In his final few breaths, Israel blesses his sons appropriately, and then asks to be buried in the same cave Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, and Israel’s wife Leah were buried (the family crypt Abraham bought in Gen 23).
“Reuben, you are my firstborn… Unstable as water, you shall not have preeminence. Simeon and Levi are brothers; weapons of violence are their swords. Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce, and their wrath, for it is cruel! Judah, your brothers shall praise you; your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; your father’s sons shall bow down before you. Zebulun shall dwell at the shore of the sea; he shall become a haven for ships… Issachar is a strong donkey, crouching between the sheepfolds. Dan shall be a serpent in the way, a viper by the path… I wait for your salvation, O Lord. Raiders shall raid Gad, but he shall raid at their heels. Asher’s food shall be rich, and he shall yield royal delicacies. Naphtali is a doe let loose that bears beautiful fawns. The blessings of your father are mighty beyond the blessings of my parents, up to the bounties of the everlasting hills. May they be on the head of Joseph, and on the brow of him who was set apart from his brothers. Benjamin is a ravenous wolf, in the morning devouring the prey and at evening dividing the spoil.” (v3-27 abr)
I suggest reading the entire chapter yourself, I cut out a great deal, though there’s one thing that’s pretty clear – despite being a deceiver the majority of his life, Israel (aka Jacob) dies with the truth on his lips, not pulling any punches or sugar-coating how he addresses his sons.
Some of the words are downright critical and probably quite insulting. I can’t imagine how Dan must have felt – “Dan shall be a serpent in the way, a viper by the path, that bites the horse’s heels so that his rider falls backward. I wait for your salvation, O Lord.” (v17-18) It sounds like Israel is begging God to redeem Dan from being an absolute terror – yikes.
It seems Judah and Joseph (only 2 out of the 12) receive the glowing review that most would have expected someone to give in their final minutes. After all, don’t most people want to be remembered for saying nice/pleasant things to those around them? Israel apparently had no such desire – maybe after spending his life lying to people, he decided to come clean in the end and tell them what he truly thought, when he had a captive audience. I guess that’s one way to get a point across and literally have the last word.
As mentioned, pretty high praise for Judah and Joseph, who seemed to be the only two of whom Israel was really proud. He talks about their conduct, how they will flourish as leaders, and let’s not forget “[Judah’s] eyes are darker than wine, and his teeth whiter than milk.” (v12)
My takeaway here is that even though there are many things we don’t get to choose in this life, we all get to choose our words – James says “How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing.” (Jas 3:5b-10 abr) Again, someone not pulling any punches, and speaking the harsh truth. James reminds us that what comes from our mouths can give, or take life. Now, I’m not suggesting Israel should not have said the things he did – sometimes we need to speak the truth, even if it stings a little, and this was his last chance to talk to his sons so he had to speak frankly. What I am suggesting, is that I choose to use words in alignment with scripture and the Holy Spirit’s leading (which I’m sure Israel probably was), so that I can encourage righteousness (as observed in Judah and Joseph) and admonish evil behaviors (as observed in Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Dan).
Father God, please continue to point out any imperfections in my heart, those places where evil may dwell – please root out those dark places, shine in Your light, and remove those footholds. May You please sanctify me through and through, removing any blemish or fault, so only You remain. Replace those footholds with Your presence, evil thoughts with Your words, and those harmful habits with a servant’s behavior. Father may those around me be amazed – not because of who I am, but because of Your righteousness that shines through me. May You be glorified in all that I say and do.
~ Conqueror in Training