“To each one he gave the blessing that was due” (GEN. 49:28).
1. What will we see in this article?
In this article, we'll look at what Jacob said to the other sons, in addition to the first four we analyzed in the previous article. Now we'll focus on the words he addressed to Zebulun, Issachar, Dan, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Joseph, and Benjamin. These weren't just words of farewell, but prophetic declarations inspired by God.
It's interesting to note that, unlike the first four sons, Jacob didn't follow a specific order when addressing the others. This perhaps shows us that what mattered wasn't birth rank, but rather the purpose Jehovah had for each one.
ZEBULON
2. What did Jacob prophesy about Zebulun, and how were his words fulfilled? (Genesis 49:13; see also box).
In this verse, we see how Jacob prophesied that the tribe of Zebulun would live by the sea. This declaration was fulfilled centuries later, when Zebulun's descendants received a territory located between the Sea of Galilee and the Mediterranean Sea, in the northern part of the Promised Land.
This reminds us that Jehovah's promises are always fulfilled in their proper time, even if they seem delayed or we don't understand how they will come true. Furthermore, this could explain why Moses also said that Zebulun would rejoice in his outgoings, likely referring to his trade trips or exchanges with other regions.
3. What will help us not to lose joy?
The paragraph gives us very practical and realistic advice. If we want to maintain joy, we must learn to be content with what we already have. This attitude is based on solid biblical principles, such as those in Psalm 16:6 and Psalm 24:5, which remind us that what we receive from Jehovah is valuable. He blesses those who have a good relationship with him, even if our circumstances are not the best.
One of the greatest emotional traps today is focusing on what we lack, comparing ourselves to others, or desiring what we don't have. That's why Galatians 6:4 is so important: it teaches us to focus on our own progress and not on that of others.
ISACAR
4. What did Jacob predict about Issachar, and how were his words fulfilled? (Genesis 49:14, 15; see also box).
In Jacob's prophecy about Issachar, the strong-boned donkey represents someone with the ability and willingness to work hard. So Jacob wasn't despising Issachar, but rather recognizing his virtues.
The expression "he will rest among the camps" could refer to the peace and stability their territory would provide. According to Joshua 19:22, the tribe of Issachar was given fertile land in the Jezreel Valley, a very rich agricultural area.
Furthermore, Judges 5:15 mentions that they did not stand idly by when the people needed help. Thus, Jacob's prophecy anticipated both the kind of land they would receive and the kind of people they would become.
5. Why is it important for us to work hard for Jehovah?
Hard work in the congregation isn't always visible, but Jehovah notices and appreciates it. Ecclesiastes 2:24 tells us that there's nothing better than enjoying work. And when that work is done for Jehovah, the satisfaction is even greater.
Brothers who assume responsibility play an essential role. 1 Timothy 3:1 emphasizes that this is a fine work, not a title, and that it carries with it the great responsibility of caring for the spiritual flock.
Therefore, all faithful service is observed by God and will be rewarded. So, just as the tribe of Issachar helped without seeking prominence, we too can humbly and diligently contribute to whatever is needed.
DAN
6. What mission did the tribe of Dan receive? (Genesis 49:17, 18; see also box).
Jacob's prophecy about Dan, recorded in Genesis 49:17, compares this tribe to a snake that cunningly attacks larger enemies. This metaphor highlights that, although Dan was not the most powerful tribe, it would play a vital strategic role.
According to Numbers 10:25, they would protect Israel from the rear during their journey through the desert. This meant they would be the last line of defense against a surprise attack from behind, which required courage and constant vigilance.
Although this mission wasn't flashy, it was essential. Furthermore, Jacob's comment in Genesis 49:18 reminds us that even the best human defenses are useless without divine help.
7. Whenever we do something for Jehovah, what should we remember?
Jehovah sees everything we do for him, even the simplest or most inconspicuous tasks. The principle Jesus taught in Matthew 6:14 applies perfectly here. He warned against doing good works just to be admired by others; instead, he encouraged acting with humility, knowing that God, who sees in secret, will reward us.
Whether we clean chairs or preach from a platform, every faithful service is valuable to Jehovah if we do it from the heart. This approach helps us cultivate humility, value small tasks, and not get discouraged if no one applauds us, because, in the end, what really counts is that we are pleasing the only one who truly matters: Jehovah.
