1. And Jacob called his sons and said, “Gather together, that I may tell you what shall befall you in the last days: Deut. 33:1-29; Heb. 11:21
We see the phrase “Last Days”, or “Latter Days,” is used in the KJV version of the bible nineteen times. When these phrases are used it is specifically talking about the last days of this earth age, leading up to the return of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. The Phrase; “Last days” is used eight times ( Gen. 49:1; Isa. 2:2, Micah 4:1; Acts 2:17; 2Tim 3:1; Heb. 1:2; Jas. 5:3; 2 Pet. 3:3), And the term “Latter days” are used eleven times in scripture (Num. 24:14; Deut. 4:30, 31:29; Jer. 23:20, 30:24, 48:47, 49:39; Eze. 38:16; Dan. 10:14; Hos. 3:5), This chapter is the first time either phrase is used in the Bible. Since Israel is prophesying about the fate of the descendants of Israel in the latter days, this tells us that all the tribes of Israel are still in existence to this day as a unique people and will be at the time of the end, even Levi and Simeon who were scattered among the other tribes of Israel, because of the sins they committed in the land of Shechem (Gen. 34:25, 26, 30). We will see this in the prophecy Israel gives against Levi and Simeon. However, After the Exodus, and the conquering of the land of Canaan, we do see some smaller fulfillments of the prophecies given here to all the tribes, but, in my opinion, very minor in comparison to the full, fulfillment in the end times. Most prophecy has a duel fulfillment Part of the fulfillment is meant for that particular era and people before the first coming of our lord Jesus Christ. And the final fulfillment of the prophecies are for these latter days’ leading up to the second coming of the Christ. In order to fully understand the prophecies given by Israel in regards to their fate in the latter days, I must go into great detail but I will try to summarize my understanding of these prophecies as brief as I can. I will however create another commentary on these prophecies in my prophecy header and go into greater detail.
2. “Gather together and hear, you sons of Jacob, And listen to Israel your father. 32:28
Gather together and hear, you sons of the flesh, (Jacob), and listen to what the Spirit of Israel says to your father. He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the sons of Israel. Jacob is being led by the Spirit in these prophecies which is why I began my commentary as such. He who has wisdom let him understand what the Spirit says to the tribes of Israel (Rev. 2:7,11,17,29; 3: 6,13,22). In this chapter we find a lot of Hebrew poetry, idioms, and parallels. This will make it much harder for me to understand them, but attempt to, I must.
3. “Reuben, you are my firstborn, My might and the beginning of my strength, 29:32 The excellency of dignity and the excellency of power.
4. Unstable as water, you shall not excel, Because you went up to your father s bed; 35:22; 1 Chr. 5:1 Then you defiled it– He went up to my couch.
Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob, by his first wife Leah. Being the firstborn of Jacob, Reuben was to receive the birthright which was handed down from Abraham to his son Isaac and to Isaac’s son Israel. This is the birthright blessing of the promised seed in which all nations of the earth would be blessed. Also as the firstborn Reuben was to have a greater blessing than all the other brothers. In Adam Clarke’s commentary from Genesis chapter twenty five he goes into great detail of the blessings of the firstborn son should have received:
Adam Clarke:
1. Authority and superiority over the rest of the family.
2. A double portion of the paternal inheritance.
3. The peculiar benediction of the father.
4. The priesthood, previous to its establishment in the family of Aaron.
Calmet controverts most of these rights, and with apparent reason, and seems to think that the double portion of the paternal inheritance was the only incontestable right which the first-born possessed; the others were such as were rather conceded to the first-born, than fixed by any law in the family. However this may be, it appears,
1. That the first-born were peculiarly consecrated to God, Exo 22:29.
2. Were next in honor to their parents, Gen 49:3.
3. Had a double portion of their father’s goods, Deu 21:17.
4. Succeeded him in the government of the family or kingdom, 2 Ch 21:3.
5. Had the sole right of conducting the service of God, both at the tabernacle
Because Reuben defiled his father’s couch as it is written here, can also mean to defile his bed. He defiled Israel’s bed by sleeping with his concubine Bilhah (Rachel’s handmaid). The prophecy pertaining to Reuben in the latter days lay in verse four: Reuben is prophesied to be unstable as water and shall not excel. In order to help understand this prophecy we must first find out where the tribe of Rueben settled after the dispersion of the northern ten tribes of Israel. It is said that France and it’s people are descendants from the tribe of Reuben. That is another study all together and far to deep to go into detail in this format. I have been studying where the tribes Israel were dispersed after their captivity from the Assyrians and the Babylonians. I will discuss these prophecies in my “Prophecy” header of my homepage after I have researched it in more detail.
5. “Simeon and Levi are brothers; Instruments of cruelty are in their dwelling place. 34:25-31
Simeon s and Levi’s cruelty and anger are detailed in Genesis chapter thirty four verse s twenty five thru thirty one, when they slew Hamor and his son Shechem, because Shechem defiled their sister Dinah.
6. Let not my soul enter their council; Prov. 1:15-16 Let not my honor be united to their assembly; Ps. 26:9 For in their anger they slew a man, And in their self-will they hamstrung an ox.
Jacob declares that his honour will not be joined together with their evil practices, or in agreement with what they did to the Shechemites. There are a few interpretations of what is meant by “Hamstrung an ox” it appears the interpretation given is in conjunction with certain versions of the bible one is reading. however the question begs to be asked by this reader: Which came first; The Interpretation or the certain bible versions? One interpretation (Which comes from the KJV and KJV+), is that Simeon and Levi tore down a wall to get to Hamor and Shechem in order to kill them. Another interpretation (Based upon the ERV or ISV Version), is that Simeon and Levi literally killed and lamed animals for fun. The last interpretation of these verses, is the one I am more akin to ascribe to, which comes from the NKJV and MKJV version, which reads “Hamstrung an ox” The word hamstrung means to make lame. According to the Webster dictionary they define the word bull in the scriptural sense as an enemy. And after all, once Jacobs daughter was defiled, and as the brothers exclaimed that Shechem did what not ought to be done, this in my humble opinion would make the Shechemites their enemies after such an act. Levi and Simeon hamstrung the Shechemites by requiring that all males be circumcised which made the males lame and unable to defend themselves.
