Message Notes

YOUTH WORSHIP SERVICE 25 March 2023

Scripture Text: Genesis 49:16-21

Message: “Dan, Gad, Asher and Naphtali” Genesis 49:16-21

INTRODUCTION

1. Jacob’s last words with his children

a) To forewarn

b) To foretell

2. His words

a) Candid

b) Cautionary

3. A mixture of possibilities

a) Good and positive

b) Bad and negative

A WORD TO DAN

16 “Dan shall judge his people
As one of the tribes of Israel.

17 Dan shall be a serpent by the way,
A viper by the path,
That bites the horse’s heels
So that its rider shall fall backward.

18 I have waited for your salvation, O LORD!

Genesis 49:16-18

1. Dan was the offspring of Bilhah, Rachel’s maid Genesis 30:1-6

2. The meaning of “Dan” is “To judge”

a) The original meaning does not apply

b) What Dan would become is not determined by his name

3. A glimpse of the Future

a) He can become a Judge

b) Dan as a tribe could play a significant role in Israel one day

c) This may be called good and positive

4. A word of forewarning

a) Dan could be a viper too

b) He can be as vicious and deadly as a viper

c) This may be called bad and negative

5. Jacob’s prayer

a) He prays for Dan

b) He waits on the Lord for God’s deliverance

c) The final outcome depends on Dan

i) As an individual

ii) As a tribe

A WORD TO GAD

“Gad, a troop shall tramp upon him,
But he shall triumph at last.”

Genesis 49:19

1. Gad was the offspring of Zilpah, Leah’s maid Genesis 30:9-11

2. Gad’s name means “troop”

3. Forewarning given

a) A troop of enemies may afflict him

b) Hard times may come

4. A word of Hope

a) Gad will be able to overcome

b) He will not be destroyed

A WORD TO ASHER

“Bread from Asher shall be rich,
And he shall yield royal dainties.”

Genesis 49:20

1. Asher was the second offspring of Zilpah, Leah’s maid Genesis 30:12-13

2. Asher means “Happy” or “Blessed”

3. A glimpse of the Future

a) Asher will be successful and rich

b) He will be able to afford “royal dainties”

c) But there is no spiritual reference

A WORD TO NAPHTALI

“Naphtali is a deer let loose;
He uses beautiful words.

Genesis 49:21

1. Naphtali was the second offspring of Bilhah, Rachel’s maid Genesis 30:7-8

2. He is compared to a deer that is free (“let loose”)

3. A glimpse of the Future

a) He will be able to speak well

b) He will not be coarse as one who is ill-bred

CONCLUSION

1. We are all born with certain potential

2. The Future is not fully determined by one’s potential

3. The Final Outcome will be affected by:

a) The Individual

b) The LORD’s grace and mercy if He is sought

4. The Challenge

a) To cultivate Faith

b) To cultivate personal character