“To each one he gave the blessing that was due” (GEN. 49:28).
1. What will we see in this article?
In the previous article, we saw that Jacob said words to Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah that surely left everyone intrigued and perhaps surprised.
In this article, we will look at the prophetic words Jacob would now speak to his remaining sons: Zebulun, Issachar, Dan, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Joseph, and Benjamin, and the lessons we can learn from his words.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Let's look at the lessons we can learn from the words Jacob prophesied to his other sons: Zebulun, Issachar, Dan, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Joseph, and Benjamin.
He called the first four children in order, from oldest to youngest, but this was not the case with the remaining children, whom we will analyze today.
ZEBULON
2. What did Jacob prophesy about Zebulun, and how were his words fulfilled? (Genesis 49:13; see also box).
Jacob prophesied that Zebulun's descendants would live by the sea, in the northern reaches of the Promised Land. More than 200 years later, those words were fulfilled when the tribe of Zebulun inherited a territory located between the Sea of Galilee and the Mediterranean Sea.
Moses also prophesied, “Rejoice, O Zebulun, in your goings forth.” He probably meant that its location between the two seas would facilitate trade.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Zebulun's descendants would live by the sea in the northern part of the Promised Land. Two hundred years later, the tribe of Zebulun inherited a territory located between the Sea of Galilee and the Mediterranean Sea, which, due to its location between the two seas, would have facilitated trade.
3. What will help us not to lose joy?
To maintain our joy, it will help us to be content with what we have, rather than focusing on what we lack. Because, regardless of our circumstances or where we live, if we focus on the blessings Jehovah gives us, we will always have reasons to be happy.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Being content with what we have can help us maintain our joy, because sometimes we tend to focus so much on what we don't have that we don't enjoy what we do have.
To avoid losing joy, no matter where we live, we must remember that we serve Jehovah, our Creator. If we serve him with the right motivation, we will stay focused on what's most important without losing joy.
The most important thing is to know that Jehovah will always take care of us and, in addition to that, if we trust in Him, He will give us what we need in any situation, and we will focus only on His service and we will be happy.
In Galatians 6:4, we should examine our own actions, why we do them, and whether we are content with what we have. Then we will have reasons to be joyful and will not compare ourselves with another person or what others do, but rather focus on what we do.
We have the prophecy in Genesis 49:13, which states that Zebulun would live by the sea, and its later fulfillment in Joshua 19 makes it clear that the tribe of Zebulun lived northward, between the Sea of Galilee and the Mediterranean Sea, just as foretold.
ISACAR
4. What did Jacob predict about Issachar, and how were his words fulfilled? (Genesis 49:14, 15; see also box).
Jacob predicted that Issachar would live in a pleasant land. His words were fulfilled when Issachar's descendants received a fertile and productive territory along the Jordan River. They were to work hard cultivating their land and also help others, such as when they supported Judge Barak and the prophetess Deborah in the fight against Sisera.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Jacob congratulates Issachar for his hard work and compares him to a strong-boned donkey, that is, an animal capable of carrying heavy loads.
Although they had very good and productive land, it was logically necessary for them to work it, because even if the land is good, it precisely requires the support of the one who cultivates it.
In addition to the hard work they did, they also helped others. For example, when Judge Barak and the prophetess Deborah asked for help in fighting Sisera, the tribe of Issachar was one of those who offered to help them. So it wasn't just the hard physical work, but also helping others.
5. Why is it important for us to work hard for Jehovah?
It is important for us to work hard for Jehovah because He greatly values our efforts and dedication to serving Him. Just as He appreciated the work of the tribe of Issachar, Jehovah also recognizes brothers who strive to care for and protect the congregation, help brothers remain steadfast in their friendship with Him, and strengthen others through talks and teachings. Our hard work demonstrates love and loyalty to Jehovah and contributes to the spiritual well-being of the entire congregation.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Because Jehovah greatly appreciated the hard work of the tribe of Issachar and he also greatly appreciates all the efforts we make to serve him.
As Ecclesiastes 2:24 reminds us, there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his hard work. Thus, not only does Jehovah value it, but we will enjoy it too.
In 1 Timothy 3:1 we are told that if a man is striving to be an overseer, he desires a very good work. So in the congregations we have elders, who watch over the sheep of the people and care for them.
Jehovah recognizes those who strive to care for, protect, and keep the congregation clean. It is important that we work hard for Jehovah, because our hard work demonstrates love and loyalty to Jehovah and contributes to the spiritual well-being of the entire congregation.
The prophecy about Issachar is that his shoulder would bear very heavy burdens, and the fulfillment was when the tribe of Issachar worked hard to help the nation.
