1-2. What did Jacob do near the end of his life, and why? (See also picture.)

SOME 17 years have passed since Jehovah’s faithful servant Jacob traveled from Canaan to Egypt with his household. (Gen. 47:28) During that time, he experienced the great joy of being reunited with his beloved son Joseph and finally seeing his family together again. But now, Jacob senses that his life is coming to an end. So he calls an important family meeting.​—Gen. 49:28.

² In those days, it was common for a dying family head to gather the members of his family together to give them his final instructions. (Isa. 38:1) He might at that meeting also indicate who would be the head of the family after his death.

3. According to Genesis 49:1, 2, why are Jacob’s expressions especially meaningful?

³ Read Genesis 49:1, 2. But this was no ordinary family meeting. Jacob was a prophet. During this meeting, Jehovah inspired his servant to speak about important future events that would greatly affect his descendants. For that reason, Jacob’s words are sometimes referred to as his deathbed prophecy.

4. What should we keep in mind as we examine Jacob’s deathbed prophecy? (See also the box “Jacob’s Family.”)

⁴ In this article, we will consider what Jacob said to four of his sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah. In the following article, we will discuss Jacob’s words to his eight other sons. As we will see, Jacob spoke not only about his sons but also about their descendants, who would eventually become the nation of ancient Israel. A review of that nation’s history will make clear how Jacob’s prophetic words came true. And by examining his words, we will learn valuable lessons that can help us to please our heavenly Father, Jehovah.

REUBEN

5. What privilege may Reuben have expected to receive from his father?

⁵ Jacob first addresses Reuben, saying: “You are my firstborn.” (Gen. 49:3) As firstborn, Reuben likely expected to receive a double portion of his father’s belongings. He may also have expected to become the head of the family after his father’s death and to have that privilege passed on to his own offspring in time.

6. Why did Reuben lose out on receiving the right of firstborn? (Genesis 49:3, 4)

⁶ However, Reuben lost out on receiving the right of firstborn. (1 Chron. 5:1) Why? Some years earlier he had sexual relations with Jacob’s concubine Bilhah. She had been the maidservant of Jacob’s beloved wife, Rachel, who had died. (Gen. 35:19, 22) Reuben was the son of Jacob’s other wife, Leah. Perhaps Reuben was driven by lust. Or possibly he violated Bilhah to prevent her from taking his mother’s place in Jacob’s affections. In any event, what he did was very displeasing to Jehovah and to his father.​—Read Genesis 49:3, 4.

7. What happened to Reuben and his descendants? (See also the box “Jacob’s Deathbed Prophecy.”)

⁷ Jacob told Reuben: “You will not excel.” Those words came true. There is no record of any of Reuben’s descendants becoming a king, a priest, or a prophet. Yet, Jacob did not disown his son, and Reuben’s descendants did become a full tribe in Israel. (Josh. 12:6) Reuben had demonstrated fine qualities in other situations, and there is no record that he ever committed immorality again.​—Gen. 37:20-22; 42:37.

8. What lessons can we draw from Reuben’s example?

⁸ What can we learn? We need to work hard to cultivate self-control and to reject sexual misconduct. If we are ever tempted to commit a sin, we should stop and think about how our actions would hurt Jehovah, our family, and others. We should also remember that “whatever a person is sowing, this he will also reap.” (Gal. 6:7) On the other hand, what happened to Reuben reminds us of Jehovah’s mercy. Although Jehovah will not shield us from the consequences of our mistakes, he will bless our efforts when we do what is right.

SIMEON AND LEVI

9. What prompted Jacob’s words of disapproval to Simeon and Levi? (Genesis 49:5-7)

⁹ Read Genesis 49:5-7. Next, using strong words of disapproval, Jacob addresses Simeon and Levi. Years earlier, Jacob’s daughter, Dinah, had been raped by a Canaanite man named Shechem. Understandably, all of Jacob’s sons were very upset about what had happened to their sister, but Simeon and Levi became violent. They deceitfully promised to make peace with the men of Shechem if they all agreed to get circumcised. The men complied. While they were still in pain from the circumcision, Simeon and Levi “each took his sword and went into the unsuspecting city and killed every male.”​—Gen. 34:25-29.