7. Cursed be their anger; for it is fierce; And in their wrath, for it is cruel! I will divide them in Jacob And scatter them in Israel
The prophecy for both Simeon and Levi appear in this verse. Israel does not curse Simeon and Levi, rather he curses their anger. “Let not their anger be manifested together anymore” (So to speak), It is because of their anger that they will be separated from one another. Neither one would be given any land inheritance when they come out of Egypt like all the other sons of Jacob did. both tribes of Levi and Simeon would be scattered throughout the other tribes in the land of Israel. In the case of The tribe of Simeon, they were given their lot from inside the inheritance of Judah (Jos. 19:1-9), which is in southern Israel (Near the wilderness of Zin), consisting of only thirteen cities encompassed by the tribe of Judah. The tribe of Levi was scattered throughout all Israel. Their inheritance was the temple of God itself. God claimed them for Himself. This in turn actually turned the curse of Levi’s anger into a blessing. what greater honour could there be than to serve the Almighty One; by and thru the order of Melchizedek the Levites were to become, symbolic of the one true High Priest to come; in which all nations of the earth would be blessed (Jesus Christ). These are the fulfillment of the prophecies concerning Simeon and Levi while in the land of Canaan before they were led into captivity. The final and more meaningful fulfillment of this prophecy for the brothers will be discussed in the “Prophecy” header of my homepage after I have researched it in more detail.
8. Judah, you are he whom your brothers shall praise; 29:35 Your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; Ps. 18:40 Your fathers children shall bow down before you. 1 Chr. 5:2
In Judah, this prophecy of what is to become of his descendants in the latter days is more clearly defined than that of the other brothers, with the exception of Joseph and his sons Manasseh and Ephraim. during the time of the kings, with the exception of the first king of Israel (Saul), the lineage of the kings of Israel would come from the tribe of Judah. However, partially fulfilled, only slightly during the reign of King David all the tribes of Israel praised King David, and they bowed down to him. During David’s reign he was as a yoke to all the enemies around him. After the death of David, because of Solomon’s wickedness, the yoke was lifted from Judah’s enemies, and the praises of the other tribes ceased little by little (1 kings. 11:1-43). Jesus Christ, in whom the promised seed is fulfilled, from the tribe of Judah, upon His second coming, all the tribes of Judah will look upon the one whom they pierced, they will ask where he got his wounds, and He will answer, “I received them from the house of my friends” And then the scales will be lifted from their eyes and they will weep for the one whom they pierced. Then they once again will bow down before Him and praise Him forever more. And the enemies of Judah will once again have the yoke of Jesus Christ around them (Zech. 12:1-14).
9. Judah is a lion’s whelp; Rev. 5:5 From the prey, my son, you have gone up. He bows down, he lies down as a lion; And as a lion, who shall rouse him
From the tribe of the lion of Judah will come forth the promised seed in which all nations will be blessed. The Strong’s definition for whelp is (H1842): (A young lion, a cub, as still abiding in the lair). In The history of the tribe of Judah, since the conquest of the land of Canaan, they have always had a remnant of people living in the land we now know as the nation of Israel, even during the time of exile in Babylon, and those who went into Egypt during this time of exile, “Abiding in the Lair,” quietly living at rest in the lair of Israel. But when it is roused, it is a fierce opponent as that of a lion (King of the jungle), if you will? yet after it’s conquest it does not seek to destroy any further, but lays back down, watching over it’s kingdom satisfied with its success. Today the people as a whole are called Jews when describing the Israeli nation, yet not all Israelis are Jews. In these modern times Whenever their enemies rouse them, they retaliate fiercely as a lion, but then retreat back into the lair. Who should dare rouse him? When I publish my research on these prophecies, I will go into greater detail on the tribe of Judah and their history as a people, and how it pertains to this prophecy. But I will give a little nugget here and now. I will state, in my humble opinion and suggest to anyone who reads this, look into the history of the nation of Great Britain and how they reacted when attacked and afterwards when they had defeated their enemies.
10. The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Num. 24:17 Nor a lawgiver from between his feet, Ps. 60:7 Until Shiloh comes; Is. 11:1 And to Him shall be the Ps. 2:6-9 obedience of the people.
The royal diadem should never depart from the tribe of Judah, kings, and queens shall branch out from Judah. neither shall a lawgiver depart from Judah. As kings and queens one of their responsibilities was to issue laws, and decrees in his or her kingdom. This has been true throughout history since the establishment of kings, and queens. The scepter is a rod or staff that has been used by many kingdoms as a sign of its authority over the people in its kingdom. this scepter begins with king David who was anointed by God himself thru Samuel the prophet (1Sam. 16:1, 13), for it is God who gives all authority to man (Dan. 2: 20, 21; Rom. 13:1). there will always be kings and queens coming from the bloodline of Judah. “Until Shiloh comes” Meaning until peace comes throughout all the earth. Shiloh (H7886) is defined as “Tranquility” which comes from the root word safety (H7951), or to be at rest. Some scholars take the meaning “Until Shiloh comes” to mean until the Messiah comes, referring to his first coming. In my opinion this proclamation by Israel, “Until Shiloh comes” is referring to His second coming, because at his first coming there was no peace and the nations were never at peace, nor did they Obey the one whom they pierced. It is not until His second coming that He will rule with a rod (Scepter), of Iron, as a lion and not as a lamb (A lions whelp), if you will? all people will obey him at this coming, and He will bring true peace to all nations. Even so come Amen. With that said, one may ask, “Then where is the scepter of Judah today?’ According to the scriptures we read that Zedekiah was the last king of Judah, and his Sons were killed, when Nebuchadnezzar took the people of Judah into captivity. (2 Kings 25:7; Jer. 52:10,11), but the story doesn’t end there. We see in Jer. 43:6 that Zedekiah’s daughters were taken into Egypt by Johanan who was one of the commanders of Judah, along with Jeremiah and Baruch the scribe. So the scepter fell upon the daughters of Zedekiah. There is way too much material to cover the history of the Scepter of Judah in this format. I will go into greater detail in separate study on prophecy. I would however recommend two books that are published by the United church of God: 1. The Throne of Britain. 2. The United States And Britain In Bible Prophecy. There are many books written on this subject other than these two, but I find these two to be a good starting point on which to launch your research.
