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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 49:28-33

Here is, I. The summing up of the blessings of Jacob's sons, Gen. 49:28. Though Reuben, Simeon, and Levi were put under the marks of their father's displeasure, yet he is said to bless them every one according to his blessing; for none of them were rejected as Esau was. Note, Whatever rebukes of God's word or providence we are under at any time, yet, as long as we have an interest in God's covenant, a place and a name among his people, and good hopes of a share in the heavenly Canaan, we must... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 49:28

All these are the twelve tribes of Israel ,.... The twelve sons of Jacob before mentioned were heads of twelve tribes, who were afterwards seated, and had their part in the land of Canaan; there were indeed thirteen tribes, two springing from Joseph; but then the tribe of Levi had no part in the land of Canaan, which was divided into twelve parts; this shows that the above predictions respect not the persons of the patriarchs, but their tribes: and this is it that their father spake... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 49:28

Every one according to his blessing - That is, guided by the unerring Spirit of prophecy, Jacob now foretold to each of his sons all the important events which should take place during their successive generations, and the predominant characteristic of each tribe; and, at the same time, made some comparatively obscure references to the advent of the Messiah, and the redemption of the world by him. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 49:28

Verse 28 28.All these are the twelve tribes of Israel. Moses would teach us by these words, that his predictions did not apply only to the sons of Jacob, but extended to their whole race. We have, indeed, shown already, with sufficient clearness, that the expressions relate not to their persons only; but this verse was to be added, in order that the readers might more clearly perceive the celestial majesty of the Spirit. Jacob beholds his twelve sons. Let us grant that, at that time, the number... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 49:1-33

The patriarchal blessing, or the last words of Jacob, I. THE SONS OF LEAH . 1. The blessing on Reuben . 2. The blessings on Simeon and Levi . It is only by a species of irony that the words pronounced on the authors of the Shechem massacre can be styled a blessing. 3. The blessing upon Judah . Recalling probably the part which his fourth son had played with reference to Benjamin, Jacob fervently declares that Judah should be— 4. The blessing on Zebulun .... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 49:28

All these are the twelve tribes of Israel (the underlying thought is that in blessing his sons Jacob was really blessing the future tribes): and this is it that their father spake unto them, and blessed them; every one according to his blessing he blessed them ( i.e. every one received his own appropriate benediction). read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Genesis 49:1-33

- Jacob Blesses His Sons5. מכרה mekêrāh, “weapon;” related: כיר kārar or כרה kārāh dig. “Device, design?” related: מכר mākar “sell,” in Arabic “take counsel. Habitation.”10. מחקק mechoqēq, “lawgiver, judge, dispenser of laws.” This word occurs in six other places - Numbers 21:18; Deuteronomy 33:21; Jud. Deuteronomy 5:14; Psalms 60:9; Psalms 108:9; Isaiah 33:22; in five of which it clearly denotes ruler, or judge. The meaning “sceptre” is therefore doubtful. שׁילה shı̂ylôh, Shiloh, a... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Genesis 49:1-28

Blessings on Jacob’s twelve sons (49:1-28)The last words of Jacob to his sons found their fulfilment in the history of Israel’s twelve tribes (49:1-2). First Jacob dealt with the six sons of Leah (see v. 3-15), then with the four sons of the minor wives (see v. 16-21), and finally with the two sons of Rachel (see v. 22-27).Reuben should have been strong, but through lack of self-control he lost the leadership of the nation (3-4; cf. 35:22). Simeon and Levi had been violent, and their tribes... read more

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