It is worth working hard for the congregation and for our brothers and sisters, because Jehovah values it and will bless us.
Dan
6. What mission did the tribe of Dan receive? (Genesis 49:17, 18; see also box).
The tribe of Dan was given the mission of protecting the entire nation of Israel. Although it was "in the rear" as Israel entered the Promised Land, its role was to watch over and defend the people. It was willing to courageously confront Israel's adversaries and fulfilled an important task that was not always visible to others.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The prophecy said he would be like a viper, capable of defeating more powerful enemies, like the horse and its rider. As Israel entered the Promised Land, the tribe of Dan brought up the rear, protecting the entire nation.
On the way to the Promised Land, they were at the end. So, no one could see what they were doing, but what they were doing was protecting all of Jehovah's people.
Numbers 10:25 says they weren't running riot just to chase after others. They were well-organized, in groups, controlling the entire nation, ensuring it was protected at all times.
This action of going 'in the rear' fits with the prophecy, because it specifically said that he bites the horse's heels and makes the rider fall backward, referring to the action of going behind while Israel entered the Promised Land.
7. Whenever we do something for Jehovah, what should we remember?
Whenever we do something for Jehovah, we must remember that He sees and appreciates everything we do, especially because we do it out of love for Him and not to receive praise or recognition from others.
Even if we do things that may go unnoticed by others, we must not forget that Jehovah sees and appreciates everything we do for Him, especially because we do it out of love for Him and not for recognition from others.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
That Jehovah sees us and values everything we do for Him, since He knows that we do it to show how much we love Him and not to receive praise or recognition from others.
No matter what task we do, whether it's cleaning and maintaining the Kingdom Hall, volunteering at conventions, and the like, we must not forget that Jehovah sees and appreciates everything we do for Him.
What's truly important to Jehovah is not what we do, but why we're doing it. That's why Jesus, in Matthew 6:1-4, reminded us of the importance of having the right motivation. On the one hand, he said that we won't receive Jehovah's blessing if we do things seeking other people's approval instead of God's.
If we do things to receive recognition from others, they will lose value in Jehovah's eyes; but if what we do is motivated by love for Him and our desire to give Him the best, He will bless us.
Matthew 6:4 says, 'Your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.' So there are many things to do in the congregation, but they are not something we have to do for others to see, but for Jehovah to see and, in due time, bless.
The prophecy says that Dan would bite the horse's heel and cause the rider to fall backward. Its fulfillment was that, whenever they headed toward the Promised Land, he remained in the rear, watching over and protecting the entire nation. The lesson we learn is that, whatever work we have, even if others don't see it, we should do it for Jehovah and be content and happy.
GAD
8. Why was the tribe of Gad vulnerable to attack in the Promised Land? (Genesis 49:19; see also box).
The tribe of Gad was exposed to attack in the Promised Land because they had inherited territory east of the Jordan River, next to several enemy nations, making it very likely that those nations would attack them. Despite this risk, they chose to live there because it was a good grazing area for their livestock, and they trusted that Jehovah would help them defend the lands He had given them. What a courageous tribe!
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Because, more than 200 years later, this tribe inherited a territory east of the Jordan River, alongside several enemy nations. So it was very likely that these nations would attack them.
The tribe of Gad inherited a territory east of the Jordan River, next to several enemy nations, which made it very likely that they would be attacked by these nations. Not only were they not afraid, but they sometimes sent their army across to aid their brothers on the other side of the river. So, indeed, they were a courageous tribe, defending their territory and pursuing their enemies.
Even though they were next to enemy nations, they were interested in the land because it had many animals and was fertile ground for raising them. Furthermore, they trusted that Jehovah would protect them and help them protect the land He had given them.
We might think they could have avoided conflict by moving to another land and thus avoiding attack from enemy nations. But they did this not out of selfishness or economic interest, but because they wanted to defend this gift, this land that Jehovah had given them, and they trusted that Jehovah would help them maintain it.
While the tribe of Gad sent its army across to help their brothers on the other side of the river, their wives and children were left unprotected. This shows that they had great confidence in Jehovah's protection.
9. If we trust in Jehovah, what will we be willing to do?
If we trust in Jehovah, we must show this trust in all circumstances, even when they are difficult. Many brothers make sacrifices, such as supporting construction projects, moving to where they are needed to preach, or fulfilling other responsibilities in the organization, always confident that Jehovah will take care of them.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
If we trust in Jehovah, we will be willing to make sacrifices, like many brothers who are willing to support construction projects, move to where help is needed to preach, or fulfill other responsibilities in the organization, knowing that Jehovah will always take care of us.