11. Binding his foal unto the vine, And his ass’s colt unto the choice vine, He washed his garments in wine, And his clothes in the blood of grapes. Rev. 19:13
People can take away many different thought concepts as to the meaning of the choice words that are used, depending on your beliefs, or ideology. I believe there is both a spiritual, and a worldly way of interpreting this verse. What caught my attention right off is why He (God), in the first part of this verse goes from first mentioning the “Foal” and the “vine” and in the next utterance He switches up His words to “Ass’s colt” and choice vine?” I believe God is making a distinction between the two, so in my opinion He is speaking of two different subjects. So what is the significance of this? On the Spiritual side of this first part of the verse we read that God, thru His Prophet Isaiah describes Israel as a vineyard and the men of Judah as His pleasant plant (Isa. 5:7; Jer. 2:21). After the reign of Solomon the ten northern tribes of Israel broke off from the tribe of Judah, therefore the vineyard (Israel), became broken in two, and have never reconciled ever since. Thru the prophet Ezekial we read where this portion of the prophecy is fulfilled: God tells Ezekial to take two sticks and write on one of them, ” For Judah and for his companions, the sons of Israel;” The companions being the tribe of Benjamin, and a remnant of the tribes of Levi and Simeon, who never left Judah’s side. Then God tells Ezekial to write on the second stick, “For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and all the house of Israel, his companions;” The companions here speak of northern tribes of Israel. Then God says to Ezekial to take the two sticks and join them together into one stick therefore the nation of Israel will once again be one nation, never to be divided again, and they will have one King; being King David (Eze. 37:16, 22), thus “Binding his foal to the vine.” in the same chapter of Ezekial we read where the second part of this prophecy about binding his ass’s colt to the choice vine is fulfilled. after the vineyard is once again bound to the pleasant plant (Judah), God tells Ezekial that David shall be king over them and there shall be one Shepherd to them all. This Shepherd is Jesus Christ (The “choice Vine”), King of Kings and Lord of Lords. In the book of John, Jesus proclaims, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman” (John. 15:1).
“He washed his garments in wine, And his clothes in the blood of grapes.”
Jesus Christ’s shed blood was for the remission of our sins as He explained in the Passover dinner ( Mark. 14:23-25; Luke 22:17-20), I see this as being His garments washed in wine, symbolic of the saints who will wear robes that were washed white with the Blood of Jesus Christ. Revelation 19:13 is referenced in this verse, but I find the interpretation of this latter part of verse eleven in Isaiah chapter sixty three (which when you read Revelation nineteen verse thirteen it references Isaiah chapter sixty three (Rev. 19:13; Isa. 63. 2-6), This speaks of the second coming of the Lord. Upon His coming He will crush the wicked people of the nations as a winepress crushes the grapes, and their blood will be spilled out just as the juices of the grapes are when they have gone thru the winepress. It is the wicked people of the earth whom His clothes are dipped in the blood of grapes.
12. His eyes shall be red with wine, And his teeth white with milk
Verse twelve here in my opinion is an idiom meaning that they (The Jewish people), will act as if they are drunk because of the fatness of the land (“Teeth white with milk”) in which they will live in the latter days. As was written, prophesied and fulfilled in the “Song of Moses” (Deut. 32: 1-43), when they were settled in the land of Judah they turned away from God, (Jer. 2:5-37), they will once again turn away from the Lord Jehovah, who this time brought them back to the promised land, (not from Egypt), but from the four corners of the earth to make them a nation once again, in a days time (Is. 66:8), we can already see this coming to fruition again here in the twenty first century. Ever since becoming a nation again, even though their nation is called Israel to all the nations of the world, as a people, they are known as Jews (A connotation of the word Judah), and they have become a secular society forsaken the ways of Jehovah, the God of Israel, forgetting the God of their fathers and being unthankful, yet living rich with the abundance of the land flowing with milk and honey.
