Genesis 49 contains the deathbed blessing of Jacob on his sons (and two of his grandsons). We discover that these blessings are really shaping the future. In the process of going through each of the sons we learn important lessons along the way.

Introducing the chapter, we learn in vv. 1-2 that 1) God reveals the future through his messengers and message.

Then, in vv. 3-4 we see that 2) Sinful Actions may remove people from positions of leadership.

In vv. 5-7 we learn that 3) Anarchy and Violence are incompatible with spiritual leadership.

In vv. 8-12 we see that 4) God entrusts leadership to those who are praiseworthy and responsible.

5) vv. 13-21, and v. 27 contain much shorter blessings that are called aphorisms where we see a pithy observation made that contains truth about the subject, and we move through the rest of the brothers except for Joseph.

Then, in vv. 22-26 we learn from Joseph's blessing that 6) God gives ultimate blessing and victory to those who patiently endure persecution and opposition.

Finally, in v. 28 we see that 7) God gives what is earned and deserved, not necessarily what is desired.

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