Day 32, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today's Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Genesis 47:13–50:26
Legacy and Destiny
It’s not how a person begins his quest in life that determines how he or she is remembered—nor is it the rough journey or the victories along the way. Not many plaques on buildings are placed in the memory of those who end their lives dishonorably. What is remembered is the faithful life that endures to the end! What legacy would we like to leave for the next generation?
In today’s Bible reading, the famine in Canaan and Egypt is severe. The people of the land first pay money for their grain, but when it is used up, they sell their cattle, their land, and finally, themselves to Pharaoh to live.
Joseph is wise in his business dealings. However, he is fair to the natives of the land; he gives them grain to eat and seeds to plant. In exchange, they must return to Pharaoh twenty percent of their crops when harvested. Joseph is not ruthless—he is remembered as a leader who saved their lives! Have we made positive contributions to our family and community so we might be warmly remembered?
In today’s Bible reading, we also see memorials inscribed in remembrance of Jacob and Joseph. Over 2,000 years after Joseph passes away, the writer of the book of Hebrews leaves him a tribute for the entire world to read:
By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.
By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions about his bones. (Hebrews 11:21-22, NIV)
Jacob’s Memorial
What is so special about Jacob blessing Joseph’s sons and worshipping God that would place his memorial in the hall of faith (Hebrews 11)? Jacob is thankful. He never expected to see Joseph again, let alone his grandsons. Jacob is also looking forward to returning to Canaan, the Promised Land. He wants to be buried in his homeland, and he requires Joseph to take an oath to do it (Genesis 47:29-31). Now, Jacob worships because he will be buried there. This is a definite sign and example to Joseph’s sons and the rest of Jacob’s sons that this is where their inheritance is, and someday they will return there.Afterward, Jacob blesses his twelve sons, telling them their future in the Promised Land. What follows is an interpretation and summary from The Bible Knowledge Commentary.
The future of Jacob’s sons
Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn, dishonored his father by sleeping with one of his wives, Bilhah (Genesis 35:22). For this, he loses the rights of double inheritance. The meaning of Reuben’s name, “turbulent as the waters” (Genesis 49:4) may indicate that he can't be counted on to take the leadership. His tribe will hesitate to help fight Israel’s enemies in the days of the Judges (Judges 5:15-16).Next are Simeon and Levi. In the early days after Jacob’s return to Canaan, these brothers slaughtered all the males in the city of Shechem because of the rape of their sister, Dinah (Genesis 34:25-29). This was unbridled vengeance. Because of this, Simeon’s family will be absorbed into Judah’s tribe, and Levi’s family will be scattered among all the tribes, not having land of her own.
Judah’s family will become a prominent tribe. Judah is praised for his strength, and Jacob prophesies that kings will come from him—first David, and then later the ultimate ruler, Jesus Christ. At the end of the age, during the millennial reign of Christ, Judah’s land will be abundantly blessed with vineyards and prosperity.
Zebulun will be enriched by seaborne trade.
Issachar, although her tribe will live in the pleasant and fertile Plain of Esdraelon, will be frequently invaded and forced to work for others.
Dan, whose name means “judge,” should act with justice, but his tribe will choose treachery instead, like a snake by a roadside. After Israel begins to take possession of Canaan, the first significant idolatry will happen in Dan (Judges 18).
The tribe of Gad will frequently have battles with other nations over her borders.
Asher will settle beside the rich fertile land on the northern coast of Canaan.
Like a doe, Naphtali will be a free mountain people, settling northwest of the Sea of Galilee. Her beauty will inspire the writing of songs.
Joseph is the firstborn of Jacob’s wife, Rachel. Since Reuben forfeited his birthright by his immoral actions, the birthright passed to Joseph. Much blessing is therefore bestowed on him because he is the firstborn and a prince among his brothers. Both of his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, will inherit land in place of their father (a double inheritance). Ephraim will have a fruitful land and be the most prominent tribe, and Manasseh will be victorious in battle.
Benjamin is described as a “ravenous wolf,” a powerful and destructive tribe.
All of Israel’s sons have destinies, but not all will do well. Some who have rebellious or otherwise troublesome children can relate to that. However, a lesson we can learn from Jacob is to pass on our faith to the next generation. We should show them hope and a future if they are obedient to God. Let’s bless them. They desire it, and we need to do it.
Joseph’s Memorial
Joseph ends his life in faith. Like his father, he, too, wants to be identified with the Promised Land by having his bones buried in Canaan. God reveals to him that his large family will go through a long persecution period. Still, Joseph has faith that the LORD will deliver them. Sometimes, we know the journey in life will not be easy for our descendants or us. We should encourage them to place their faith in God for their help and deliverance.
Our Memorial
What about our legacy—what will we be remembered for? What positive impact are we trying to make on our family or our society?. What plaque might be written about our lives? Will we be known only as financial donors to worthy causes, or will we pass on our faith and hope in God to the next generation?
End Note: The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the Old Testament , edited by Walvoord and Zuck, © 1985, pp. 98-99
Discussion
What was so special about Jacob that he was in the Hebrew’s hall of faith?
What was so special about Joseph that he was in the Hebrew’s hall of faith?
How would many Christians wish to be remembered?
Focus Verse
Psalm 25:3 (NIV) “No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse.”
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
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Looking Ahead: Generations after Joseph dies, another Egyptian king arises who knows nothing Joseph or what he has done for his country. In the book of Exodus, we see that the Israelites become slaves. God chooses Moses, a Leader, Born of Necessity to deliver them. Perhaps God is raising up some of us to challenge our culture. Find out more in our Next Lesson.
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