13. ” Zebulun shall dwell by the haven of the sea; Deut. 33: 18, 19 He shall become a haven for ships, And his border shall adjoin Sidon. 10:19
Zebulun is the 6th and last son born from Leah, and the tenth son in order that was born to Jacob. Zebulun s name means Exalted, and by this prophecy here it seems as if he will become exalted in the last days leading up to the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. As I commented on in the beginning of this chapter; the term Last days and latter days specifically talk about the second coming of the Christ. I say this because of what I have learned in my research of this prophecy concerning the tribe of Zebulun. It appears most commentators believe this prophecy was filled during the conquest of the land of Canaan during the time of Joshua and the allotment of lands to the tribes of Israel (Jos. 19:10-16), emphasis is put on verse eleven in the commentaries, but this to me is a weak example supporting the commentaries. I say this because in verse eleven we read that their border went up toward the sea and Maralah, and reached to Dabbasheth, and reached to the river that is before Jokneam (Jos. 19:11), verse twelve: then the border turned from Sarid eastward toward Mt. Tabor (The Flames of Tabor), Notice the border only went toward the sea; meaning the “direction of” and not the actual location of the sea. If we take a look at all the maps that are drawn up of the land inheritance of the twelve tribes of Israel we will see that the tribe of Zebulun is indeed landlocked. East of Zebulun “Toward the sea” Zebulun s border to the east and north is the tribe of Asher, and then the southern border, “Towards the east” is against the half tribe of Manasseh (son of Joseph). Instead of going into greater detail (In this format), of the many scholars who have researched this prophecy and try to tie it in with other scriptures such as Deuteronomy, Joshua, Isaiah, Mathew, and the writings of Josephus, I will instead reference an article in the Associates for Biblical Research web page by Dr. Hansen titled “Zebulun by the Sea? Mystery of the Borders Of Zebulun” And I will now continue with my commentary of this verse and the findings of Dr. Hansen. What I have discovered is that the last part of this prophecy gets touched on, but gets skipped over for the most part. The northern border that Zebulun is to dwell in this verse (Which Israel prophesied), will adjoin Sidon. Again, if we look at the maps of the region we will see that Sidon is way north (Up by Damascus), of the tribe of Zebulun; with the tribes of Asher and Naphtali between Zebulun and Sidon. As I said early on in this commentary all scholars I have seen try to say this prophecy was fulfilled during the conquest in the time of Joshua, some try to use the book of Matthew and the writings of Josephus to point to the fact that Zebulun was at the sea during the time of Jesus (Mat. 4:13; ), (Josephus 1992: 131-2 [Ant. 5.1.22]). By all accounts (That I know of), the tribe of Zebulun has never fulfilled this prophecy as far as being a haven for ships and being adjoined to Sidon, Yet all scholars, for whatever reason fail to understand that this prophecy was meant for the time leading up to the second return of Jesus the Christ. So therefore as Israel prophesied (lead by the Holy Spirit), when that time comes, rest assured that God will fulfill His promise to the people of Zebulun. I will be doing, and have started a little already a more in depth study of what happened to the tribes of Israel after the dispersion, and where they settled. At that time I publish my findings in my Prophecies” header of my web page. Again a little nugget I will share what I have learned at this point. I would recommend to the readers of this commentary to look at the location, history, and their major contribution to the world in the not to distant past and present of the Netherlands.
15. He saw that rest was good, And that the land was pleasant; He bowed his shoulder to bear a burden, And became a band of slaves.
Switzerland and Finland are said to be descendants of the tribe of Issachar according to Yair Davidiy in his book: “The Tribes, The Israelite Origins of the Western People.” This would make sense if you think about these two countries, and where they are located We can look at the history of these two countries since the first two world wars and see that they were caught in the middle of both sides of the isle between Russia, Great Britain and Germany. these three countries at times used the Swiss and Finns to their own advantage in one way or another. (A strong Donkey lying between two burdens), The Finns two burdens were Germany and Russia in World War II. The Finns have fought and defeated Russia in the past and are a strong military if provoked. And the Swiss’s two burdens in the war were the Axis powers of Germany and Italy, and the Allies. Their strength in the future could be their banking institutes, and the gold they store.
16. ” Dan shall judge his people 30:6 As one of the tribes of Israel.
Dan’s name itself means Judge: (H1835) dân
dân
BDB Definition:
Dan = “a judge”
From H1777; judge; Dan, one of the sons of Jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in Palestine colonized by them: – Dan. His name comes from the related word (H1777): dı̂yn / dûn
BDB Definition:
1) to judge, contend, plead
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to act as judge, minister judgment
1a2) to plead a cause
1a3) to execute judgment, requite, vindicate
1a4) to govern
1a5) to contend, strive
1b) (Niphal) to be at strife, quarrel
“Dan will judge his people.” Again I refer to Yair Davidiy’s book that claims that the tribe of Dan’s descendants are of the Danes and Celts. According to the Britannica Encyclopedia, the Viking society, which had developed by the 9th century, included the peoples that lived in what are now Denmark, Norway, and Sweden and by the 10th century, Iceland. throughout the Centuries these Danish people migrated all over the continent of Europe and even in the United Kingdom, Scotland, Wales, and on into Ireland. One could say that a great part of western Europe is made up of the Danish people. The Celtic people, who Mr. Davidiy also says are descendants of the tribe of Dan, Also lived all over Europe, and the United kingdom, and Ireland (Encyclopedia Britannica) As you can see above, the Strongs Concordance and the BDB definition of Dan is first and foremost “Judge,” and then there is a list of other definitions for the name of Dan. A couple of those definitions are; “To execute judgment, Requite and to Vindicate. Requite can also mean to “avenge” (To take vengeance for or on behalf of someone), And to vindicate (To make right for a wrong done upon someone, or in this instance for a people), It is these two latter definitions I would like elaborate on, and how I think, In my opinion, that these two definitions of “Judge” could fit into this prophecy in the latter days as Jacob prophesized. I want to emphasize that there is no scriptural evidence to back what I am about to say, and so this is just my own interpretation of this prophecy based on my own studies and research. Probably the most famous person from the tribe of Dan is Samson from the Old Testament. and Samson’s story is of a man who in fact was considered a “Judge” for the people of Israel. Judges. 15:20 Adam Clarkes commentary states that the word “Judge” being used in this verse might be translated “to avenged” the people of Israel twenty years;
