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Genesis Lesson 30—Genesis 49-50

The Deaths of Jacob and Joseph
Memorize the TRUTH!
“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many
people should be kept alive, as they are today.” Genesis 50:20
DAY 1: GENESIS 49:1-21—Joseph Blesses His Older Sons
1. What does Jacob say that his firstborn son, Reuben, had done to forfeit his special status in the family? (See Genesis
35:22.)

2. What pronouncement does Jacob make over Simeon and Levi? Why did he say this? (See Genesis 34.)

3. What future does Jacob predict for Judah’s descendants?

4. Who is the ultimate fulfillment of 49:10? (See also Matthew 2:1-6; Revelation 5:1-5.)

Learn the TRUTH!

Jacob watched his sons’ lives and character over the years. He could not trust his first three sons
to lead the family with integrity. They had sinned seriously, and Scripture gives us no indication that they
ever repented or asked for forgiveness. Judah also sinned. But Scripture shows that his heart changed. He
repents of his sin. He makes decisions and sacrifices for the good of the family. Judah’s life proves that
people can change. Reflect on your attitude and behavior patterns this week. Notice what you think, what
you say, how you behave. If someone who knows you and loves you were to look at you and predict how
your life would turn out, would they predict a good and godly outcome? Ask God for help with anything
you need to change or make right. Plan to share about this in your small group.

DAY 2: GENESIS 49:22-28—Jacob Blesses Joseph

5. We do not know if Joseph or his brothers ever told Jacob about what happened to Joseph. However, Jacob’s blessing
of Joseph reveals that he does know. How does he describe Joseph’s sufferings?

6. Jacob also describes God’s care for Joseph. What words does He use to describe God? What words does he use to
describe the ways God cared for Joseph?

7. God cares for the people you love, too. How could knowing this help you trust Him with their lives and well-being?

DAY 3: GENESIS 49:29–50:14—Jacob’s Death and Burial

8. In what specific place did Jacob instruct his sons to bury him?

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway,
a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2011.
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9. Who goes with Joseph and his brothers when they return to Canaan to bury their father? What does this suggest
about the Egyptians’ respect for Joseph?

DAY 4: GENESIS 50:15-18—Joseph Reassures His Brothers

10. After Jacob dies, what do Joseph’s brothers fear? Do you think their fear was justified? Explain.

11. What steps do Joseph’s brothers take in response to their fear?

12. Compare Genesis 47:9 with 47:28. How long has it been since Joseph and his brothers were reunited?

13. How might asking forgiveness earlier have benefited the whole family?

DAY 5: GENESIS 50:19-26—God Is in Control

14. What does Joseph say and do to reassure them?

15. What instructions does Joseph give to his family when he is about to die many years later?

16. How does this final request show his faith in God’s promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and him?

Apply the TRUTH!

Jacob and Joseph thought about the legacy they wanted to leave to those who came after
them. They wanted them to know and trust God as they did. They wanted them to believe in
His promises and live according to them. We will all die one day. What legacy do you hope to leave for
those who come after you? What would you like them to remember? Write your ideas below. Then plan to
share them with your small group.

DAY 6: Participate in Class

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Lesson 30 Commentary

The Deaths of Jacob and Joseph

Genesis 49-50
These final two chapters of Genesis record the deaths of Jacob and Joseph. As he dies, Jacob blesses his sons.
In his pronouncements over them, we get a glimpse at the future of the brand new nation, Israel. Years later, at
his own death, Joseph strengthens his children and grandchildren’s faith. He encourages them to have undying
hope in God’s covenant commitment to the people of Israel.

Jacob Blesses His Older Sons

At the age of 147, Jacob calls his sons together to bless them. He summarizes their character according to how
they have lived their lives. His words suggest the effect their character will have on future generations. He
begins with Reuben, the firstborn. Reuben will not enjoy the privileges of the firstborn because of his immoral
character. He had sexual relations with Bilhah, Jacob’s concubine.

The second and third sons, Simeon and Levi, will not take Reuben’s place as the honored firstborn. Their lives
have been marked by violence and cruelty. Jacob has not forgotten how they massacred the men of Shechem.
Jacob predicts that they will be scattered throughout the rest of the nation. Simeon’s tribe will own the
southern portion of the Promised Land, but will mingle with the other tribes. In time they will lose their
distinctiveness.

For the Levites, this dispersion will occur when they are made the priestly tribe and excluded from owning
their own land. However, God will later bless the sons of Levi as they take a stand for the Lord (see Exodus
32:25-26 and Numbers 25:10-13).

