1. The principle revealed in Romans 8:28 is illustrated many times in the Bible. 2. For example, Genesis shows how all things worked together for good in the life of Joseph as well as the lives of his family members. 3. In this lesson we are examining the information presented in Genesis 49:13-33. Discussion: I. (vs.13-15) JACOB SPOKE TO ZEBULUN AND ISSACHAR
A. These sons were also born to Leah. B. (vs.13) Jacob spoke to Zebulun, his 6th son (30:19-20). 1. Zebulun's name means "to dwell." 2. Leah gave him this name because she thought Jacob would "dwell" with her because she had given him so many sons. 3. As Jacob spoke to Zebulun, he indicated that his descendants would "dwell" in a particular area of Canaan not far from the sea (Joshua 19:10-11a). C. (vs.14-15) Jacob spoke to Issachar, his 5th son (30:14-18). 1. Issachar's name means "to hire." 2. Leah gave him this name because she felt that God had rewarded her. 3. Also, she had "hired" Jacob when she bargained with Rachel over Reuben's mandrakes. 4. The significance of the donkey seems to be that Issachar's descendants were heavily involved in agriculture. II. (vs.16-21) JACOB SPOKE TO DAN, GAD, ASHER, AND NAPHTALI
A. These 4 sons were born to Bilhah and Zilpah, the handmaids of Leah and Rachel. B. (vs.16-18) Jacob spoke to Dan. 1. Dan was born to Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid (30:4-6). 2. "Dan" means "judged me." 3. Rachel gave him this name because she felt that God had judged her. 4. Jacob said that Dan would "judge" [avenge] his people, possibly referring to Samson. C. (vs.19) Jacob spoke to Gad. 1. Gad was born to Zilpah, Leah's handmaid (30:9-11). 2. "Gad" means "a troop" -- Leah gave him this name because she said, "A troop cometh." 3. Jacob said a troop would overcome Gad, but he would prevail. D. (vs.20) Jacob spoke to Asher. 1. Asher was born to Zilpah (30:12-13). 2. "Asher" means "happiness" -- Leah gave him this name because she was so happy. 3. Jacob mentioned blessing and happiness in connection with Asher. E. (vs.21) Jacob spoke to Naphtali. 1. Naphtali was born to Bilhah (30:7-8). 2. "Naphtali" means "my wrestling." 3. Rachel gave him this name because she had wrestled with her sister and prevailed. 4. In blessing Naphtali, Jacob compared him to a doe that had been released. III. (vs.22-27) JACOB SPOKE TO JOSEPH AND BENJAMIN
A. These 2 sons were born to Rachel (30:22-24; 35:18). B. (vs.22-26) Jacob spoke to Joseph. 1. Jacob referred to the way his sons had treated Joseph. 2. Jacob also mentioned how God had blessed Joseph. C. (vs.27) Jacob spoke to Benjamin. 1. Jacob compared Benjamin's appetite to that of a wolf. 2. Later, Benjamin's descendants were quite fierce. IV. (vs.28-32) JACOB SPOKE SOME FINAL WORDS TO HIS SONS V. (vs.33) JACOB'S LIFE ENDED
