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Commentary on Genesis 49 verses 22–27
He closes with the blessings of his best beloved sons, Joseph and Benjamin; with these he will breathe his last.
I. The blessing of Joseph, which is very large and full. He is compared (Gen 49:22) to a fruitful bouth, or young tree; for God had made him fruitful in the land of his affliction; he owned it. Gen 41:52. His two sons were as branches of a vine, or other spreading plant, running over the wall. Note, God can make those fruitful, great comforts to themselves and others, who have been looked upon as dry and withered. More is recorded in the history concerning Joseph than concerning any other of Jacob's sons; and therefore what Jacob says of him is historical as well as prophetical. Observe,
1.The providences of God concerning Joseph, Gen 49:23, Gen 49:24. These are mentioned to the glory of God, and for the encouragement of Jacob's faith and hope, that God had blessings in store for his seed. Here observe (1.) Joseph's straits and troubles, Gen 49:23. Though he now lived at ease and in honour, Jacob reminds him of the difficulties he had formerly waded through. He had had many enemies, here called archers, being skilful to do mischief, masters of their art of persecution. They hated him: there persecution begins. They shot their poisonous darts at him, and thus they sorely grieved him. His brethren, in his father's house, were very spiteful towards him, mocked him, stripped him, threatened him, sold him, thought they had been the death of him. His mistress, in the house of Potiphar, sorely grieved him, and shot at him, when she impudently assaulted his chastity (temptations are fiery darts, thorns in the flesh, sorely grievous to gracious souls); when she prevailed not in this, she hated him, and shot at him by her false accusations, arrows against which there is little fence but the hold God has in the consciences of the worst of men. Doubtless he had enemies in the court of Pharaoh, that envied his preferment, and sought to undermine him. (2.) Joseph's strength and support under all these troubles (Gen 49:24): His bow abode in strength, that is, his faith did not fail, but he kept his ground, and came off a conqueror. The arms of his hands were made strong, that is, his other graces did their part, his wisdom, courage, and patience, which are better than weapons of war. In short, he maintained both his integrity and his comfort through all his trials; he bore all his burdens with an invincible resolution, and did not sink under them, nor do any thing unbecoming him. (3.) The spring and fountain of this strength; it was by the hands of the mighty God, who was therefore able to strengthen him, and the God of Jacob, a God in covenant with him, and therefore engaged to help him. All our strength for the resisting of temptations, and the bearing of afflictions, comes from God: his grace is sufficient, and his strength is perfected in our weakness. (4.) The state of honour and usefulness to which he was subsequently advanced: Thence (from this strange method of providence) he became the shepherd and stone, the feeder and supporter, of God's Israel, Jacob and his family. Herein Joseph was a type, [1.] Of Christ; he was shot at and hated, but borne up under his sufferings (Isa 50:7-9), and was afterwards advanced to be the shepherd and stone. [2.] Of the church in general, and particular believers; hell shoots its arrows against the saints, but Heaven protects and strengthens them, and will crown them.
2.The promises of God to Joseph. See how these are connected with the former: Even by the God of thy father Jacob, who shall help thee, Gen 49:25. Note, Our experiences of God's power and goodness in strengthening us hitherto are our encouragements still to hope for help from him; he that has helped us will help: we may build much upon our Eben-ezers. See what Joseph may expect from the Almighty, even the God of his father. (1.) He shall help thee in difficulties and dangers which may yet be before thee, help thy seed in their wars. Joshua came from him, who commanded in chief in the wars of Canaan. (2.) He shall bless thee; and he only blesses indeed. Jacob prays for a blessing upon Joseph, but the God of Jacob commands the blessing. Observe the blessings conferred on Joseph. [1.] Various and abundant blessings: Blessings of heaven above (rain in its season, and fair weather in its season, and the benign influences of the heavenly bodies); blessings of the deep that lieth under this earth, which, compared with the upper world, is but a great deep, with subterraneous mines and springs. Spiritual blessings are blessings of heaven above, which we ought to desire and seek for in the first place, and to which we must give the preference; while temporal blessings, those of this earth, must lie under in our account and esteem. Blessings of the womb and the breasts are given when children are safely born and comfortably nursed. In the word of God, by which we are born again, and nourished up (Pe1 1:23; Pe1 2:2), there are to the new man blessings both of the womb and the breasts. [2.] Eminent and transcendent blessings, which prevail above the blessings of my progenitors, Gen 49:26. His father Isaac had but one blessing, and, when he had given that to Jacob, he was at a loss for a blessing to bestow upon Esau; but Jacob had a blessing for each of his twelve sons, and now, at the latter end, a copious one for Joseph. The great blessing entailed upon that family was increase, which did not so immediately and so signally follow the blessings which Abraham and Isaac gave to their sons as it followed the blessing which Jacob gave to his; for, soon after his death, they multiplied exceedingly. [3.] Durable and extensive blessings: Unto the utmost bounds of the everlasting hills, including all the productions of the most fruitful hills, and lasting as long as they last, Isa 54:10. Note, the blessings of the everlasting God include the riches of the everlasting hills, and much more. Well, of these blessings it is here said, They shall be, so it is a promise, or, Let them be, so it is a prayer, on the head of Joseph, to which let them be as a crown to adorn it and a helmet to protect it. Joseph was separated from his brethren (so we read it) for a time; yet, as others read it, he was a Nazarite among his brethren, better and more excellent than they. Note, It is no new thing for the best men to meet with the worst usage, for Nazarites among their brethren to be cast out and separated from their brethren; but the blessing of God will make it up to them.