If we have that complete trust in Jehovah, we will be ready for anything, because we will know that Jehovah is ahead, as Psalm 23:1 mentions, and will always give us what we need.
We can see the example of some brothers who serve temporarily at Bethel. They leave their jobs, unsure if they will be able to find a new one when their time there is up. Many brothers who volunteer for evangelization schools leave their homes. These brothers dedicate their service completely to Jehovah, making great sacrifices. But their trust in Jehovah leads them to serve him regardless of the difficulties that arise.
As Psalm 23:1 says, 'I shall not want.' Brothers who make sacrifices to serve Jehovah are fully convinced that Jehovah will care for them and help them, and they are willing to leave that comfort zone because they truly desire with all their hearts to serve Jehovah and, of course, to help all their brothers.
The prophecy said that a band of robbers would attack him. The fulfillment: the tribe of Gad lived east of the Jordan River, in an area prone to attack. What we learn is that we must always trust in Jehovah, regardless of our circumstances, always trusting that Jehovah will take care of us.
ASER
10. What mistake did the tribe of Asher make? (Genesis 49:20; see also box).
The tribe of Asher made the mistake of not expelling the Canaanites from the lands they had inherited, which exposed them to their evil influence. Because of their prosperous economic situation, they may have lost their enthusiasm for serving Jehovah. Furthermore, they did not volunteer to fight against the Canaanite armies, thus missing out on Jehovah's intervention in the victory.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The territory allotted to the tribe of Asher was economically sound, because they had a good harbor and everything was favorable. However, they did not expel the Canaanites as they had been told. So, although they had a good economic position, they also acquired a pagan influence. This caused them to slacken their hands somewhat in their service to Jehovah.
When Judge Barak called for volunteers to fight the Canaanites, the tribe of Asher did not volunteer. Thus, we see that they were influenced by the presence of the people they did not expel and ended up distancing themselves from Jehovah, thus missing out on Jehovah's intervention in the victory.
By not helping when Judge Barak called for volunteers, they were harmed in two ways. Spiritually, because they failed to see Jehovah's intervention in the victory. And then they must have also been embarrassed when, under divine inspiration, Barak and Deborah sang a victory song that, in part, said: "Asher sat by the seashore doing nothing.
11. Why shouldn't we give material things more importance than they have?
We should not give material things more importance than they deserve, because if we do, we could neglect our service to Jehovah and devote our time and energy to seeking riches or comfort. By putting Jehovah first and giving Him our best, we trust that He will give us a secure life filled with good things in the future.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Because that can distract us from giving our best to Jehovah, which is our goal as Christians. If we're distracted by thinking we need a better job or that we should work longer hours to have more things—perhaps more than we really need—we'll slack off on the truly valuable things, like the congregation and our spiritual activities. Ultimately, what can happen is that we lose our friendship with Jehovah.
As Hebrews 13:5 says, let your way of life be free from the love of money and be content with the things you have, for He has said, "Never will I leave you nor forsake you." Jehovah expects us not to value material things more than they deserve, but simply to view them as a means of survival.
It was prophesied that Asher would have an abundance of bread, and so it was, for he enjoyed a good economic situation in the Promised Land. But something that seemed positive turned negative, because it caused him to slacken his service to Jehovah. The lesson is that economic matters should not come first, but rather our service to Jehovah should come first, without letting economic interests distract us from serving Him.
NEPHTHALI
12. How could Jacob's prophecy about Naphtali be fulfilled? (Genesis 49:21; see also box.)
Jacob's prophecy concerning Naphtali may have been fulfilled through Jesus, who spoke "with beautiful words" and taught effectively during his ministry. He spent much time in Capernaum, in the territory of Naphtali, and Isaiah also prophesied that he would be "a great light" to the inhabitants of Zebulun and Naphtali, thus perhaps fulfilling what Jacob had predicted.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
It was likely fulfilled in Jesus' way of speaking and teaching, because he spent much time preaching in Capernaum, which belonged to Naphtali. It was also said of Jesus that he would be "a great light" to the inhabitants of Zebulun and Naphtali. So, what Genesis 49:21 says about "beautiful words" may be fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
13. If we want to please Jehovah, what should we do?
If we want to please Jehovah, we must speak “with beautiful words,” which means always telling the truth, encouraging others, praising them for their good deeds instead of criticizing or complaining, and striving to improve our ability to initiate conversations that allow us to share the truth.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We must always tell the truth and speak with beautiful words that encourage others, as well as improve our skills that allow us to share the truth.
Jehovah cares about what we say and how we say it. Therefore, we can also prepare ourselves to engage in pleasant conversations with people, to deliver the message, and also to praise or offer sincere words of encouragement to our fellow believers.
