Village Schools of the Bible

Genesis: A Devotional Study
by Max Frazier, Jr.

We finally reach the closing chapters in our year-long journey through Genesis. Along with way we have met some incredible and unforgettable people whose stories, in many ways, model those of our own. We often find ourselves struggling with issues of faith as did Abraham. Trusting God is so very difficult at times. Or we find ourselves wanting God to work according to our wills and wants, as did a Jacob. Yet, many of us have had our wrestling match with God along the banks of our Jabbok River where we have finally surrendered our wills to God. And some of you can identify with a Joseph and ask the question, "God, why did You allow this to happen to me?" Yet, in His silence, God has elevated you from the pit of your problems to the throne room of His resolve. I want to thank you for taking this journey with me this past year. I will look forward to the directions God has prepared for us in the New Year. I am confident that, in whatever book He lays upon hearts, it will be a year of encouragement, of stretch and growth, and of blessing.

Now, for those closing two chapters.

Genesis 49

Key Words: "he blessed them"; "he was gathered to his people"

Key Verse: The phrase "blessings appropriate for him" stands out in verse 28. Is that not how God's blessings are for all of us?

Purpose Statement: Although difficult to understand, these blessings given by Jacob to his sons are prophetic in nature. What insight God gave to Jacob in his old age.

Outline: The Blessings of Jacob to His Children

I. Jacob blesses his sons (vs. 1-28)
A. Reuben (vs. 1-4)
B. Simeon and Levi (vs. 5-7)
C. Judah (vs. 8-12)
D. Zebulun (vs 13)
E. Issachar (vs. 14-15)
F. Dan (vs. 16-18)
G. Gad (vs. 19)
H. Asher (vs. 20)
I. Naphtali (vs. 21)
J. Joseph (vs. 22-26)
K. Benjamin (vs. 27-28)
II. Jacob's death (vs. 29-33)

Thoughts to Ponder: Many of Jacob's blessings were couched in terms of animals: Judah (lion's cub), Issachar (raw-boned donkey), Dan (serpent), Naphtali (doe), and Benjamin (ravenous wolf). What kind of animal would describe me?

Jacob bestowed a particular blessing appropriate upon each of his sons. In order to do that a father must know his family well. That means spending time with them to know, not just their likes and dislikes, but their personalities, their temperaments, their disposition toward God. It is hard for dads to give blessings upon their children today because they simply do not spend quality time with them. Lord, help me to learn from the model of Jacob so that, as a Christian father, I might give the right blessing to my children.

Reuben forfeited the blessing of the firstborn because of sin. Simeon and Levi, the next in line, also forfeited any opportunity of receiving the blessing because of their sin. Judah then received that blessing and became that tribe through which the Messiah would come.

Genesis 50

Key Words: "the Egyptians mourned for him"; "don't be afraid"

Key Verse: Verse 20 is a great statement on the sovereignty of God. Oh to have that kind of confidence in Him.

Purpose Statement: This chapter chronicles the death of two patriarchs: Jacob and Joseph. Sandwiched in between is a reassuring of forgiveness.

Outline: Jacob's Funeral and Joseph's Death

I. Jacob prepared for burial and mourned (vs. 1-3)
II. Jacob is buried in Canaan (vs. 4-14)
III. Joseph's brothers are reassured of their being forgiven (vs. 15-21)
IV. Joseph's death (vs. 22-26)

Questions to Probe: Why did the embalming process take forty days?

Thoughts to Ponder: Guilt is so very hard to lay aside. After all the years of life in Egypt, Joseph's brothers had not really forgiven themselves for their actions of the past. Yes, Joseph had forgiven them, or at least they hoped he had. Perhaps the words were just because of his father and, now that Jacob was dead, Joseph would seek his revenge. The brothers, although forgiven by their brother, could not really live forgiven until they accepted that forgiveness and then forgave themselves. The key to the removal of guilt is forgiveness.

Verses 3 and 7 share the deep feelings of loss the Egyptians expressed after the death of Jacob. It was a great sign of the respect that they had for Joseph. Joseph's integrity became a great avenue of ministry for him and that character trait touched many lives. Perhaps a great portion of those Egyptians who would later follow Israel into the wilderness were the descendants of those who now showed respect for Jacob.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: The Christian is a person who makes it easy for others to believe in God. (Robert M. McCheyne

Genesis 47-48 Return to Table of Contents