The blessing of Joseph’s sons, which proceeded the blessings given to the rest of Jacob’s heirs, are very important. The fact is that Reuben, although he was the first born, committed such a grievous sin against his father that Jacob did not give Reuben the birthright. Jacob, instead gives his blessing to Joseph, through his sons Ephraim and Manasseh.

Jacob’s blessing of Joseph’s sons also placed the blessings of Abraham and Isaac on Joseph’s sons, not on the other sons. Jacob does not invoke the names of Abraham and Isaac on any of the other sons.

The Jewish people, to this day, invoke this blessing on their sons when they say, every Friday evening, “May G-d make you like Ephraim and like Manasseh.”

Table Of Contents

Jacob requires Joseph to make an oath to bring Jacob out of Egypt and bury him with Abraham and Isaac. This oath helped Joseph persuade Pharaoh to allow him to complete this oath later on.

The “end of days” is when you are called to judgement. This is a phrase that is used most commonly by the Prophets talk about the coming of the Messiah. When Jacob uses this phrase, I believe he is using it in a similar vein. I believe that Jacob was a prophet; he received and interpreted dreams and visions. He was even given insight into the interpretation of Joseph’s dreams as well.

“Then Jacob summoned his sons and said, “Assemble yourselves that I may tell you what will befall you in the days to come. Gather together and hear, O sons of Jacob; And listen to Israel your father.”Genesis 49:1–2 NASB

Genesis 49: Blessings for the 12 tribes

“What will befall you” actually means “what will call you in the end of days.” This “call” is not just a name on a birth certificate. It’s your reputation, what people know of your character, identity and personality.

Most of these “blessings” from Jacob sound more like a curse to me, as we read through all of Jacob’s prophesies, you will see what I mean.

Reuben

Reuben’s character persisted in his descendants, both in the rebellion of Korah (Numbers 16) and in General Barak, who was commissioned by the prophetess Deborah (Judges 4), was reluctant to follow God’s instruction to fight against the enemies of Israel. In the end of days, the people of Reuben will be known for their impulsive, inconsistent and instability. His people are not dependable.

Simeon and Levi

God separated Simeon and Levi. He didn’t have to disperse both tribes, he only had to disperse one of them. They made sure they were no longer a team. He only had to scatter Levi to break their bond. They were both known for their extreme anger and murderous intent.

The most famous Simeonite leader was Zimri son of Salu, the scion of a Simeonite family, who slept publicly with the Midianite woman (Numbers 25). He was killed Phineas, the grandson of the High Priest, Aaron, and from that point on, the tribes were no longer connected.

Judah

Even today, Judah, in the modern state of Israel, are still looked up to by all his brothers, both Muslim and Christian. He will maintain his dominance until Messiah’s second coming when He will take His rightful thrown.

Zebulon

“And he shall be a haven for ships.” In the Land of Israel,