GAD
8. Why was the tribe of Gad vulnerable to attack in the Promised Land? (Genesis 49:19; see also box).
Jacob's prophecy about Gad shows how Jehovah can help his people even in difficult situations. Gad was in a strategic but dangerous location, east of the Jordan River, surrounded by enemies like the Ammonites and Moabites.
Being in that region meant facing frequent attacks, just as Jacob predicted. However, the Gadites were neither fearful nor selfish. Despite the risk, they demonstrated a strong spirit of sacrifice by leaving their lands to help their brothers conquer Canaan.
Today, God's servants may also face figurative attacks, whether from opposition or because of our faith. But, like Gad, we can continue to trust that Jehovah will defend what he himself has promised.
9. If we trust in Jehovah, what will we be willing to do?
The paragraph emphasizes that when we fully trust in Jehovah, we are willing to make sacrifices in his service. This includes collaborating on construction projects, accepting assignments in places where more spiritual support is needed, or taking on new responsibilities in the congregation.
Texts like Psalm 37:3 encourage us to do good while trusting in Jehovah, and Psalm 23:1 reminds us that He is a shepherd who never leaves us without what we need.
Therefore, we must remember that our willingness to sacrifice does not come from duty, but from a deep trust that Jehovah will never fail us.
ASER
10. What mistake did the tribe of Asher make? (Genesis 49:20; see also box).
As we just read, the tribe of Asher received a very privileged inheritance. They would enjoy exquisite foods and riches. This was fulfilled when they inherited fertile lands by the Mediterranean Sea, in the region of Sidon.
However, their material prosperity did not translate into spiritual success. According to Judges 1:31, 32, Asher did not expel the Canaanites, even though Jehovah had commanded them to cleanse the land of these pagan influences. This decision, perhaps out of comfort or fear, led them to idolatrous practices.
Furthermore, Judges 5:17 critically mentions that “Asher sat by the seashore doing nothing” when they were asked for support in a crucial battle. This omission was so serious that it was recorded in a victory song inspired by Jehovah.
11. Why shouldn't we give material things more importance than they have?
Today's world is obsessed with material things, money, comfort, and status. This way of thinking is reinforced by social media, the media, and consumer culture. But Jehovah teaches us a very different vision.
Material things are useful, but they shouldn't take priority in our lives. Proverbs 18:11 shows that for some people, riches are like a walled city—their source of security. But that wall is an illusion.
Hebrews 13:5 encourages us to be content with what we have, because Jehovah promises never to abandon us. In fact, giving Jehovah our best now is a sound investment, since we can trust that he will reward us with a full and secure life in the new world.
NEPHTHALI
12. How could Jacob's prophecy about Naphtali be fulfilled? (Genesis 49:21; see also box.)
Jacob's prophecy concerning Naphtali mentions that he would speak beautiful words, an expression that can be understood as having attractive, powerful, or inspiring communication.
At first glance, one might think this was fulfilled in the way they communicated or participated in spiritual matters. However, its most notable fulfillment is found in Jesus' ministry.
Jesus established his ministry in Capernaum, a city located in the territory that formerly belonged to Naphtali. Matthew even says that this city became his base of operations. From there, Jesus taught thousands of people, and his way of speaking made a difference.
13. If we want to please Jehovah, what should we do?
Jehovah cares deeply about how we use the gift of speech. He values not only that we speak the truth, but that our words are imbued with love, respect, and encouragement.
The paragraph emphasizes that if we want to please Jehovah, we must speak with beautiful words, which implies sincerity, kindness, and edification.
Psalm 15:1-2 reminds us that only those who speak truth and uprightness can be guests of Jehovah. This means we cannot lie, exaggerate, or manipulate with our words. Furthermore, instead of complaining or criticizing, we should look for reasons to praise, comfort, and strengthen those around us.
JOSEPH
14. How was Jacob's prophecy about Joseph fulfilled? (Genesis 49:22, 26; see also box).
Jacob's prophecy about Joseph highlights how special Joseph was among his brothers. In Genesis 49:22, he is compared to a fruitful shoot bearing fruit beside a spring of water, an image suggesting abundance, growth, and blessing. This reflects both his personal success and his positive influence on his family and throughout Egypt.