Judah, by contrast, will become a leader among the tribes. His descendants will be powerful military leaders
and will have the distinction of being the tribe from whom Messiah comes. This is partially fulfilled in
David’s monarchy, but, ultimately, the prediction will be realized in Christ. Next, Jacob blesses Zebulun,
Issachar, Gad, and Asher.

Joseph and Benjamin’s Blessings

Jacob distinguishes Joseph from among his final six sons. He says Joseph is like a fruitful vine. Though he
leads an enormous Gentile empire, Jacob implies that Joseph’s blessing—because it comes through “the
Mighty One of Jacob,” is far more important. He gives Joseph the status of firstborn among the 12.

Benjamin, though the youngest of the clan, is among the most aggressive. By the time of the book of Judges,
the tribe of Benjamin will have gained a reputation for bravery and skill in battle.

Jacob tells his sons that he is about to die, informing them that he must not be buried in Egypt. He instructs
them to carry his body to Canaan. He wants to be buried in the cave that his parents, grandparents, and Leah
occupy. When he finishes speaking, Jacob dies.

Think about encouraging the people you love to expect great things from God. Jacob talked to
his sons about their future. Addressing each son individually, he got their attention with insights
into their character and future. He reminded them of God’s promises (still waiting to be fulfilled)
and God’s faithfulness to him. How can you encourage your family and friends to expect great
things from God? What aspect of His faithfulness to you can you share with someone else? How can you
praise Him for His goodness in your triumphs and your tragedies? Ask God for opportunities to share your
story with others. That’s what people near to you will remember.

Jacob’s Burial
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Joseph weeps openly when Jacob dies. Then he commands the Egyptian physicians to embalm Jacob.
Embalming was the custom in Egypt. The Egyptians join Joseph in mourning Jacob. They mourn for his
father for 70 days. At the end of this time, Joseph requests permission to take his father’s body to Canaan.
Pharaoh grants his request.

The long trek becomes a state occasion, with many of Egypt’s high officials joining Joseph. Joseph’s 11
brothers also make the trip. They leave their children to tend the flocks and herds while they are away. The
large group of mourners stops at the threshing floor of Atad, northeast of the group’s final destination. They
observe a formal weeklong period of mourning at Atad. When the inhabitants of Canaan see the mourners,
they give the area a new name, Abel Mizraim (wailing of Egypt). Joseph and the mourners then cross the
Jordan into Canaan. They place Jacob’s body in the cave of Machpelah, then return to Egypt.

Joseph Reassures His Brothers

Once back in Egypt, Joseph’s brothers worry that their lives are in danger. Now that Jacob is gone, they
wonder if Joseph will take his revenge on them. They send a messenger to him with an urgent request. They
say that before he died, Jacob commanded them to ask Joseph’s forgiveness. And so, several decades after
their sin against Joseph, they ask him to forgive them.

Joseph weeps when he receives this message. Soon his brothers come to him, telling him they will be his
servants. But Joseph had forgiven them years earlier. He has no intention of punishing them. Indeed, he has
only their welfare in mind. Once again, Joseph points to God’s loving control of his life. “You meant evil
against me, but God meant it for good,” he reminds them.

Think about accepting forgiveness. Joseph had forgiven his brothers years earlier. But they still
carried heavy guilt. They could not accept or believe he had truly forgiven them. Sometimes we
have trouble believing that God has truly forgiven us. But no matter how often or how badly you
have sinned, if you confess that sin to God and ask Him to forgive you, Scripture promises that
“He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). You do
not need to carry a load of guilt because of your past sins. You do not need to live in fear of God’s anger.
Ask Him to forgive you—and He will!

The family remains in Egypt and continues to add more children and grandchildren. When Joseph is dying
years later, at age 110, he calls his family together. He gives orders concerning his burial. He assures them
that, in the future, God will call them out of Egypt. When this happens, they should take his bones with them.
Four hundred years later, this promise will be honored when Moses brings Joseph’s body out of Egypt during
the Exodus (Exodus 13:19).

Personalize the TRUTH!

Think about the great men and women we have studied in Genesis: Adam, Eve, Abel, Seth,
Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, Leah, Rachel, Judah, Joseph. Do you see
yourself in any of them? Which one have you learned the most from? List some of the things you have
learned from their lives—both positive and negative—and ask God to continue to teach you and to
transform your life and character according to His truth.