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Genesis 49 is usually titled “Jacob Blesses His Sons,” but Jacob used the word “bless” only with reference to Joseph (vv. 25-26). Three times in verse 28 we’re told that Jacob’s words were “a blessing” upon the sons, and in a prophetic sense, they certainly were, for Jacob announced what the Lord had in store for them in the future. But Jacob’s “blessing” was much more than that.
For one thing, Jacob’s words were a revelation of human character and conduct as well as of divine purposes. Three of the sons learned that their past conduct had cost them their future inheritance (vv. 3-7), for we always reap what we sow. But something else was true: Jacob’s prophetic words must have given great encouragement to his descendants during their difficult time of suffering in Egypt, as well as during their unhappy years wandering in the wilderness. Jacob assured each tribe of a future place in the Promised Land, and that meant a great deal to them.
But even more, you find in Jacob’s “last witness and testimony” a beautiful revelation of the gracious Lord who had cared for His servant for so many years. There’s also a revelation of the Messiah, who had been promised to Jacob’s people. In these words of Jacob, you meet Shiloh (v. 10), Salvation (Yeshua, v. 18), the Mighty One, the Shepherd, the Stone (v. 24), and the Almighty (v. 25), all of which point to our Savior, Jesus Christ.
As he addressed them, Jacob followed the birth order of the sons, beginning with Leah’s six sons and closing with Rachel’s two sons, Joseph and Benjamin.