II. The blessing of Benjamin (Gen 49:27): He shall raven as a wolf; it is plain by this that Jacob was guided in what he said by a spirit of prophecy, and not by natural affection; else he would have spoken with more tenderness of his beloved son Benjamin, concerning whom he only foresees and foretels this, that his posterity should be a warlike tribe, strong and daring, and that they should enrich themselves with the spoils of their enemies - that they should be active and busy in the world, and a tribe as much feared by their neighbours as any other: In the morning, he shall devour the prey, which he seized and divided over night. Or, in the first times of Israel, they shall be noted for activity, though many of them left-handed, Jdg 3:15; Jdg 20:16. Ehud the second judge, and Saul the first king, were of this tribe; and so also in the last times Esther and Mordecai, by whom the enemies of the Jews were destroyed, were of this tribe. The Benjamites ravened like wolves when they desperately espoused the cause of the men of Gibeah, those men of Belial, Jdg 20:14. Blessed Paul was of this tribe (Rom 11:1; Phi 3:5); and he did, in the morning of his day, devour the prey as a persecutor, but, in the evening, divided the spoil as a preacher. Note, God can serve his own purposes by the different tempers of men; the deceived and the deceiver are his.
(Verse 22 and following) The son of Joseph grew up, the son of Joseph grown tall above the fountain of the daughter, walking with a composed stride on the wall. And they provoked him, and contended with him, and were angry against him, having arrows. He sat in the strength of his bow, and the chains of his hands were broken, from the hands of the mighty Jacob. From there will come the shepherd, the stone of Israel from the God of your father: and the rest. Because the Seventy Interpreters disagree in many places, we have expressed their interpretation as it is in Hebrew. And the meaning of the chapter is this: O Joseph, who is called thus because God has increased you for me, or because you will become greater among your brothers (for indeed Ephraim was the strongest of the tribe, as we read in the Books of Kings and Chronicles); O, I say, my son Joseph, who is so handsome that a crowd of Egyptian girls watches you from the walls, towers, and windows, your brothers envied you and provoked you to anger, wounded by arrows of envy and spears of jealousy. But you have set your bow and weapons of war in God, who is a mighty warrior; and your chains, with which your brothers bound you, have been loosed and broken by him, so that from your seed may be born Ephraim, strong and steadfast, like an unconquerable and unyielding stone, ruling over the ten tribes of Israel.
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SUMMARY
Genesis 49:24, a pivotal part of Jacob's prophetic blessing upon his son Joseph, powerfully describes Joseph's unwavering resilience and remarkable effectiveness. It emphatically attributes his enduring strength, not to his own efforts, but to the empowering and sustaining hand of the "mighty God of Jacob." Furthermore, this verse bestows upon Joseph the profound and complementary titles of "the shepherd" and "the stone of Israel," underscoring his indispensable role as a divinely appointed provider, protector, and foundational pillar for the nascent nation.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is situated within Jacob's final prophetic blessings and pronouncements over his twelve sons, recorded in Genesis 49. As Jacob lies on his deathbed, he gathers his sons to declare "what will happen to you in days to come" (Genesis 49:1). Each son receives a specific word, often reflecting their character, past actions, or future tribal destiny. Joseph's blessing, spanning Genesis 49:22-26, stands out for its length, richness, and overwhelmingly positive tone, reflecting his unique and pivotal role in preserving the family. Verse 24 specifically focuses on the source of Joseph's strength and his foundational identity within Israel, building upon the themes of fruitfulness and protection introduced in the preceding verses. It serves as a climax, attributing all Joseph's accomplishments to divine enablement before moving to the blessings of prosperity and leadership.
Historical & Cultural Context: Jacob's blessings are delivered in Egypt, where his family has settled after Joseph, as vizier, saved them from famine. The setting is a deathbed scene, a common ancient Near Eastern practice where patriarchs would impart final instructions, blessings, and prophecies, often shaping the identity and future of their descendants. The imagery of the "bow" and "arms" reflects a culture where physical strength and military prowess were vital for survival and leadership, yet the verse subverts this by attributing such strength to divine rather than human might. The titles "shepherd" and "stone" carry significant weight; shepherds were vital figures in a pastoral society, symbolizing care, provision, and leadership, while stones represented stability, permanence, and foundational importance in construction. The reference to the "God of Jacob" grounds the blessing firmly in the covenant history of Israel, recalling God's personal relationship and promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, which were foundational to their identity as a chosen people.
