I've noticed that it's hard to really think about the importance of this chapter. In the scheme of things, it seems like I want to move on ahead to Exodus. But doing some research on the 12 tribes, it seems like it's all the more significant. Most of this blog will be a breakdown of the fulfillment of Jacob's prophecy. Also, I plan on writing a bit about the consequences of sin and how dire it is.
Reuben: Because he slept with his father's concubine, he was cursed and the blessing of the firstborn was taken from him. It's important to note that his bloodline never enters the Promised Land and no prophet, king, or judge in the Bible came from this bloodline ("shalt not excel")
Levi and Simeon: Both avenged their sister Dinah by killing off an entire group of people. The tribe of Simeon basically had land but it came from Judah. And the tribe of Levi never got land, but rather they became priests scattered among Israel.
Judah: The blessing came to him. So he became the leader and through him the kings of Israel were born (except Saul). Ultimately it leads to the Lion of Judah, Jesus Himself. The latter part of the prophecy is usually interpreted as Jesus' suffering.
Zebulun: The prophecy said Zebulun will dwell by the sea. The tribe was given the region of Galilee near Lake Tiberias which connects to the Mediterranean Sea. Haven also meant that ships would go there when storms would be tough in the Mediterranean.
Isachaar: It mentioned that the land will be pleasant but they won't fight for it. In Judges, the Canaanites invaded and while the other tribes were mentioned fighting their respective battles, Isachaar was left out.
Dan: Samson, one of the notable judges of Israel, is from the tribe of Dan. The serpent reference could refer to the idea that the tribe of Dan brought idolatry into Israel. Eventually, some of the other tribes fell as well.
Gad: They shall be overtaken. They were one of the tribes that never entered the Promise Land and so they were always subject to attack by raiders. They were also one of the first tribes to be taken into captivity.
Napthali: Many Theologians think this refers to Deborah and her song in Judges.
Joseph: The prophecies about him and his sons were mentioned in the last chapter. Jacob's words were more of a commendation of where he has been his whole life.
Benjamin: Although a small tribe, they were able to overcome many military conquests where they were the underdog. They were known for being fierce and war-like.
Looking at all of the patriarchs of the tribes and how the fate of the tribes ended up, I can't help but think of the consequences of sin and the blessings of obedience. It seems from this that the consequences of sin are not always immediate, and that more often than not others will suffer because of our sin. In this case, the descendants of these brothers will be the ones who bear their burden while all the brothers got is a reprimanding from their father. But the same time, the blessings of obedience are also reaped by their descendants. Joseph and Benjamin's tribes are blessed. Judah's will eventually become the line of kings and Christ.
I guess for us, it should open our eyes to call for repentance. That although we are forgiven in Christ, the earthly consequences of our sins will still be there. For you to think that you can keep sinning because you can bear the consequences of it anyway, don't forget that others will also suffer for it. If you look at the cross, there's many interpretations for it. Many say that God turning his face at Calvary was the ultimate punishment. But let's not forget the blood, the nails, the crown, and the whipping that Jesus received. If you want to see earthly consequences for our sins, let's look at the physical and mental torture that Jesus had to endure, along with the spiritual pain and anguish He received.
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