Daily Devotions
Genesis
"Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty firmament!" Psalm 150:1
Text: Genesis 49:1-33
THE PROMISES OF THE LORD
It was the Lord Himself who promised Abraham that He would bless him and his descendants. He sealed what He promised in a covenant. Jacob’s blessing of his children is not just reflective of a father who loves his children. He was a special instrument of the Lord declaring the plans of God for the future!
ENGAGING INSIGHTS
Gad
Only a very short word was uttered where Gad was concerned. Nevertheless that short word is not without significance.
“Gad, a troop shall tramp upon him,
But he shall triumph at last.”
GENESIS 49:19
Jacob saw trials and tribulations in Gad’s pathway! However, there was a great sense of hope yet! Gad would not be destroyed by his enemies! He would emerge triumphant at the end of the day! Gad would learn many precious lessons of life and God on their way to victory!
Asher
Asher also did not have a long word given to him. But the promise of blessing upon Asher must have been a great lift to the heart.
“Bread from Asher shall be rich,
And he shall yield royal dainties.”
GENESIS 49:20
Jacob saw how Asher would succeed! This tribe would look into the food industry! It would be able to produce food fit for royalty!
Naphthali
Jacob also had only a short word concerning Naphthali. We need to remember that he spoke as he was given inspiration from the Lord. He reveals as He sees fit.
“Naphthali is a deer let loose;
He uses beautiful words.”
GENESIS 49:21
What striking imagery! Two things were highlighted.
“A deer let loose…”
What imagination this phrase evokes! A deer… beautiful, free… and yet a trifle timid!
“He uses beautiful language”
Naphthali would probably produce people who are inclined to literary pursuits. Beautiful language is associated with scholars! How the Lord blessed each son so differently!