Jacob Blesses His Own Sons

Only God can tell the future. But God can tell the future! In fact God speaks the future into being, just as he forms stars and planets and oceans with his words.

As Jacob blesses his sons from his deathbed, the entire history of Israel as the Old Testament people of God are comprised within the scope of this speech. From the growth of the 12 tribes into nations, to the conquest and distribution of the Promised Land, all the way to coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

God is not merely foretelling the future through Jacob, but actually shaping it; yet it is also true that without exception the destiny of each son is linked to their own character and actions. Thus we are reminded that, while God is absolutely sovereign, each person is completely responsible for their own actions.