The nature of Jacob's declaration about Judah and Joseph in Genesis 49 and its impact on the future of Israel

Abstract

This study aims to understand the biblical author‘s objective in including and narrating the last will and testament of Jacob to his sons in Genesis 49. The focus is on Gn 49:1-2, 8-12, 22-26, 28, which talks about Jacob‘s declaration regarding the future of Judah and Joseph and the effect of the blessings declared on them in relation to the future of the nation of Israel. Along these lines, this study explains the nature of OT prophecy; the nature of the prophetic declaration of Jacob on Judah and Joseph; the fulfillment of these declarations and their eschatological implications for Jacob‘s declaration involved both immediate and future fulfillment.

Although Judah and Joseph are only two sons out of the twelve, they are two great pillars on which Israel as a nation stands. This work attempts to trace the scope of the blessings that Jacob uttered for Judah and Joseph and how these impinged on the future of the nation. Both sons experienced tough beginnings. For instance, Judah experienced the shame of his failures while Joseph suffered persecution on account of his envious brothers and the meaning of his dreams that exacerbated their jealousy. Despite all these, the LORD was faithful to cause their latter end to be greater than their less significant beginning. Jacob declared that Judah will enjoy agricultural and spiritual prosperity.

Judah‘s descendants will include lines of kings. Even the Messiah descends from the genealogy of Judah. On the side of Joseph, he received the firstborn‘s blessings of dignity and power. His sons (Manasseh and Ephraim) were destined to be part of the blessings designed for Joseph, their father. So, Judah, Joseph, and the latter‘s sons are seen as making a great impact in the future of Israel. Although they are few compared to the other ten sons, their life and blessings positively affected the future transformation of Israel as a nation. This study also seeks to show parallels in the African culture as regards to the will and testament of a dying father–especially declarations of blessings and how this affects the lifestyle of the recipient. It also presents how curses can be reversed on account of God‘s mercy and the change in attitude of the recipient so that the same person can hope for a chance at life.

Faithfulness is a virtue that is held in high esteem by most Africans. When a person walks in faithfulness to God and others, he or she is destined to enjoy unprecedented blessings regardless of the circumstances. To illustrate this, the study will highlight a culture bearer‘s reflections in light of the story of Joseph–relating to his experiences of God‘s faithfulness in transforming him to become a blessing to others instead of a curse.