After Jacob had blessed Joseph through his sons, he called for
his entire family. When they arrived he blessed them and prophesied
about what would happen in the last days.
Reuben was the firstborn, but he had committed a terrible sin against
his father. So his tribe would not excel as a nation.
Simeon and Levi had killed the Shechemites because they were angry.
So their tribes would be divided and scattered throughout Israel.
Judah would be the tribe that led the children of Israel. Out of
it came the good kings like David and our Savior Jesus Christ.
The tribe of Zebulun would be successful in commerce and the tribe
of Dan would be a judge of the people. The tribes of Gad, Naphtali,
and Benjamin would be warrior tribes. And the tribe of Asher would
be rich in raising special food.
The tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh came from Joseph and would be
fruitful. They would be strong because God would strengthen them.
Questions:
1. Why did the tribe of Reuben not excel?
2. Why were the tribes of Simeon and Levi divided and scattered
throughout Israel?
3. Who came out of the tribe of Judah?
4. Why were the tribes of Ephraim and Manassah fruitful?
5. Does God strengthen us?
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