Jacob's Deathbed Prophecy - JOSEPH - Continue

 Read Genesis 49:22, 26. Jacob must have been very proud of Joseph-he was "singled out from his brothers." Jacob called him "offshoot of a fruitful tree," Jacob himself was the tree, and Joseph was another offshoot of his. Joseph was the firstborn son of Jacob's beloved wife Rachel. Jacob indicated that Joseph would receive a double portion that Rueben-Jacob's firstborn from his wife Leah-had forfeited.  (Genesis 48:5, 6; 1 Chronicles 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. - GENESIS 49:25; JOSHUA 14:4.

Son

Joseph

Pronouncement

The blessings "will continue upon . . . the one singled out from his brothers." - GENESIS 49:22-26.

Fulfillment

Joseph received the right of firstborn, and  his two sons became two separate tribes. -JOSHUA 14:4; CHRONICLES 5:1, 2.

Jacob also mentioned archers who "shot at [Joseph] and kept harboring animosity against him." (Genesis 49:23) These were 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." (Genesis 49:24) Joseph relied on Jehovah during his trials, and he not only forgave his brothers but also treated them kindly. (Genesis 47:11, 12) Joseph allowed the trials he faced to refine him. (Psalm 105:17-19) As a result, Jehovah was able to use him in a mighty way. 

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 a part of our training. (Hebrews 12:7, ftn,) This training can help us to cultivate and refine Christian qualities, such as mercy and forgiveness. (Hebrews 12:11) Jehovah will reward us for our endurance, as he did Joseph.

Next time: Jacob's Deathbed Prophecy -BENJAMIN - Conclusion

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