Adam Clarke:
Dan shall judge – Dan, whose name signifies judgment, was the eldest of Jacob’s sons by Bilhah, Rachel’s maid, and he is here promised an equal rule with those tribes that sprang from either Leah or Rachel, the legal wives of Jacob. Some Jewish and some Christian writers understand this prophecy of Samson, who sprang from this tribe, and judged, or as the word might be translated avenged, the people of Israel twenty years. See Jdg_13:2;Jdg_15:20. The Hebrew bible of the Old Testament reads Jacobs Prophecy as such: “Dan will avenge his people, like one, the tribes of Israel.” And well known Rabbi, Rashi, comments on this verse in this manner:
Dan will avenge his people: Heb. יָדִין, will avenge his people from the Philistines, like “When the Lord avenges (יָדִין) His people” (Deut. 32:36). – [From Targum Onkelos]
like one, the tribes of Israel: All Israel will be like one with him, and he will avenge them all. Concerning Samson he uttered this prophecy. We can also explain שִׁבְטֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל כְּאַחַד [as follows]: like the special one of the tribes, namely David, who came from Judah. — [From Targum Onkelos, Sotah 10a, Gen. Rabbah 99:11]. Now according to many scholars the people of Germany are descendants of the ancient people of Assyria, whom can trace their roots back to Asshur who was the second son of Shem, son of Noah, Gen 10:21 Many bible Scholars believe that the anti Christ will come out of the people of Germany. And this “Beast Power” (As it is described in the book of Revelation and the book of Daniel), will be made up of many nations who will give their power to the beast. (See Bible tools website for more details on this beast power). these nations that will give their power to the “Beast Power.” In my humble opinion these nations will be comprised of the descendants of the tribe of Dan. And as Samson avenged his people from the philistines back in his day, so to will these people avenge the nation of Israel in the latter days, when they see how this “Beast” (the anti christ), is persecuting them in the final moments of this earth age. I get this from the prophecy that say’s in the end the beast will be left all alone with no one to help him, and he will see his demise along with the false prophet and be cast into the Abyss for a thousand years. In Daniel chapter two we read about this image that appeared in a dream of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. this image of a man represented five consecutive kingdoms that shall precede king Nebuchadnezzar. I don’t want to get into detail hear about the whole image in the kings dream, that is for another commentary. Instead I will just focus in on the feet and toes made up partly of iron and clay. The feet and the ten toes make up the fifth and final kingdom (The “Beast power”), that shall arise in the latter days of this earth age, and as iron and clay do not mix so to will this final kingdom be partly strong and partly weak. and the seed of men shall mix together with one another but they shall not be binded together as Iron and clay cannot bind, (Daniel 2: 41-43), in my opinion the seed of men are the descendants of the tribe of Dan, who will mingle with the seed of the German people. The feet and ten toes that are described in Daniel, are the same ten horns that we see described in the book of revelation that will turn on the beast. This beast is described as a scarlet coloured beast with seven heads and ten toes (Rev 17:3-7), when we read on in Revelation 17. 12- 17, we see that these ten horns (Ten nations), will turn on the beast and the scarlet who is riding the beast (Symbolizing that the Scarlet is controlling the beast), and therefore; so goes the scarlet coloured Whore, so goes the beast. And the ten kings, and their people (the waters), Rev. 17:15, shall turn on the whore, bring her to ruin, and reveal her for what she truly is (Rev. 17: 15-17). In conclusion When these ten nations that make up the tribe of Dan see how the beast power and the harlot have persecuted the Saints (including the people of Israel, in my opinion), and now even makes war with Christ Himself, they will have seen enough, and will turn on him (the beast) and who sits atop of him (the whore), and judge (Avenge), their people, and because of this act the tribe of Dan will once again be grafted back into the nation of Israel “AS one of the tribes of Israel” as it was spoken of by Jacob upon his death bead.
17. Dan shall be a serpent by the way, Judg. 13:2, 24 A viper by the path, That bites the horse’s heels So that it’s rider shall fall backward.
In keeping with my understanding of this prophecy to be speaking of the Germanic people in the end times I shall continue on with my Theory. I do want to stress here however that this is my opinion based upon the research I have done. I am in no means claiming this to be set in stone. there are many theories to the prophecies given by Jacob in this chapter. I do want to reiterate that there is duality in prophecy, and I believe that is evident in these prophecies, as some were fulfilled (but only partially in my opinion), when the Hebrews entered the promised land after the Exodus, and as Jacob said himself, he is speaking of the latter days leading up to the return of Jesus Christ upon this earth. Verse 17 here fit’s right in with my interpretation of the previous verse 16. If my interpretation in verse 16 is correct then I believe that because the people of Dan, upon seeing what the antichrist is doing to God’s people, the will get in the way of his (the antichrist’s), way from being able to destroy the people of God (A viper by the path), in such a manner that it will cause the antichrist, the false prophet, and their beast power to stumble and fall by the path they are going down. This will weaken the beast power from fully fulfilling his evil plan against God and His people.
18. I have waited for your salvation, O Lord ! Is. 25:9
I consulted with my minister about this verse as to what I was interpreting it to mean. We are both on opposites of the fence in this one, but it doesn’t mean we are wrong in our differing opinions, just that we do have differing opinions. My minister believes that this is speaking about the people of Dan in general. Because they were in essence removed from the family of Israel, because of their idolatry and other things; They have been for waiting the day when they will be accepted back into the family. In my opinion I believe this could be Jacob himself, talking about himself. Jacob is well over one hundred years old now, and he has already given prophecy about 9 of his children already(I am including Manasseh and Ephraim from the last chapter), and it is like Jacob is taking a deep breath in and say’s to the Lord, “I have waited for your salvation O Lord,” Heb. 11: 13, 14, 21, and then he continues on with the rest of his sons.
