Bible Study 
No Comments Genesis 49-Exodus 1: Jacob & Joseph’s Legacy
Chapter 49 is not a father’s blessing on his sons. Rather, it is a prophecy of what the sons could expect in the future because of their individual characters and the decisions they had made. Reuben was the lustful prodigal son, but Levi and Simeon were angry elder brothers. Judah would be the royal tribe, for the Messiah (Shiloh, “the peace-bringer”) would come from Judah. Joseph was the vine that went over the wall separating Jews and Gentiles. He was shot at by his brethren, which often happens to those who are especially blessed of God. But the Lord was with him, strengthened him, and extended his boundaries of blessing (Genesis 49:26). Joseph suffered, and his sons were blessed by God. Reuben sinned, and his sons lost the blessing of God.
Three burials are mentioned in the final chapter of Genesis, and each is significant. Burying a beloved father.