10. How were Jacob’s prophetic words about Simeon and Levi fulfilled? (See also the box “Jacob’s Deathbed Prophecy.”)

¹⁰ Jacob was deeply troubled by the violent actions of his two sons. He foretold that they would be dispersed and scattered throughout Israel. Those prophetic words came true over 200 years later when the nation of Israel entered the Promised Land. The tribe of Simeon received as its inheritance isolated portions of land inside Judah’s tribal territory. (Josh. 19:1) Levi’s inheritance consisted of 48 cities scattered throughout Israel.​—Josh. 21:41.

11. What good things did the tribes of Simeon and Levi do?

¹¹ The descendants of Simeon and Levi did not repeat the mistakes of their forefathers. The tribe of Levi showed great loyalty for pure worship. When Moses received the Law from Jehovah at Mount Sinai, many Israelites got involved with idolatrous calf worship but the Levites rallied to Moses’ side and helped him to clear out that badness. (Ex. 32:26-29) Jehovah chose to set the tribe of Levi apart, giving it the precious privilege of the priesthood. (Ex. 40:12-15; Num. 3:11, 12) Later, during the conquest of the Promised Land, the Simeonites valiantly fought alongside the Judeans, in line with Jehovah’s purpose.​—Judg. 1:3, 17.

12. What lessons can we draw from the examples of Simeon and Levi?

¹² What can we learn? Never allow anger to drive your decisions and actions. If you or a loved one have been mistreated, it is only natural to be upset. (Ps. 4:4) We need to remember, though, that Jehovah does not approve of words and deeds that reflect bitter anger. (Jas. 1:20) We deal with an injustice​—either inside or outside the congregation—​in harmony with Bible principles, thus avoiding the harm that uncontrolled anger causes. (Rom. 12:17, 19; 1 Pet. 3:9) Even if your parents are doing things that are not pleasing to Jehovah, remember that you are not obligated to follow their example. Do not conclude that you are a lost cause and that you cannot have Jehovah’s blessing. Jehovah will not fail to reward your efforts to move ahead and do what is right.

JUDAH

13. Why might Judah have felt anxious when it was his turn to hear his father’s words?

¹³ Judah was the next son to be addressed by his father. After hearing Jacob’s words to his older brothers, Judah may have felt anxious. After all, he had made some serious mistakes too. He evidently shared in plundering the city of Shechem. (Gen. 34:27) He joined his brothers in selling Joseph as a slave and in deceiving their father about it. (Gen. 37:31-33) Later, he had sexual relations with his daughter-in-law Tamar, thinking that she was a prostitute.​—Gen. 38:15-18.

14. What good things had Judah done? (Genesis 49:8, 9)

¹⁴ Yet, under inspiration, Jacob offered Judah only blessing and commendation. (Read Genesis 49:8, 9.) Judah had shown great concern for the feelings of his elderly father. And he had also shown compassion for his youngest brother, Benjamin.​—Gen. 44:18, 30-34.

15. In what ways did Judah’s blessing prove true?

¹⁵ Jacob foretold that Judah would have a leading role among his brothers. However, the fulfillment of that prophecy was a long time in coming. Judah is first mentioned as taking the lead some 200 years later when, after the Exodus, the tribe led the nation of Israel through the wilderness into the Promised Land. (Num. 10:14) Decades later, Judah took the lead in the conquest of the Promised Land. (Judg. 1:1, 2) And David, one of Judah’s descendants, was the first of a long line of kings coming from that tribe. But there is more.

16. How was the prophecy found at Genesis 49:10 fulfilled? (See also the box “Jacob’s Deathbed Prophecy.”)

¹⁶ Jacob revealed that the permanent Ruler of mankind would be a descendant of Judah. (Read Genesis 49:10 and footnote.) That Ruler is Jesus Christ, the one whom Jacob called Shiloh. Of Jesus, an angel said: “Jehovah God will give him the throne of David his father.” (Luke 1:32, 33) Jesus is also called “the Lion of the tribe of Judah.”​—Rev. 5:5.