19. ” Gad, a troop shall tramp upon him, 30:11 But he shall triumph at last. Gad is the seventh son of Jacob by Zilpah, Leah’s handmaid, and full brother of Asher. According to Yair Davidiy the descendants of Gad settled in many lands but numerically they probably remained concentrated in Scandinavia and Sweden, once known as Gotland, and or Gothic (Yair Davidiy, The Tribes. The Israelite origins of Western peoples pg. 180). The people in this area of the map have been known to be a peaceful people, but when pushed to far they are very formidable foes. throughout the 20th century, during the world wars, they have been able to remain neutral, playing both sides of the fence. But in the last days of this earth age I don’t believe they will be to remain this way. The prophecy of Jacob says that an army shall attack them (Invade them if you will?), but in the end they will prevail. Now one questions begs to be asked in my mind- will it be the beast power coming out of Europe that invades them, or will it be the king of the north (the one who troubles the beast) as spoken of by Daniel the prophet in chapter eleven? (Dan 11.44) As we get closer and closer to the last days things will be made clearer and clearer at each passing day. Inerestingly enough in the Lexicon strongs and or the BDB definition of Gad (H1413) it can mean to be troop, meaning and army, invader, to gather together in troops or crowds.
20. ” Bread from Asher shall be rich, And he shall yield royal dainties.
Asher is the eighth son of Jacob. A full brother to Gad, born of Zilpah, Leah’s handmaid. Again I refer to Yar Davidiy as to where the descendants of Asher settled in the west. According to Mr. Davidiy the Scots are the direct descendants of the tribe of Asher, and were also known as the
Vandals at one time in history. Also according to Mr. Davidiy they spoke the same language as the Goths and were considered different branches of the same people (Yair Davidiy, The Tribes. The Israelite origins of Western peoples pg. 322). In the end Times Scotland is said to be fat with food and meat. On a side note here, I think worth mentioning, is the fact that in my church many believe that the latter days began somewhere between the first world war and the end of the second world war. That being said I now continue. After world war II “No economic sector made greater progress in the post-World War II period than agriculture in terms of productivity” (Britannica.com/place/Scotland/
Economy). Farming itself was a major contributing factor to Scotland’s economy. by the beginning of the 21st century those that were employed in the agricultural industry increased by some 65,000 people. Scotland is also home to Great Britain main procession plants for the fishing industry. Then finally Scotland is home to the Angus beef cattle which is top of the line in the beef industry. combine all this (The fisheries, cattle, and a huge agriculture, would it not be surprising that they can be made into dishes fit for kings and queens? Scotland has been a country of kings and queens ever since the 10th century. With the treaties that brought Scotland together with England many kings and queens have come from the land of Scotland. even up to this time. The newly deceased Queen Elizabeth herself is a direct descendant from the Royal House of Stewart on both sides of her family. Her parents shared a common ancestor in Robert II, King of Scots. Through her father King George VI she was directly descended from James VI of Scotland. Through her mother’s family, the Bowes-Lyons, Earls of Strathmore, she could trace her ancestry back through generations of Scottish nobility to Sir John Lyon, Thane of Glamis, who married Robert II’s daughter in the fourteenth century, vs. 20″And he shall yield royal dainties.” Much royal dainties have come from the people of Scotland through the many kings and queens it has produced ever since the two countries united in 1707. (How Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland Became a Part of the U.K. It’s a story of conquest and political union. History.com).
21. ” Naphtali is a deer let loose; He uses beautiful words.
Again I refer to the book; “THE TRIBES’ The Israelite Origins of Western Peoples” By Yair Davidiy. Mr. Davidiy states (On the cover of his book), that the descendants of Naphtali are the Norwegian people. the Norwegians can trace there ancestry to that of the Vikings. for the sake of this conversation I will only touch on what is pertinent to the verses above. the Vikings were known to travel all across the northern seas, and evidence has been found that they discovered the Americas years before Christopher Columbus. And According to Yair Davidiy, the descendants of Naphtali migrated as far east as Northern China, who the Chinese described them of being of Gothic origin. they have also been traced to have traveled as far north as the Ural region, which is present day Russia. (The Israelite Origins of the western people, Pg.’s 213-225). In modern times the tribe of Naphtali have settled in places such as the Scandinavian countries of Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Iceland. they have also migrated to the Canada, and America itself. clearly they have lived up to the fulfillment of being a deer let loose; free to go wherever they wish. The second part of this prophecy Jacob tells Naphtali that his descendants will use beautiful words. In the Strongs definition, the Hebrew meaning for Beautiful in this context means Goodly. To me this means that there words are true and not full of lies and deceit. more of a peacemaker than words of war. The Norwegians are closely tied to the Germanic language. According to the Federal Foreign Office (A representative of Germany and it’s interests around the world), in a recent article by the Foreign Office (07/09/2022), they state that Relations between Germany and Norway are very close and Amicable. They go on to say in this article the following: Norway regards Germany as a most important partner in Europe and a key country when it comes to its relations with the EU. As well as stepping up contacts between the two societies, the aim is increased cooperation with Germany with a view to defending multilateral institutions, international codes of conduct and free trade. Will Germany use this amicable relation with Norway to help bolster them up as a powerhouse in the European union, in which they will use there gift of gab to sway the other members in the EU? the scriptures tell us that the false prophet will be the one who will prop up the anti Christ to power, but can the Norwegians be a precursor to this? only time will tell.
22. ” Joseph is a fruitful bough, A fruitful bough by a well; His branches run over the wall.
