Gen 49:23-24 | KingComments | STEP | Jacob says most of his words to Joseph (meaning ‘He will add’). It is not surprising that the blessing given by Jacob to Joseph is the greatest of all in content and length. Jacob speaks about all that God has laid aside for Joseph. It is not difficult to see the picture of the Lord Jesus behind Joseph. Jacob uses some comparisons in connection with Joseph. The first is that of a fruit tree, of which the branches run over a wall. That is Joseph. He bears fruit because he stands by a spring. By drinking from the spring, God Himself, and knowing himself dependent on Him, he bears rich fruit for God ( ; ). Fruit is where there is “a spring” of fellowship and a “wall” of separation. We see this perfectly with the Lord Jesus. Not only does He bear fruit within the walls of the people of Israel, but His fruit is also for everyone outside Israel who believes in Him ( ; ). He also lives in perfect fellowship with His Father. The second comparison is that of the archer. ”Deadly arrows” were shot at him ( ; cf. ). Remember the treatment of his brothers and the wife of Potiphar. Such arrows were also shot at Christ, whom He answered with arrows from God’s Word: “It is written” ( ). All our strength to withstand temptations and bear trials comes from God. His grace is enough for us, and His strength is perfected in our weakness. Joseph answers these arrows with accurate arrows. He reacts in the power of God, Who with His hands strengthens Joseph’s hands. It has sometimes been compared to a small child who wants to carry his father’s heavy suitcase. He cannot lift the suitcase himself. Yet he manages to lift the suitcase because his father’s strong hand goes around his hand and lifts it with his hand. The names Jacob uses for God show that he has learned a lot about God. By this he knows God’s thoughts about the blessing He wants to give and is also able to give. After all, he is also the “Almighty”! The blessing is threefold: 1. blessings of heaven above, 2. blessings of the deep that lies beneath and 3. blessings on earth: of the breasts (nutrition) and of the womb (new life). Jacob sees that the blessing he gives his son goes far beyond the blessings promised to the patriarchs. Everything will come “on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of the one distinguished among his brothers”. “Distinguished” is literally “separated” or “Nazarite”. This is the third comparison Jacob uses. Here we find for the first time the term “Nazirite”. From Numbers 6 we learn that this is someone who voluntarily devotes himself to God ( ). The Lord Jesus is the true Nazirite. By Him His brethren, His people, and all the earth shall be blessed in the realm of peace.

‏ Genesis 49:23-24

Joseph

Jacob says most of his words to Joseph (meaning ‘He will add’). It is not surprising that the blessing given by Jacob to Joseph is the greatest of all in content and length. Jacob speaks about all that God has laid aside for Joseph. It is not difficult to see the picture of the Lord Jesus behind Joseph.

Jacob uses some comparisons in connection with Joseph. The first is that of a fruit tree, of which the branches run over a wall. That is Joseph. He bears fruit because he stands by a spring. By drinking from the spring, God Himself, and knowing himself dependent on Him, he bears rich fruit for God (Jer 17:8; Psa 1:3).

Fruit is where there is “a spring” of fellowship and a “wall” of separation. We see this perfectly with the Lord Jesus. Not only does He bear fruit within the walls of the people of Israel, but His fruit is also for everyone outside Israel who believes in Him (Mk 7:24-30; Jn 4:39-42). He also lives in perfect fellowship with His Father.

The second comparison is that of the archer. ”Deadly arrows” were shot at him (Jer 9:8; cf. Eph 6:16b). Remember the treatment of his brothers and the wife of Potiphar. Such arrows were also shot at Christ, whom He answered with arrows from God’s Word: “It is written” (Mt 4:1-10). All our strength to withstand temptations and bear trials comes from God. His grace is enough for us, and His strength is perfected in our weakness.

Joseph answers these arrows with accurate arrows. He reacts in the power of God, Who with His hands strengthens Joseph’s hands. It has sometimes been compared to a small child who wants to carry his father’s heavy suitcase. He cannot lift the suitcase himself. Yet he manages to lift the suitcase because his father’s strong hand goes around his hand and lifts it with his hand.

The names Jacob uses for God show that he has learned a lot about God. By this he knows God’s thoughts about the blessing He wants to give and is also able to give. After all, he is also the “Almighty”!

The blessing is threefold:

1. blessings of heaven above,

2. blessings of the deep that lies beneath and

3. blessings on earth: of the breasts (nutrition) and of the womb (new life).

Jacob sees that the blessing he gives his son goes far beyond the blessings promised to the patriarchs. Everything will come “on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of the one distinguished among his brothers”. “Distinguished” is literally “separated” or “Nazarite”. This is the third comparison Jacob uses. Here we find for the first time the term “Nazirite”. From Numbers 6 we learn that this is someone who voluntarily devotes himself to God (Num 6:1-21).

The Lord Jesus is the true Nazirite. By Him His brethren, His people, and all the earth shall be blessed in the realm of peace.