1/22 Genesis 49 - An Epic Ending!

Genesis 49 is one of those Key Chapters that we might normally overlook; and yet this passage actually gives us several critical prophecies regarding the future of Israel, the nature of the kingdom and her King. So rather than being a chapter we should overlook, instead this is one that we should dive into. Join us! 

DISCUSSION AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS: The following discussion questions can stand alone or be used in conjunction with the Key Chapters podcast. They can be used in a Small Group, family discussion, or for personal reflection. The idea is that the person/group/family will have read the Key Chapter and then answer the questions. Perhaps there would be time to listen to the podcast as well.

1. The podcast opens with how the book of Genesis is ultimately about the “genesis” of this new nation, dedicated to Him. As we close out the book of Genesis, we’ve seen the Lord use very imperfect people. What does this show us about how God can use imperfect people today? How has God used you, even in your imperfections, to further His kingdom?

2. In verse 2, the Lord refers to Jacob as “Israel”. The name “Israel” means “contends/struggles with God”. Jacob received this name from the Lord back in Genesis 32. What is the significance of Jacob being referred to as “Israel” in this passage?

3. Although Reuben had moments of strength and dignity, he also had episodes of serious weakness. According to the podcast, what were some long-term consequences of his moral failures? (Note his sin with Bilhah in Genesis 35:22). Along those lines, according to 1st Chronicles 5:1, who was Reuben’s birthright given to? Why?

4. Simeon and Levi also suffered long-term consequences for their sins committed back in Genesis 34 when they defended their sister’s honor by killing all the men of Shechem. Later on, what was the land allocation for the tribes of Simeon and Levi? What did the podcast suggest as to why their sin would cause them to lose their land promise among the sons of Israel?

5. Why was it so surprising that Judah would receive such a prophecy of Genesis 49:8-12? How was this prophecy later fulfilled in passages such as Judges 1:2 and later in the kings, and ultimately in the life of Jesus?

6. The prophecy about Judah in Genesis 49:8-12 is the last of the three great prophecies of the Messiah. The other two are Genesis 3:15 and 22:18. What did these other prophecies foretell about the Messiah?

7. The podcast concluded with summarizing a key point in all of these prophecies in Genesis 49, which is that Jacob is referring to his sons as having already formed this nation that he envisions. In this prophecy, they already possess their land, have structure and order and kings and battles and challenges and ultimately a global reign. How was this fulfilled in Israel? How was it fulfilled in Jesus?

The Key Chapters Bible Podcast is a daily, 15ish minute podcast that goes over the key chapters of the Bible, one per day, explaining how it fits into the overall message of God and how it relates to our lives now. Jump in today or start back in Genesis 1!

To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org.

Available on all major podcast platforms, and now on YouTube.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv

Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819

As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 40 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com.

Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM.

Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.