Joseph was to get a one portion more than his brothers according to what Jacob told him in the previous chapter (Gen.48:22), it is through Joseph’s sons Ephraim and Manasseh that these two portions are divided. When we look at the blessing that Israel gave to Joseph’s two sons, by default Joseph’s name can be invoked, or inserted if you will? into the prophecy’s regarding Ephraim and Manasseh. It is my belief, the belief of my church, and also of Yair Davidiy that the two nations of Great Britain and the USA are the descendants of Ephraim (Great Britain) and Manasseh (USA). With that in mind, it is much easier to tie the blessing of Joseph to the nations his descendants belong to. Just go back to the blessings Israel gave his sons; Ephraim and Manasseh, and no other two nations on the earth have ever lived up to those blessings in all manner. even though Ephraim became the leader of the northern ten tribes of Israel after the split, they never fully reached the full potential of the blessings given to them, and neither did the descendants of Manasseh while living with the northern tribes of Israel before they were taken into captivity. If we intertwine these blessings given to Joseph and his two sons we can see how they compliment one another and bring about the fulfillment of these prophecy’s. It is not the purpose of this commentary to prove that Great Britain and the USA are direct descendants of Joseph and his sons, I challenge the reader to search this out if you feel so inclined. I only mention this in passing so as to give a better understanding of the blessing Israel give’s to his favorite son Joseph, according to my interpretation. As I have said in some of the previous prophecies Jacob gave to his sons, concerning the latter days leading up to the return of Jesus Christ, the latter days (in my opinion), began sometime between WWI and WWII. So using this time frame as my starting point let me now attempt to make sense of the prophecy concerning Joseph’s descendants. vs.22. ” Joseph is a fruitful bough, A fruitful bough by a well; His branches run over the wall. After WWII the USA and Great Britain had a baby boom from 1945- the 1960’s. Interestingly this boom slowed down with the ratification of abortion in both countries, and began the decline of births in both countries. On a side note; I would also insert that because of the legalization of abortion, our two countries started to move away from God, and in turn God began, slowly removing His blessing upon us and His hedge of protection in our two lands. but I digress. We were in fact two of the most fruitful nations up to this time than any other place in the world. “A fruitful bough by a well” in the Hebrew bible this reads differently, but interesting enough it fits into the way other nations looked at our two countries in the 20th century and even to this day to some extent. From Rabbi Rashis and his commentary on this verse in the Hebrew bible: vs. 22 A charming son is Joseph, a son charming to the eye; [of the] women, [each one] strode along to see him.
Rabbi Rashi’s comments:
A charming son is Joseph: Heb. בֵּן פֹּרָת, a charming son. This is an Aramaism, similar to [the word used in the expression] “Let us express our favor. A son charming to the eye: His charm attracts the eye that beholds him. of the] women, [each one] strode along to see him: Heb. עִלֵי שׁוּר. The women of Egypt strode out on the wall to gaze upon his beauty. Of the women, each one strode to a place from which she could catch a glimpse of him. עִלֵי שׁוּר, for the purpose of looking at him, similar to “I behold him.
The word “Well” that is used in verse 22 is one of those words that loses it’s original intent when we translate it to English. The strongs number for Well is (H5869), ayin BDB Definition:
1) eye
1a) eye
1a1) of physical eye
1a2) as showing mental qualities
1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (figuratively)
2) spring, fountain
After considering this passage more deeply, using the Hebrew bible and the commentary of Rabbi Rashi, I have come to this understanding: Since the End of the two great wars, the USA and Great Britain have been a light to the world, and a beauty to behold in one’s own eyes, a wanting desire by people from around the world to draw near them and come to live in these two great countries, to raise a family and share in it’s blessings.
23. The archers have bitterly grieved him, 37:4, 24 Shot at him and hated him.
In both World wars The USA, and Great Britain were both provoked and attacked. In WWI it was Germany. Great Britain had been having a rivalry with one another years before WWI began (See https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofBritain/The-Causes-of-World-War-One/), while the USA had been under attack and losing It’s citizens by the German submarines for a couple years before entering the war (See Office of the Historian. US Entry Into WWI 1917), The USA was provoked into entering the war, all the while trying to remain neutral early on, until they could no longer allow Germany to keep attacking their merchants and passenger ships, killing it’s innocent civilians. WWII once again saw Great Britain (Ephraim), and the USA (Manasseh), (See Great Britain and the USA in bible prophecy), being provoked to war. This time though, Germany was still the “Archer” when it came to Great Britain. While in the case of the USA it was Japan who fired the first salvo into America forcing it into the war. The USA and Great Britain along with 10 other nations formed NATO in 1949. In essence stating that an attack on one of its members is seen as an attack on all the other members, and all the members will come in defense of the one, or multiple nations who came under attack, but not necessarily in the commitment of boots on the ground, but could send aide instead such as weapons, advisors, medical, humanitarian aide , as determined by the individual member nations of the treaty. So, an attack on America (Manasseh), is an attack on Great Britain (Ephraim), the USA and Great Britain share a special bond with one another like no other nations, like two brothers would have with one another. They have both had many enemies attack them since the 20th century (The latter days leading up to Christ’s return), as prophesied by Jacob, and they have always come to the defense of the other throughout the years.
24. But his bow remained in strength, Job 29:20 And the arms of his hands were made strong By the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob Ps. 132: 2, 5 (From there is the shepherd, the Stone of Israel), Ps. 23:1
Both Great Britain and America have been attacked in so many ways,by so many enemies, be it on the ground, air, or even propaganda in some form or another. It is from the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob who has given us the strength to withstand the assaults, and from whence the Seed of Jacob, in which all nations of the earth have been blessed, that blessed Rock, from the tribe of Judah, that Rock we call Jesus Christ. It is because of them that the birthright blessing was passed down to the American people and The nation of Great Britain.
25. By the God of your father who will help you, 28:13, 32:9 And by the Almighty who will bless you 17:1; 35:11 With blessings of heaven above, Blessings of the deep that lies beneath, Blessings of the breasts and of the womb. Deut. 28:2-12
Through the God of Jacob, the Almighty one of Israel, America and Great Britain have been blessed tenfold. God caused the heavens to give up it’s precious rain in due season for our crops, and to nurture the soil for farming, and to grow the feed for the livestock. the Almighty one even blessed us (America mainly), with a land that has the richest of all resources from beneath the earth, full of abundance in oil, gas, gold, copper, Steele, coal, and so on. Great Britain gained it’s riches from beneath the earth thru it’s many nations that it had control of for so many years, rather than from within it’s own borders. These are the things that Made America and Great Britain the two the richest nations on all the earth at one time, but it has been dwindling away little by little, the further we move away from God. and lastly God said to Jacob, “I would multiply thy seed as the sand of the sea which cannot be numbered” (Gen. 32:12), Josephs sons and their descendants in these latter days have surely been blessed tremendously up until the latter end of the 20th century, when again, we moved further away from God and decided that we had the right to take life from out of the womb.
26. The blessings of your father Have excelled the blessings of my ancestors, Up to the utmost bound of the everlasting hills. They shall be on the head of Joseph, And on the crown of the head of him who was separate from his brothers.
The blessings Jacob received from God far exceeded the blessings of Abraham and Isaac in every direction, these same blessings of Jacob shall be passed down to Joseph and his two sons Manasseh and Ephraim. Separated from His brothers at such an early age in life, he will be the head of the brothers. this was in fact true during his lifetime, and as we have seen in my previous comments on who the descendants of the lost tribes of Israel are, the nations from where they are now, we can look back in history and see how both Great Britain and America have been the head of all the countries in western Europe. We have taken the lead in both the United Nations and Nato, the other countries always wait to see how we will react when there is a crisis and they typically follow suit.
27. ” Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; In the morning he shall devour the prey, And at night he shall divide the spoil.” Judg. 20:21, 25
Benjamin is the second born son of Rachel, the wife Jacob loved the most, and full brother of Joseph their firstborn. Benjamin’s descendants were well known as being very mighty warriors, so it is no wonder that Jacob would describe them as being ravenous wolves, that will devour their prey, and take the spoils from those they would defeat in their battles. Benjamin was allotted the land in which part of Jerusalem stands today, sharing it with the tribe of Judah. Just a little tidbit here, the reader can take from it what they will. Rachel died giving birth to Benjamin, she wanted to name him “Benoni” “Son of my sorrow” (H1126) , but Jacob called him Benjamin; “Son of the right hand” (H1144) Benjamin and his brother Joseph where the nearest and dearest to Jacobs heart. For Rachel was the woman he loved the most. If you look at a map from the birds eye view, you will see that Jerusalem is located on the outer regions of the land of Benjamin. To the left is the land of Judah. Hence When God looks down upon his city He sees the tribe of Benjamin sitting at the right hand of Jerusalem. I find this interesting and wanted to share this. According to Yair Davidiy, the tribe of Benjamin are the Belgae’s, (Belgians),and the Normans. The history of the Normans are well documented as being warriors, and a very organized people. I will take a step out of the box here for a minute to just give my own opinion of how the Benjamites will be the ravenous people as prophesied. there are many scriptures that speak of God’s promises to the people of Israel, in which, in the latter days He will bring them back to their lands: Eze. 11:17, Jer. 31:8, Isa. 49:10-36. This has been going on since Israel became a nation once again in 1948. Will it be, that when all the world turns on Israel, and comes upon Jerusalem to battle that it will be the tribe of Benjamin who defends Jerusalem like a ravenous Wolfe?
28. All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father spoke to them. And he blessed them; he blessed each one according to his own blessing
Rueben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, These are the first four sons of Jacob whom Leah gave birth to (Gen 29:31-35) Dan, the fifth born and Naphtali the sixth born son of Jacob from Bilhah, Rachel’s maid (Gen 30: 3-8). Gad the seventh born son, and Asher is the eighth born of Jacob from Leah’s maid Zilpah (Gen: 9-13). Issachar is the ninth son of Jacob and Zebulun is the tenth’; both conceived by Leah ( Gen 30: 17 -20), his first wife. then Joseph was born, The 11th son of Jacob, conceived by his second wife Rachel (Gen: 22-24), whom he loved the most. Benjamin was the twelfth son of Jacob, born of Rachel, who died giving birth to him (Gen 35: 16- 18), these make up the twelve tribes of Israel. Or does it? Technically yes, these sons were directly from his seed, but we must remember what Israel prophesied and said in Genesis chapter forty eight about Josephs sons Manasseh and Ephraim: Jacob told Joseph that his two sons would be his (Israel’s), like Reuben and Simeon are his, they were to be considered brothers of all the sons of Israel. They were to share in the promise given to Abraham and be given a portion in the land inheritance ( So your seed shall be), when they would enter into the land of milk and honey, thus in turn, Joseph had a double portion over his brothers (Gen. 48:22), Any other children Joseph had would belong to him (Gen 48: 5-6). As I have previously seen in my studies of Joseph( On the spiritual side of things), I am once again seeing him as being Christ like ( A type of Jesus), when it comes to the blessings and prophecies Israel gave to him and his two sons, let me explain: In the blessings, I am seeing Israel/Jacob as God the Father and Joseph as Jesus our Big brother. Which in turn makes Manasseh and Ephraim Spiritual Israel and the church (Stay with me now), Because The Pharaoh was considered God, and since the Pharaoh made Joseph as himself in all things, the people of Egypt considered him a God as well, just as the one true God and our Lord Jesus Christ are one, So to did the Egyptians see Joseph and the Pharaoh as one. Israel declared that his name, as well as Abraham and Isaac was upon Manasseh and Ephraim. Spiritually this makes Joseph the big brother of both Manasseh and Ephraim, one being spiritually Israel and the other spiritually the church. (Gen. 48: 5-6), And they both share in the blessings God gave to Abraham as heirs and joint heirs of the promise ( “So your seed shall be”), for Israel has God’s name upon him ( El), and the church is according to the promise by faith (the faith of Abraham), whose name is upon the church for those who believe.
29. Then he charged them and said to them: ” I am to be gathered to my people; bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, 15:15; 47:30 30. ” in the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field of Ephron the Hittite as a possession for a burial place. 23: 3-20 31. “there they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife, there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife, and there I buried Leah. 23:19, 20; 35:29 32. ” the field and the cave that is there were purchased from the sons of Heth.”
The Spirit of the Lord has spoken through His servant Israel, to the sons of Jacob, of the fate of their people, each according to their distinct tribes. