Redemption's Path: From Patriarchs to Promised Legacy

Bible Passage: Genesis 47:28–50:26

Summary: In this passage, we witness the conclusion of the patriarchal age as Jacob prepares to pass on his legacy to his sons while in Egypt. The narrative reveals the journey of the Hebrew people from a family of patriarchs to the sustenance of a burgeoning nation, highlighting themes of identity, belonging, and faithfulness amidst adversity.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that God’s purpose is unshakeable, even during periods of human failure, transition, and hardship. Jacob's blessings serve not only as farewells but as confirmations of identity and future hope for his descendants, affirming that God's plans unfold through the lives of His people despite the circumstances they may face.

Big Idea: God's promises provide an unwavering foundation for identity and purpose, allowing us to thrive in any circumstance, as we are part of His larger redemptive story through Christ.

1. Legacy of Unfailing Promises

Genesis 47:28-48:22

2. Prophecy and Purpose Revealed

Genesis 49:1-28

3. Death, Destiny and Hope

Genesis 49:29-50:14

4. Reconciliation and Redemption

Genesis 50:15-26

Jacob was called to Egypt, to Goshen, and to relationship with his son whom he lost for a time. Joseph was betrayed to death but was only carried away for a time. This, by the power of God, brought redemption and life to Jacob and his sons. Jacob, at his end, called Jacob to his bedside ad using the custom his father Isaac had taught him, made a pact that Jacob would be buried with his ancestors in the cave where Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Rebekah, and Leah’s remains rested. In the land that God had given to Israel. In Canaan.

What follows is the end of the Patriarchal age. The blessings given by Jacob hold great significance and are prophetic. The closing blessings to each of the tribes and the very special blessing to Joseph are worth studying and so — I will include some information to be carefully considered:

Reuben

Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn, forfeits preeminence due to his sin (Genesis 49:3–4). This highlights the consequences of moral failure, and Jewish tradition sees it as a warning to future leaders. Church tradition sees Reuben as a type of human frailty, pointing to the need for the perfect Redeemer.

Simeon and Levi

These tribes are scattered due to their violence (Genesis 49:5–7). Levi’s later role in the priesthood redeems this judgment. Christian sources view Levi’s priesthood as a shadow of Christ, the ultimate High Priest.

Judah

Judah receives the most explicitly messianic blessing (Genesis 49:8–12). He is described as a lion, and the scepter will not depart from him until Shiloh (interpreted as the Messiah) comes. Jewish tradition links this to King David and the messianic lineage. Christian sources see its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Lion of Judah, who establishes an eternal kingdom. Judah’s comparison to a lion (Genesis 49:9) symbolizes strength, courage, and royalty, qualities embodied by King David and the future Messiah.

Messianic Expectation:

The blessing of Judah is one of the most explicitly messianic passages in Jewish tradition. The “scepter” (shevet) and “ruler’s staff” are interpreted in the Talmud (Sanhedrin 98b) as referring to the Davidic dynasty and the coming of the Messiah.

The term “Shiloh” is linked to the Messiah by Targum Onkelos and the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 99:8), with the phrase interpreted as “until he to whom it belongs shall come,” signaling the arrival of ultimate kingship.

Zebulun

Zebulun is associated with trade and dwelling by the sea (Genesis 49:13). Jewish interpretation connects this to economic prosperity, while church tradition often allegorizes it as the spread of the Gospel to the nations.

Issachar

Issachar is likened to a strong donkey bearing burdens (Genesis 49:14–15). Jewish sources see this as a sign of hard labor and servitude, while Christian sources sometimes see a metaphor for those who bear the yoke of Christ.

Dan

Dan is described as a serpent and a judge (Genesis 49:16–17). Jewish tradition associates this with Samson, who came from the tribe of Dan. Some early Christian sources controversially link Dan with the Antichrist, contrasting the tribe’s failures with Christ’s perfect judgment.

Gad, Asher, and Naphtali

Gad will triumph over raiders (Genesis 49:19).

Asher is blessed with rich food (Genesis 49:20).

Naphtali is described as a free doe with beautiful words (Genesis 49:21).

These blessings are generally interpreted in both traditions as signs of provision, victory, and freedom, pointing to the diversity of gifts within God’s people.

Joseph

Joseph receives an extensive blessing (Genesis 49:22–26), described as a fruitful vine whose branches extend over a wall. Jacob emphasizes Joseph’s suffering and ultimate exaltation, which Jewish sources interpret as a type of Israel’s endurance and restoration. Church and Jewish tradition often sees Joseph as a type of Christ, whose suffering leads to salvation and blessing for many or leads the way to the Davidic Messiah.

Adoption of Ephraim and Manasseh

Rabbinic Interpretation: Jacob’s adoption of Ephraim and Manasseh (Genesis 48:5) elevates Joseph to the status of a double tribe, fulfilling his earlier favoritism toward Joseph (Genesis 37:3). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 97:3) emphasizes Jacob’s prophetic vision of their future greatness, symbolizing their integration into the covenant while maintaining unique identities.

Messianic Implications: The prominence of Ephraim is linked in the Talmud (Pesachim 119b) to the figure of the “Messiah ben Ephraim” (or Messiah ben Joseph), a precursor to the ultimate redeemer (Messiah ben David). This figure is believed to suffer and die in battle, mirroring Joseph’s suffering for his brothers.

Reversal of Blessing Order

Rabbinic View: Jacob’s preference for Ephraim over Manasseh (Genesis 48:19) symbolizes the idea that spiritual merit, not birth order, determines greatness. Ephraim’s future dominance (e.g., through leaders like Joshua) is seen as divinely ordained.

Talmudic Insight: This act reflects God’s pattern of elevating the younger over the older, as seen with Isaac, Jacob, and David, signaling divine providence (Taanit 5b).

Benjamin

Benjamin is described as a ravenous wolf (Genesis 49:27), symbolizing fierce warriors. Jewish sources highlight the military prowess of Benjamin’s descendants, while Christian sources may draw parallels to the zeal of early church figures like Paul the Apostle, who was from Benjamin.

Additional Messianic Themes —

Joseph and Judah as Messianic Prototypes:

Jewish tradition views Joseph and Judah as complementary messianic figures:

Messiah ben Joseph: Represents suffering, struggle, and the material world.

Messiah ben David (from Judah): Represents kingship, spiritual leadership, and ultimate redemption.

The Zohar (Kabbalistic text) elaborates on their roles, highlighting how Joseph’s suffering paves the way for Judah’s reign.

Ephraim and the Nations:

Ephraim’s blessing (Genesis 48:19) to become a “multitude of nations” (melo ha-goyim) is seen in the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 97:6) as a prophecy of Israel’s influence over the Gentiles, possibly foreshadowing the Messianic Age when the nations will recognize Israel’s God.

At Jacob’s death the authorities in Egypt and all of the family of Jacob too his body to Machpelah and there his remains were placed with his ancestors. All mourned and this was indeed the final patriarch. The Hebrews were to enter a new age. First however, there was some unfinished business. Joseph’s brothers knew his power and also knew wha they did to him. Their scheming brought them fear as they thought that perhaps Joseph would now kill them. However, Joseph was a man reliant upon the God his fathers knew and did not seek justice of vengeance. The brothers were safe.

The story ends with Joseph being assured that his remains would be taken to Canaan when the people left. Joseph knew God would bring the people from Egypt to Canaan eventually as that was the land He promised to them. He did not see its fulfillment but his body was prepared for the journey!