great temporal prosperity. His lot was to be a rich one, yielding him not only necessaries, but dainties, even royal dainties. Material culture, all that ministers to the refinements of enjoyment and pleasure,—these were to be his good things.
6. Eloquence. Naphtali is compared to “an hind let loose.” (Genesis 49:21.) His tribe was to be distinguished by vivacity, timidity, and softness of manners. Yet he was to be renowned for that wonderful gift of eloquence which would invest him with a sovereignty over the minds and hearts of men. This tribe was famous for eloquence both in prose and poetry. Naphtali was to utter words of beauty. Witness the poetic effusion of Barak—the war-song of the Naphtalite hero and Israel’s deliverer. (Judges 5) Most of our Lord’s Apostles who preached the Gospel throughout the world with such power and eloquence were from this tribe.
7. The warlike character. “Benjamin shall ravin as a wolf.” (Genesis 49:27.) The incessant and victorious capture of booty, military ardour,—these were his characteristics. Yet withal generous, and full of self-sacrifice for the sake of others. He is ready to divide at night that spoil which in the morning he had won with such daring and risk. Consider these blessings:—
II. In their unity. Each tribe has its own special characteristic, its own special gifts and powers. All these constitute one grand unity. Such is the order of nature—unity in variety. This diversity in the distribution of gifts and endowments contributes to human happiness, and to human prosperity. The conquests of humble industry may not be brilliant, but they are useful. The king himself is served by the field. The delicate, the eloquent, the refined, the warlike hero—these could not subsist without the aid of the laborious and the resolute. And the hard toils of men may be relieved and elevated by the gentle influences of the arts and refinements of life. As it is in the several departments of nature, so in human society we give and take; and thus contribute to the unity of God’s grand purpose in the march of history.
SUGGESTIVE COMMENTS ON THE VERSES
Genesis 49:13-21. The twelve loaves of shewbread remained for ever before the Lord on the altar, proclaiming their separateness, their characteristic differences, and their unity in working out one great purpose; one in God by difference. By differences between man and man, church and church, nation and nation, the true organic unity is attained and kept.—(Robertson.)
Genesis 49:18. Jacob’s spiritual character, as tested by his ejaculation. A religious ejaculation from the dying patriarch breathless and exhausted with speech. Our exact character is tested by our spontaneous thoughts. Watch how the mind turns when pressure and coercion are taken off, and you know of what kind it is. Thus sudden events, sudden pangs, accidents, etc., determine for us the state of our souls, and show us the high-water mark of our spiritual attainment. From one man they wring a curse; from another, a slang expression; from a third, a natural prayer. Judge yourselves by this test. It would be dangerous to judge others always. But take it as a fair test of Jacob’s state.—(Robertson).