Matthew Henry Commentary Genesis 49

All Jacob's sons were living. His calling them together was a precept for them to unite in love and not to mingle with the Egyptians. It also foretold that they would not be separated, as Abraham's sons and Isaac's sons had been, but would all make one people.

We are not to consider this address merely as an expression of Jacob's private feelings of affection, resentment, or partiality. Rather, it is the language of the Holy Spirit, declaring God's purpose concerning the character, circumstances, and situation of the tribes that descended from Jacob's sons—a purpose that can be traced throughout their histories.

Reuben was the firstborn; but by gross sin, he forfeited the birthright. The character of Reuben is that he was unstable as water. Men do not thrive because they are not steadfast. Reuben's sin left a lasting infamy upon his family.

Let us never do evil; then we need not fear being told of it. Simeon and Levi were passionate and revengeful. The murder of the Shechemites is a proof of this. Jacob protested against that barbarous act.

Our soul is our honour; by its powers we are distinguished from, and raised above, the beasts that perish. We ought, from our hearts, to abhor all bloody and mischievous men. Cursed be their anger. Jacob does not curse their persons, but their lusts. I will divide them.

The sentence as it respects Levi was turned into a blessing. This tribe performed an acceptable service in their zeal against the worshippers of the golden calf (Exodus 32). Being set apart to God as priests, they were in that capacity scattered through the nation of Israel.

Judah's name signifies praise. God was praised for him (Genesis 29:35), praised by him, and praised in him; therefore his brothers will praise him. Judah would be a strong and courageous tribe. Judah is compared, not to a lion raging and roaming, but to a lion enjoying the satisfaction of his power and success, without creating trouble for others; this is true greatness.

Judah would be the royal tribe, the tribe from which Messiah the Prince would come. Shiloh, that promised Seed in whom the earth would be blessed, “that peaceable and prosperous One,” or “Saviour,” will come from Judah. Thus dying Jacob at a great distance saw Christ's day, and it was his comfort and support on his deathbed. Until Christ's coming, Judah possessed authority, but after his crucifixion this authority was diminished, and according to what Christ foretold, Jerusalem was destroyed, and all the poor, harassed remnant of Jews were thrown into confusion.

Much of what is said here concerning Judah, applies to our Lord Jesus. In him there is plenty of all that is nourishing and refreshing to the soul, and that maintains and cheers the divine life within it. He is the true Vine; wine is the appointed symbol of his blood, which is drink indeed, as shed for sinners and applied in faith; and all the blessings of his gospel are wine and milk, without money and without price (Isaiah 55:1), to which every thirsty soul is welcome.

Concerning Zebulun: if prophecy says, Zebulun shall be a haven of ships, be sure Providence will plant him accordingly. God appoints the bounds of our habitation. It is our wisdom and duty to adapt ourselves to our lot and to improve it; if Zebulun dwells at the haven of the sea, let him be for a haven of ships. Concerning Issachar: he saw that the land was pleasant, yielding not only pleasant views, but also pleasant fruits to reward his labors.

Let us, with an eye of faith, see the heavenly rest to be good, and that land of promise to be pleasant; this will make our present duties easy. Dan should, by skill, strategy, and surprise, gain advantages against his enemies, like a serpent biting the heel of the traveler. Jacob, almost spent and ready to faint, relieves himself with those words, I have waited for thy salvation, O Lord! The salvation he waited for was Christ, the promised Seed; now that he was going to be gathered to his people, he longs for Him to whom the gathering of the people shall be.

He declared plainly that he sought heaven, the better country (Hebrews 11:13–14). Now he is going to enjoy the salvation, he comforts himself that he had waited for the salvation. Christ, as our way to heaven, is to be waited on; and heaven, as our rest in Christ, is to be waited for. It is the comfort of a dying saint to have thus waited for the salvation of the Lord; for then he shall have what he has been waiting for.

Concerning Gad, Jacob alludes to his name, which signifies a troop, and foresees the character of that tribe. The cause of God and His people, though for a time it may seem to be thwarted and suppressed, will be victorious at last. This represents the Christian's conflict. Grace in the soul is often foiled in its conflicts; troops of corruption overcome it, but the cause is God's, and grace will in the end emerge as conqueror, yea, more than conqueror (Romans 8:37).

Asher should be a rich tribe. His inheritance bordered Carmel, which was proverbially fruitful.

Naphtali is a hind let loose. We may consider this a description of the character of this tribe.

Unlike the laborious ox and ass, this tribe is desirous of ease and liberty. It is active, but more noted for quick dispatch than for steady labor and perseverance. It is like the supplicant who, with goodly words, craves mercy.

Let not those of different temperaments and gifts censure or envy one another.