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The Fruit - part 3 of 3 Gen 49:1-2 (KJV) "And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days. {2} Gather yourselves together, and hear, ye sons of Jacob; and hearken unto Israel your father." This is the first occurrence of the term “the last days,” a most important concept in Biblical prophecy. In general, the expression refers to that terminal period in the history of a particular group of people or nations when God’s announced purpose for them is about to be consummated. Jacob then pronounces the following prophecies based upon the fruit resulting from the character of each of his sons: 1. Upon Reuben (49:3, 4) He was as unruly as the wild waves of the sea. As the first-born he was entitled to a double share of honor and inheritance (Deut. 21:17), but Jacob passes him over because of his immorality with Bilhah, Jacob’s own concubine (Gen. 35:22). The Reubenites later settled east of Jordan. They unintentionally almost caused a civil war by putting up a large monument on the west bank of Jordan (Josh. 22:10). They later refused to help the armies of Israel 2. Upon Simeon and Levi (49:5-7). These were men of violence and injustice. They slaughtered the inhabitants of Shechem by deceit (Gen. 34:25). Jacob also bypasses them both. Their descendants would thus be scattered throughout Israel. This meant that they would not be given regular land holdings as were their brother tribes. Levi’s children dwelled in various cities throughout Palestine, and the Simeonites had to share that portion of land given to Judah. (See Num. 18:24; Josh. 19:1-9.) 3. Upon Dan (49:16-18). Dan would become a serpent in the pathway that bit horses’ heels, causing the riders to fall off. An old tradition has it that the antichrist will come from this tribe. Samson was from Dan (Jdg. 13:2, 24). 4. Upon Benjamin (49:27). He was to be as a wolf on the prowl. He would devour his enemies in the morning and divide the spoils in the evening. For examples of this trait, see Judges 20. Both the Saul of the Old Testament (1 Sam. 9:1, 2) and the Saul of the New Testament (Phil. 3:5) were from this tribe. 5. Upon Issachar (49:14, 15). He would be a strong beast of burden. He would give up liberty for security. 6. Upon Gad (49:19). Gad would be the opposite of Issachar, and would often bravely fight for liberty. (See 1 Chron. 5:18; 12:8-15.) 7. Upon Naphtali (49:21). He would become known for his mobility and swiftness (Like a released deer) and for his eloquence with words. 8. Upon Asher (49:20). “Asher would produce rich food, fit for kings.” Anna was from the tribe of Asher (Luke 2:36). 9. Upon Zebulun (49:13). He would dwell near the seashore. (the waters) 10. Upon Judah (49:8-12). The other brothers were to praise Judah and bow before him. Judah would destroy his enemies and would be left undisturbed, like a young lion. The scepter would not depart from Judah until Shiloh (Christ) came. (See Num. 24:17; Rev. 5:5.) With the anointing of David (1 Chron. 28:4; 5:2; 2 Sam. 7:13), this was assured. 11. Upon Joseph (49:22-26). He would be a fruitful tree beside a fountain whose branches shaded the wall. He would be severely injured by vicious archers, but their weapons would be shattered by the mighty one of Jacob, the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel. Jacob predicts and pronounces the richest divine blessing of all the twelve (with the exception of Judah) upon Joseph. Judah - Praise to God destroys enemies. Joseph - God destroys enemies. Read Joel 1. Are we trying to produce fruit instead of just bearing what God has given us? May God not stop giving us fruit to bear. May He spare us from drought & destruction. May He protect us from the enemy. May we bear good fruit. We must pray for those who try to produce fruit but who do not understand the fruit-bearing process. We must pray for those who are experiencing Joel 1. Those who are bearing fruit pray from behind. -Pr. S. Chad Ross December Newsletter 2004 | Profound Obedience | The Fruit part 3 of 3 Pastor's Journal December 2003 | True Treasure | Prophetic Word part 3 of 3 |
Biblical Counseling for Leaders
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