17. How can we imitate Jehovah in the way we view others?

¹⁷ What can we learn? Jehovah blessed Judah even though he made some serious mistakes. But could it be that Judah’s brothers wondered what Jehovah saw in him? Whatever the case, Jehovah saw good in Judah and blessed him for it. How can we imitate Jehovah’s example? When a fellow Christian receives a special privilege, we might at first be tempted to focus on that person’s imperfections. But we do well to remember that Jehovah is certainly pleased with his fine qualities. Jehovah looks for the good in his worshippers. Let us strive to do the same.

18. Why do we need to be patient?

¹⁸ Another lesson we can learn from Judah’s experience is the need to be patient. Jehovah always fulfills his promises, but he does not always do so in a manner or at a time that we expect. Judah’s descendants did not immediately begin taking the lead among God’s people. But they loyally supported those whom Jehovah appointed to do so, whether it was Moses the Levite, Joshua the Ephraimite, or King Saul the Benjaminite. May we too support whomever Jehovah chooses to take the lead among us today.​—Heb. 6:12.

19. What can we learn about Jehovah from this discussion of Jacob’s deathbed prophecy?

¹⁹ What have we seen thus far in our discussion of Jacob’s deathbed prophecy? It is clear that “the way man sees is not the way God sees.” (1 Sam. 16:7) Jehovah is very patient and forgiving. While he does not excuse wrong conduct, he also does not expect perfection from his worshippers. He can even bless individuals who have made serious mistakes in the past if they sincerely repent and turn to doing what is right. In the next article, we will consider what Jacob said to his remaining eight sons.

1. What part of Jacob’s deathbed prophecy will we discuss in this article?

JACOB’S sons are gathered around him, listening carefully as their elderly father blesses each of them. As discussed in the preceding article, Jacob’s words to Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah intrigued​—and perhaps even surprised—​his sons. So they must be wondering what Jacob will say to his remaining eight sons. Let us see what lessons we can learn from his words to Zebulun, Issachar, Dan, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Joseph, and Benjamin.a

ZEBULUN

2. Describe Zebulun’s blessing and how it was fulfilled. (Genesis 49:13) (See also box.)

² Read Genesis 49:13. Jacob indicates that Zebulun’s descendants would live by the seashore, toward the north of the Promised Land. Over 200 years later, the Zebulunites did receive a territorial inheritance that was located between the Sea of Galilee and the Mediterranean. Moses prophesied: “Rejoice, O Zebulun, in your going out.” (Deut. 33:18) This may have been a reference to the fact that Zebulun would have easy access to commercial trade because of being located between the two seas. Whatever the case, the descendants of Zebulun had reason to be happy.

3. What can help us to be content?

³ What can we learn? We have reason to be happy, no matter where we live or what our circumstances may be. To remain happy, we must be content with what we have. (Ps. 16:6; 24:5) Sometimes it can be easier to focus on what we do not have rather than on the good things that we do enjoy. So try to see the positive in your circumstances.​—Gal. 6:4.

ISSACHAR

4. Describe Issachar’s blessing and how it was fulfilled. (Genesis 49:14, 15) (See also box.)

⁴ Read Genesis 49:14, 15. Jacob commends Issachar for being a hard worker by favorably comparing him to a strong-boned donkey​—an animal that can carry heavy loads. Jacob also says that Issachar would have a pleasant land. In harmony with Jacob’s words, the descendants of Issachar received a productive and fertile allotment of land by the Jordan River. (Josh. 19:22) No doubt they worked hard to cultivate their land, but they also worked hard for the benefit of others. (1 Ki. 4:7, 17) For example, the tribe of Issachar was ready to do its share in fighting the nation’s battles, as was the case during the time of Judge Barak and the prophetess Deborah.​—Judg. 5:15

5. Why should we strive to be hard workers?

⁵ What can we learn? Jehovah values our hard work in his service just as he valued the hard work of the tribe of Issachar. (Eccl. 2:24) Consider, for example, the brothers who work hard caring for the congregation. (1 Tim. 3:1) These brothers do not have to fight literal battles, but they must exert themselves to protect God’s people from spiritual dangers. (1 Cor. 5:1, 5; Jude 17-23) They also work hard to prepare and present encouraging talks that will strengthen the congregation.​—1 Tim. 5:17.