Key Themes: Genesis 49:24 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores Divine Sovereignty and Providence, demonstrating that God actively intervenes in human affairs, even in the midst of betrayal and suffering, to fulfill His purposes. Joseph's life, from being sold into slavery (Genesis 37:28) to his rise as vizier (Genesis 41:41), is a testament to God's guiding hand, a theme Joseph himself articulates in Genesis 50:20. Secondly, it highlights God's Covenant Faithfulness, as the "mighty God of Jacob" is the same God who made unwavering promises to the patriarchs, ensuring the preservation and growth of their lineage. Thirdly, the verse introduces the theme of Providential Leadership, portraying Joseph as a divinely appointed leader who provides protection, sustenance, and stability for his family, foreshadowing later biblical concepts of shepherd-kings and foundational figures in Israel's history.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 49:24 encapsulates the divine source of Joseph's remarkable life and leadership:
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Genesis 49:24 is rich in Symbolism and Metaphor, which powerfully convey Joseph's character and divine enablement. The "bow" and "arms of his hands" serve as metaphors for Joseph's strength, resilience, and active capacity, particularly in overcoming adversity. The phrase "abode in strength" suggests an enduring, unyielding quality. The most significant symbolic titles are "the shepherd" and "the stone of Israel." "The shepherd" is a well-established biblical metaphor for a caring, protective, and guiding leader, emphasizing Joseph's role in sustaining his family. "The stone of Israel" symbolizes stability, foundation, and permanence, highlighting Joseph's indispensable role in preserving the lineage and future of the nation. The verse also employs Anthropomorphism by referring to "the hands of the mighty God of Jacob," attributing human-like physical attributes to God to convey His active and tangible involvement in Joseph's life. This vivid imagery creates a memorable and impactful portrayal of Joseph's divinely sustained leadership.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the principle of divine empowerment, asserting that Joseph's extraordinary resilience and leadership were not products of his own inherent abilities but direct gifts from the "mighty God of Jacob." It highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating His active involvement in the lives of His chosen people to bring about His redemptive purposes, even through the most challenging circumstances. Joseph's life serves as a powerful testament to God's providence, showing how He raises up and equips individuals to serve as instruments of His care, protection, and stability for His people.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 49:24 offers profound encouragement and a powerful paradigm for believers navigating the complexities of life. It reminds us that our true strength, resilience, and capacity to overcome adversity do not originate from our own limited resources but are divinely imparted by the "mighty God." In moments of weakness, doubt, or overwhelming challenge, we are called to look beyond ourselves and trust in His sustaining power, knowing that He is the one who strengthens our "bow" and "arms." Furthermore, the verse challenges us to recognize that God often calls ordinary individuals to serve as "shepherds" and "stones" within their spheres of influence—whether in families, communities, or the church. This means embodying His care, providing stability, and offering guidance to those around us, always remembering that our effectiveness in these roles flows directly from His grace and empowerment, not our own merit. Our mission, then, is to lean into His strength, allowing Him to work through us for the flourishing of others and the advancement of His kingdom.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "mighty God of Jacob" signify?
Answer: The phrase "mighty God of Jacob" translates the Hebrew 'Abir Ya'aqob (H46 H3290), which literally means "Strong One of Jacob" or "Champion of Jacob." This unique and powerful title emphasizes God's immense, incomparable strength and His unwavering commitment to protect, defend, and empower Jacob and his descendants. It highlights God's personal covenant faithfulness, His active intervention on behalf of His people, and His ability to sustain them through any trial, demonstrating that He is their ultimate source of power and security.
How can Joseph be both "the shepherd" and "the stone" of Israel?
Answer: These two titles describe different, yet complementary, aspects of Joseph's foundational and indispensable role in the preservation and flourishing of the nascent nation of Israel. As "the shepherd" (H7462), Joseph embodied active care, guidance, and provision. He led his family to safety in Egypt, provided them with sustenance during the famine, and ensured their well-being, much like a shepherd diligently tends his flock (Genesis 47:11-12). As "the stone" (H68), he represented durability, stability, and a secure foundation. Joseph was the steadfast pillar through whom God preserved the lineage of Israel, ensuring their survival and growth into a multitude, thereby providing an unshakeable base for the future nation. Together, these titles underscore his comprehensive contribution as both a nurturing guide and a steadfast, indispensable pillar for Jacob's family.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's divinely empowered strength and his roles as "the shepherd" and "the stone" of Israel in Genesis 49:24 profoundly prefigure the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Joseph provided temporal provision and stability for his family, Jesus is the ultimate Good Shepherd who not only guides and protects but also lays down His life for His sheep, offering eternal sustenance and salvation (John 10:11 and John 10:14-15). Similarly, while Joseph was a foundational pillar for the physical nation of Israel, Jesus is the true and living Cornerstone upon whom God's entire spiritual house, the Church, is built (Ephesians 2:20 and 1 Peter 2:6-8). Joseph's life, marked by suffering, betrayal, and ultimate exaltation, mirrors the redemptive journey of Christ, who, through His suffering and resurrection, became the source of eternal strength and stability for all who believe. Thus, Joseph's divinely enabled leadership points forward to Christ, the one who perfectly embodies divine power and provides the ultimate, unshakeable foundation and eternal salvation for all humanity.