Genesis 49:1-30

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 49:1-4

Here is, I. The preface to the prophecy, in which, 1. The congregation is called together (Gen. 49:2): Gather yourselves together; let them all be sent for from their several employments, to see their father die, and to hear his dying words. It was a comfort to Jacob, now that he was dying, to see all his children about him, and none missing, though he had sometimes thought himself bereaved. It was of use to them to attend him in his last moments, that they might learn of him how to die, as... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 49:5-7

These were next in age to Reuben, and they also had been a grief and shame to Jacob, when they treacherously and barbarously destroyed the Shechemites, which he here remembers against them. Children should be afraid of incurring their parents? just displeasure, lest they fare the worse for it long afterwards, and, when they would inherit the blessing, be rejected. Observe, 1. The character of Simeon and Levi: they were brethren in disposition; but, unlike their father, they were passionate and... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 49:8-12

Glorious things are here said of Judah. The mention of the crimes of the three elder of his sons had not so put the dying patriarch out of humour but that he had a blessing ready for Judah, to whom blessings belonged. Judah's name signifies praise, in allusion to which he says, Thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise, Gen. 49:8. God was praised for him (Gen. 29:35), praised by him, and praised in him; and therefore his brethren shall praise him. Note, Those that are to God for a praise... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 49:13-21

Here we have Jacob's prophecy concerning six of his sons. I. Concerning Zebulun (Gen. 49:13), that his posterity should have their lot upon the seacoast, and should be merchants, and mariners, and traders at sea. This was fulfilled when, two or three hundred years after, the land of Canaan was divided by lot, and the border of Zebulun went up towards the sea, Josh. 19:11. Had they chosen their lot themselves, or Joshua appointed it, we might have supposed it done with design to make Jacob's... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 49:22-27

He closes with the blessings of his best beloved sons, Joseph and Benjamin; with these he will breathe his last. I. The blessing of Joseph, which is very large and full. He is compared (Gen. 49:22) to a fruitful bough, or young tree; for God had made him fruitful in the land of his affliction; he owned it, Gen. 41:52. His two sons were as branches of a vine, or other spreading plant, running over the wall. Note, God can make those fruitful, great comforts to themselves and others, who have... read more

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 49:1

And Jacob called upon his sons ,.... Who either were near at hand, and within call at the time Joseph came to visit him, or if at a distance, and at another time, he sent a messenger or messengers to them to come unto him: and said, gather yourselves together ; his will was, that they should attend him all together at the same time, that he might deliver what he had to say to them in the hearing of them all; for what he after declares was not said to them singly and alone, but when they... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 49:2

Gather yourselves together ,.... This is repeated to hasten them, and to suggest that he had something of importance to make known unto them, which he chose to do, when they were together: and hear, ye sons of Jacob, and hearken to Israel your father : these words are used and doubled to excite their attention to what he was about to say, and which is urged from the near relation there was between them. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 49:3

Reuben, thou art my firstborn ,.... Jacob addressed himself to Reuben first, in the presence of his brethren, owned him as his firstborn, as he was, Genesis 29:31 did not cashier him from his family, nor disinherit him, though he had greatly disobliged him, for which the birthright, and the privileges of it, were taken from him, 1 Chronicles 5:1 . my might, and the beginning of my strength ; begotten by him when in his full strength F26 "Nate. meae vires. --------" Virgil. , as... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 49:4

Unstable as water ,.... Which is not to be understood of the levity of his mind, and his disposition to hurt, and the impetuous force of that breaking forth like water, and carrying him into the commission of it; but rather of his fall from his excellency and dignity, like the fall of water from an high place; and of his being vile, mean, and contemptible, useless and unprofitable, like water spilled on the ground; and of his weak and strengthless condition and circumstances, being deprived... read more

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