DAN

6. What assignment did the tribe of Dan receive? (Genesis 49:17, 18) (See also box.)

⁶ Read Genesis 49:17, 18. Jacob likens Dan to a snake that takes on adversaries much bigger than itself, such as a warhorse and its rider. Dan would prove dangerous to Israel’s enemies. During their trek to the Promised Land, the tribe of Dan protected the nation by “forming the rear guard.” (Num. 10:25) That was an important assignment, even though the Danites were not carrying it out in full view of the rest of the nation.

7. What is true of any theocratic assignment we care for?

⁷ What can we learn? Have you ever cared for an assignment that appeared to go unnoticed by others? Perhaps you helped to clean and maintain the Kingdom Hall, volunteered to work at an assembly or a convention, or cared for another task. If so, you are to be commended! Always remember that Jehovah notices and values everything you do for him. He especially appreciates it when you serve him, not because you are looking to receive praise from others, but because you want to express your sincere love for him.​—Matt. 6:1-4.

GAD

8. What made Gad vulnerable to attack in the Promised Land? (Genesis 49:19) (See also box.)

⁸ Read Genesis 49:19. Jacob foretold that a marauder band would raid Gad. More than two centuries later, the tribe of Gad came to occupy a land east of the Jordan River​—a land that bordered enemy nations. This location made the tribe vulnerable to attack. Yet, the Gadites wanted to dwell there because it provided suitable pasturage for their livestock. (Num. 32:1, 5) The Gadites were evidently courageous people. More than that, they trusted that Jehovah would help them to defend their God-given land against any marauder band. They even sent their military forces away for years to help the other tribes conquer the rest of the Promised Land west of the Jordan. (Num. 32:16-19) They trusted that Jehovah would protect their wives and children while the men were away. Jehovah blessed them for their courage and self-sacrifice.​—Josh. 22:1-4.

9. How will trust in Jehovah affect our life choices?

⁹ What can we learn? To serve Jehovah in the face of challenges, we must continue to trust in him. (Ps. 37:3) Many today show their trust in Jehovah by making sacrifices to support theocratic construction projects, to serve where the need is greater, or to care for other assignments. They do so because they are confident that Jehovah will always care for them.​—Ps. 23:1.

ASHER

10. What did Asher fail to do? (Genesis 49:20) (See also box.)

¹⁰ Read Genesis 49:20. Jacob foretold that the tribe of Asher would become prosperous, and this is exactly what happened. Asher’s tribal allotment included some of the most fertile land in all of Israel. (Deut. 33:24) It also bordered the Mediterranean Sea and included the wealthy Phoenician trading port of Sidon. However, Asher failed to drive out the Canaanites from the land. (Judg. 1:31, 32) The bad influence of the Canaanites coupled with Asher’s prosperity may have caused the tribe to become less zealous for pure worship. Asher did not respond when Judge Barak looked for volunteers to fight a Canaanite coalition. As a result, the tribe missed out on sharing in the miraculous victory “by the waters of Megiddo.” (Judg. 5:19-21) It must have shamed Asher to hear Barak and Deborah’s inspired victory song, which included the lyric: “Asher sat idle at the seashore.”​—Judg. 5:17.

11. Why do we need to maintain a balanced view of material things?

¹¹ What can we learn? We want to give Jehovah our best. To do so, we need to reject the world’s view of material comforts and possessions. (Prov. 18:11) We strive to maintain a balanced view of money. (Eccl. 7:12; Heb. 13:5) We do not allow the pursuit of unnecessary material things to hold us back in our service to God. Instead, we seek to give Jehovah the best of our time and energy now, knowing that a truly comfortable and secure life awaits us in the future.​—Ps. 4:8.

NAPHTALI

12. How may Naphtali’s blessing have proved true? (Genesis 49:21) (See also box.)

¹² Read Genesis 49:21. The “words of elegance” that Jacob mentioned may well refer to the way Jesus spoke during his ministry. Jesus, who was known for his effective teaching, made Capernaum in the territory of Naphtali “his own city.” (Matt. 4:13; 9:1; John 7:46) Of Jesus, Isaiah prophesied that the people of Zebulun and Naphtali would see “a great light.” (Isa. 9:1, 2) Jesus was “the true light that gives light to every sort of man” by means of his teaching.​—John 1:9.

