The Blessing

Genesis 49

Introduction

Genesis 49:1-2

Genesis 49:3-4

Genesis 49:5-7

Genesis 49:8-12

Genesis 49:13-15

Genesis 49:16-18

Revelation 7:5-8

Genesis 7:5-8

Genesis 49:16-18

Genesis 49:19-20

Deuteronomy 33:24

1 Kings 4:7

Genesis 49:21

Genesis 49:22-26

Genesis 49:27

Judges 20:48

Why did Moses record these words?

1. A history lesson for Israel

Deuteronomy 5:9

Ezekiel 18:20

James 1:13-15

Romans 11:9-11

2. Our Hope is in Jesus not Israel

Deuteronomy 5:9-10

Genesis 49:10

Genesis 49:18

Genesis 12:1-3

Genesis 17:4-8

Galatians 3:16

Matthew 1:1-2

Acts 3:25-26

Galatians 3:7-9

Warmup

“If you could receive one ‘blessing’ or piece of advice from someone you respect, what would you want it to be?”

Transition: Genesis 49 is Jacob’s final prophetic blessing over his sons — and by extension, over the tribes of Israel. Moses recorded these words for Israel hundreds of years later. But they’re also for us. Let’s see why.

1. A History Lesson for Israel (vv. 1–27)

Read:

• Genesis 49:1–7 - Jacob’s blessings mix praise, prophecy, and warning. Some tribes will flourish; others will suffer due to past choices.

• Deuteronomy 5:9 - Israel needed to remember: God’s justice extends to sin’s consequences.

• Ezekiel 18:20 - Ezekiel reminds us: God doesn’t punish children for parents’ sins — but family patterns often influence us.

• James 1:13–15 - James reminds us sin starts small — but grows when not resisted.

• Romans 10:19-21 & 11:9–11. - Paul reminds us that though most of Israel resisted and rebelled against God, their sin wouldn't stand in the way of God's mercy and salvation.

Why would Moses want the Israelites, about to enter the Promised Land, to remember their tribal history?

How do family patterns — both good and bad — still shape us today?

How do these verses challenge the idea that we can “blame our parents” for our spiritual condition?

2. Our Hope Is in Jesus, Not Israel (vv. 10, 18)

Read: Genesis 49:10, 18; Deuteronomy 5:9–10; Genesis 12:1–3; Genesis 17:4–8; Galatians 3:16; Matthew 1:1–2; Acts 3:25–26; Galatians 3:7–9.

Key Points from the scriptures above:

• The “scepter” prophecy (v. 10) points to the Messiah — Jesus, from the line of Judah.

• Israel’s history is important, but salvation is rooted in Christ, not national identity.

• God’s promise to Abraham (Gen. 12, 17) is fulfilled in Jesus, blessing all nations.

• Paul reminds us in Galatians: Faith, not ethnicity, makes us part of God’s family.

What does it mean that Jacob’s blessing looks beyond his sons to a future King?

How do we see Jesus fulfilling these promises in the New Testament passages we read?

Why is it important for Christians today to base their hope in Christ rather than heritage, church tradition, or “being a good person”?

3. Living with Hope in Jesus

Read Genesis 49:18 — “I wait for your salvation, Lord.”

How does this short prayer capture the heart of our faith?

What’s one practical way you can model “waiting on God” in your home this week?

How can we help others see that their hope is in Jesus, not their family’s faith history?

Closing Challenge

Just as Israel was called to remember their history but trust in the coming Messiah, we are called to learn from our past and place all our hope in Jesus.

This week, pray Genesis 49:18 each morning, asking God to deepen your trust in Him.

Closing Prayer Prompt:

“Lord, help us learn from the past without being trapped by it. Keep our eyes on Jesus, the promised Savior, and help us lead our families in faith, hope, and love. Amen.”