Jacob also says that Joseph was chosen among his brothers, which became evident when Jacob granted him the birthright, not chronologically, but symbolically. Although Reuben was the eldest son, he lost that right for having dishonored his father. Joseph then received the double portion of the inheritance through his sons Ephraim and Manasseh.
15. What did Joseph do when he suffered injustice?
Joseph was the victim of a series of grave injustices. His brothers hated him, sold him into slavery, and separated him from his father for years. Later, in Egypt, he was also slandered and unjustly imprisoned. But, as Genesis 49:24 says, his bow remained steadfast, reflecting his emotional and spiritual resilience.
Instead of collapsing, Joseph continued to grow stronger with Jehovah's help. Instead of holding a grudge, he forgave his brothers from the bottom of his heart. When he had the opportunity to take revenge, he didn't; instead, he helped them in times of need, giving them land and food. His generosity was not out of weakness, but out of spiritual strength.
According to Psalm 105:17-19, his trials served to refine him like gold, molding his character until he was ready for a very important mission.
16. How can we imitate Joseph's example when going through difficulties?
Imitating Joseph's example in difficult times means trusting Jehovah completely, even if we don't immediately understand why certain things happen to us.
Joseph may have felt abandoned or unjust, but he never let that destroy his relationship with God. On the contrary, his faith was strengthened, allowing him to show genuine mercy and forgiveness when his brothers needed it most.
Similarly, Jehovah may allow us to go through trials as part of a spiritual training process, as Hebrews 12:7 explains. He does not seek to punish us, but to train us, just as a loving father trains his son.
BENJAMIN
17. How was Jacob's prophecy about Benjamin fulfilled? (Genesis 49:27; see also box).
Jacob's prophecy about Benjamin was fulfilled in a remarkable way. He said he would be like a ferocious wolf, symbolizing strength and aggression in battle.
Indeed, the tribe of Benjamin was characterized by its warlike character. For example, during the time of the judges, they had an army of 26,000 men trained for war, many of whom were skilled with the sling and the sword.
Jacob also mentioned two symbolic moments: "in the morning" and "in the evening." "In the morning" represents the beginnings of the kingdom of Israel, when Saul was the first king and fought valiantly against the enemies of the people. "In the evening" alludes to a much later time, when Esther and Mordecai, also Benjamites, intervened to save the Jews from extermination in the Persian Empire.
18. How can we imitate the loyalty of the tribe of Benjamin?
The tribe of Benjamin teaches us a valuable lesson about loyalty, based on spiritual principles rather than sentimentality or favoritism.
At first, it was a great honor that the first king, Saul, was from his tribe. But when Jehovah decided to take the kingdom from him and give it to David, from the tribe of Judah, Benjamin did not cling to power or tribal pride; over time, he accepted and supported God's decision.
This humble and obedient attitude was reflected years later, when most of the northern tribes rebelled against the House of David. Benjamin remained loyal to Judah, forming the southern kingdom with them and respecting the authority that Jehovah had established.
19. What have we learned from what Jacob prophesied on his deathbed?
Jacob's deathbed prophecies were not mere parting words, but inspired messages revealing the future of his children and the tribes that would emerge from them. Seeing how they were fulfilled exactly strengthens us spiritually.
It reminds us that Jehovah always keeps his promises, even if many years pass. Therefore, these stories connect us to history, strengthen our hope for the future, and inspire us to live in a way that Jehovah will bless us as well.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM WHAT JACOB TOLD SOME OF HIS SONS?
Zebulun, Issachar, and Dan
We learn that we must be willing to serve humbly wherever we are needed, neither yielding to comfort like Issachar nor giving in to violence or revenge like Dan. Jehovah blesses willingness and obedience.
Gad, Asher and Naphtali
We learn that, even when we face attacks or experience material comforts, the important thing is to remain faithful to Jehovah and not lose our spiritual zeal. True beauty lies in using our words and talents to teach and encourage others.
Joseph and Benjamin
We learn that Jehovah rewards loyalty and perseverance, as He did with Joseph, and that He expects us to stand firm and support those He has appointed, as Benjamin did. Faithfulness brings blessings now and in the future.
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