The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 49:8-12
Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise —literally, Judah thou, will praise thee thy brethren, the word יְהוּדָה being a palpable play on יודוךָ (cf. Genesis 29:35 ). Leah praised Jehovah for his birth, and his brethren should extol him for his nobility of character, which even in his acts of sin could not be entirely obscured ( Genesis 37:26 ; Genesis 38:26 ), and certainly in his later days ( Genesis 43:8 ; Genesis 44:18-34 ) shone out with undiminished luster. ... read more
The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 49:1-33
Last words. Jacob's benediction on his sons was a prophetic treasure, to be kept in store by future generations, and a foundation on which much faith could afterwards be built.. It has been called "the last full bloom of patriarchal prophecy and theocratic promise." The central point, the blessing on the royal tribe of Judah. The corresponding eminence being given to Joseph. The Israel blessing to the one, the Jacob blessing to the other. In each case we distinguish— 1. The earthly... read more