Beautiful words have no place for criticism or complaining. As Paul tells the Ephesians, they are corrupt words that do not edify.
The words of Ephesians 4:29 are very illustrative because, when it speaks of corrupted words, we see that the Greek term used could also be used for rotten fish. This helps us understand and see how Jehovah views these kinds of words. Rotten fish cause a very unpleasant odor. This is how Jehovah views these kinds of words.
The prophecy says that Naphtali would speak “with beautiful words,” and its fulfillment may have occurred during Jesus’ ministry, as he spent much time preaching in the land of Naphtali. We learn that we should speak with beautiful words, both in preaching and with our brothers.
JOSEPH
14. How was Jacob's prophecy about Joseph fulfilled? (Genesis 49:22, 26; see also box).
Jacob's prophecy concerning Joseph was fulfilled because his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, became two tribes of Israel, each receiving a portion of land. Thus, Joseph inherited the "double portion" that Jacob had predicted, fulfilling what had been prophesied.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The prophecy about Joseph said he was “the shoot of a fruitful tree.” The tree represented Jacob, and Joseph was like a branch coming out of that tree. It was also prophesied that he would receive the double portion that Reuben had lost, since Joseph was the eldest son of Rachel, his beloved wife. This part was fulfilled when Ephraim and Manasseh became two tribes of Israel, each receiving a portion of land.
15. What did Joseph do when he suffered injustice?
When he suffered injustice, Joseph didn't get angry with his brothers or with Jehovah. He relied on Jehovah, forgave his brothers, treated them kindly, and allowed trials to help him become a better person, which allowed Jehovah to use him in remarkable ways.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
When Joseph suffered injustice, he didn't take revenge, but relied on Jehovah. Furthermore, he not only forgave his brothers for selling him, but treated them with kindness, allowing his trials to make him a better person.
In Genesis 47:11-12, Joseph is said to have given them the best part of the land and also made sure that his brothers were fed. Instead of taking revenge on his brothers for selling him into slavery, he cared for them and forgave them.
Psalm 105:19 says that Joseph was purified, or refined, by fire. The trials he faced lasted 13 years. We can imagine 13 years of overcoming trial after trial, without seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. However, Joseph, instead of seeing it as a negative and despairing, focused on refining himself, polishing his qualities, and becoming more valuable in Jehovah's eyes.
Joseph wasn't angry with his brothers or with Jehovah. On the contrary, the Bible says his bow remained firm and his hands remained strong, because he clung even more tightly to his Heavenly Father and trusted Him completely.
16. How can we imitate Joseph's example when going through difficulties?
We can imitate Joseph's example in enduring difficulties by trusting in Jehovah, remaining steadfast in our faith, not turning away from Him or our brothers, and cultivating qualities such as mercy and forgiveness, knowing that Jehovah will reward our endurance.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
By viewing these difficulties as a test to demonstrate our loyalty to Jehovah, rather than turning away from Him, we cultivate qualities such as patience, mercy, forgiveness, and fortitude.
In Hebrews 12:7, it can be understood as part of Jehovah's discipline; the New World Translation offers an alternative option, "as part of Jehovah's training." That is, this discipline is also training us when we make mistakes, so that we can be better for the future.
Something we must keep in mind is that when we face difficulties, Jehovah knows how to help us. In the long run, this makes us better people because we accept His help, even when the situations are difficult. It also teaches us to love Jehovah more and more.
The prophecy about Joseph said that blessings would continue to fall on the head of the one chosen among his brothers. The fulfillment was that Joseph inherited the birthright, and his two sons became two tribes of Israel.
The lessons from Joseph's prophecy are that we should never allow difficulties to distance us from Jehovah or our brothers and sisters, but rather view them as opportunities to bring out the best in us and cultivate our qualities.
17. How was Jacob's prophecy about Benjamin fulfilled? (Genesis 49:27; see also box).
Jacob's prophecy about Benjamin was fulfilled because its members proved to be valiant warriors in two different eras. In the morning, Saul, the first king of Israel from the tribe of Benjamin, fought valiantly against the Philistines. In the evening, many years later, Queen Esther and Prime Minister Mordecai, also from this tribe, saved the Israelites from extermination by the Persian Empire.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The prophecy speaks of "in the morning" and then "in the evening." "In the morning" refers to the beginning of the reign of the Kingdom of Israel. Saul, the first king, who was of the tribe of Benjamin, was there and fought valiantly against the Philistines.
“At evening” refers to many years later, when Queen Esther and Prime Minister Mordecai, who also came from the tribe of Benjamin, prevented the Persian Empire from exterminating them.
Jacob first predicted that the tribe of Benjamin would be like a wolf tearing its prey, but in two stages: in the morning it eats the prey and in the evening it divides the spoils.
18. How can we imitate the loyalty of the tribe of Benjamin?
We can imitate the loyalty of the tribe of Benjamin by being firm and respectful toward the men Jehovah has appointed to lead his people, supporting their decisions and remaining loyal to them, offering our support even when there are changes in the organization that we do not understand.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In 1 Thessalonians 5:12, we are told to show respect to those who work hard among us. The tribe of Benjamin gives us a very clear example: how they remained loyal to Judah and the king Jehovah had appointed. We too should do the same: support them and be loyal to the men who lead Jehovah's people.
The fact that David, a Judean, was chosen as king and Saul, a Benjamite, was rejected was a test of their loyalty. However, they supported David and the tribe of Judah. Later, when the rebellion occurred during the division of the country, it is interesting that Jehovah allowed only Judah and Benjamin to remain. Benjamin showed his support, as the group of soldiers who supported Rehoboam is mentioned to maintain the two-tribe kingdom, just as Jehovah had promised.
Jacob predicted that the members of the tribe of Benjamin would be like a ferocious wolf: “in the morning,” during the time of Saul, Israel’s first king, who fought against the Philistines; and “in the evening,” when there were no more kings, during the time of Esther and Mordecai, they also acted like ferocious wolves in protecting Jehovah’s people.
That we should support those whom Jehovah has appointed and be obedient, even though the changes may not be in our favor, as happened to Benjamin.
19. What have we learned from what Jacob prophesied on his deathbed?
We have learned that reviewing how Jacob's prophecies were fulfilled strengthens our faith that the other prophecies in God's Word will also be fulfilled. Furthermore, by analyzing the blessings his children received, we understand what we must do to please Jehovah.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
All the prophetic words Jacob spoke concerning his sons came true, so we know that it was Jehovah who was behind all of this, and that all the prophecies yet to be fulfilled will also be fulfilled.
Analyzing the blessings that Jacob's sons received helps us understand what we must do if we want Jehovah to be pleased with us.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM WHAT JACOB TOLD SOME OF HIS SONS?
Zebulun, Issachar, and Dan
From what Jacob said to Zebulun, we learn that no matter what our circumstances, where we live, or our economic status, there are always reasons to be happy. We should be content with what we have and not focus on what we don't have.
From what Jacob said to Issachar, we learn that Jehovah greatly values all the efforts we make to serve him, but we must also strive to fulfill our responsibilities and help others.
From what Jacob said to Dan, we learn that no matter how simple some tasks may seem, and how they may go unnoticed, we must not forget that Jehovah sees and values everything we do for Him and for our brothers.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We learn that we should focus on the positive things and be content with what we have.
We learn that Jehovah also notices and values the effort and work that the brothers do for the congregation, and that is why we should do the same.
We learn that Jehovah sees and values everything we do in his service.
Gad, Asher and Naphtali
From what Jacob said to Gad, we learn that we should trust in Jehovah in all circumstances, even when it is not easy, and that we should be willing to make sacrifices because we trust that Jehovah will always take care of us.
From what Jacob said to Asher, we learn that we must reject the world's view that riches are the most important thing in life. We must put our energies into serving Jehovah rather than accumulating wealth.
From what Jacob said to Naphtali, we learn that if we want to please Jehovah, we must speak “with beautiful words.” We must always speak the truth, say things that encourage others, and acknowledge the good things they do, rather than criticize them.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We learn not to give material things more importance than they deserve; not to let them overshadow our service to Jehovah.
We learn that we should speak with beautiful words, always tell the truth, encourage our brothers and sisters, congratulate each other for the good things we do, and always leave aside criticism and complaints.
Joseph and Benjamin
From what Jacob told Joseph, we learn that we should not allow difficulties to distance us from Jehovah or our brothers and sisters, and that situations that test us help us become better Christians, as they help us cultivate and enhance qualities such as mercy and forgiveness. In the end, we know that Jehovah will reward our efforts, just as he did Joseph.
From what Jacob said to Benjamin, we learn that just as the tribe of Benjamin remained loyal to Judah and the king Jehovah had appointed, we should show our support and be loyal to the men God has appointed today.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We learn not to let difficulties distance us from Jehovah and our brothers and sisters, but to see them as an opportunity to cultivate qualities.
We learn that Benjamin was a loyal tribe, and we must demonstrate loyalty to Jehovah in any circumstance, especially toward those whom Jehovah has appointed to lead his organization here on earth.
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