13. How can we make sure that our speech pleases Jehovah?

¹³ What can we learn? What we say and how we say it matters to Jehovah. How can we speak with “words of elegance” that please Jehovah? We can speak truthfully. (Ps. 15:1, 2) We can build others up with what we say by being quick to commend but slow to criticize or complain. (Eph. 4:29) And we can set the goal of becoming more skillful at starting conversations that could lead to giving a witness.

JOSEPH

14. Explain how Joseph’s blessing proved true. (Genesis 49:22, 26) (See also box.)

¹⁴ Read Genesis 49:22, 26. Jacob must have been very proud of Joseph​—he was “singled out from his brothers.” Jacob called him “the offshoot of a fruitful tree.” Jacob himself was the tree, and Joseph was an offshoot of his. Joseph was the firstborn son of Jacob’s beloved wife, Rachel. Jacob indicated that Joseph would receive the double portion that Reuben​—Jacob’s firstborn from his wife Leah—​had forfeited. (Gen. 48:5, 6; 1 Chron. 5:1, 2) In the fulfillment of that prophecy, the descendants of Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, received an allotment of land as two separate tribes.​—Gen. 49:25; Josh. 14:4.

15. How did Joseph react to injustice?

¹⁵ Jacob also mentioned archers who “shot at [Joseph] and kept harboring animosity against him.” (Gen. 49:23) These were his once envious brothers, who were responsible for many of the injustices that he had experienced. Yet, Joseph did not become bitter toward his brothers or toward Jehovah. As Jacob put it: “[Joseph’s] bow remained in place, and his hands stayed strong and agile.” (Gen. 49:24) Joseph relied on Jehovah during his trials, and he not only forgave his brothers but also treated them kindly. (Gen. 47:11, 12) Joseph allowed the trials he faced to refine him. (Ps. 105:17-19) As a result, Jehovah was able to use him in a mighty way.

16. How can we imitate Joseph’s example when reacting to trials?

¹⁶ What can we learn? May we never allow trials to distance us from Jehovah or from our fellow worshippers. Remember that Jehovah may permit tests of faith to be part of our training. (Heb. 12:7, ftn.) This training can help us to cultivate and refine Christian qualities, such as mercy and forgiveness. (Heb. 12:11) Jehovah will reward us for our endurance, as he did Joseph.

BENJAMIN

17. How was Benjamin’s prophetic blessing fulfilled? (Genesis 49:27) (See also box.)

¹⁷ Read Genesis 49:27. Jacob foretold that the Benjaminites would have great fighting ability like a wolf. (Judg. 20:15, 16; 1 Chron. 12:2) It was “in the morning” of the kingdom of Israel that the tribe of Benjamin provided Israel’s first king, Saul. He proved to be a fierce fighter against the Philistines. (1 Sam. 9:15-17, 21) “In the evening” of that royal history, Queen Esther and Prime Minister Mordecai, both Benjaminites, saved the Israelites from annihilation under the Persian Empire.​—Esther 2:5-7; 8:3; 10:3.

18. How can we imitate Benjamin’s loyalty to Jehovah’s arrangements?

¹⁸ What can we learn? The Benjaminites were no doubt proud to see one of their own become king in fulfillment of the blessing. However, when Jehovah transferred the kingship to David of the tribe of Judah, the Benjaminites eventually supported that change. (2 Sam. 3:17-19) Decades later when the other tribes rebelled, the Benjaminites loyally stuck to Judah and Jehovah’s appointed king. (1 Ki. 11:31, 32; 12:19, 21) May we too loyally support those whom Jehovah designates to lead his people today.​—1 Thess. 5:12.

19. How can we benefit from Jacob’s deathbed prophecy?

¹⁹ Jacob’s deathbed prophecy can benefit us. Reviewing how it was fulfilled strengthens our faith in the reliability of Jehovah’s prophetic Word. And considering how Jacob’s sons were blessed helps us to understand better how we can please Jehovah.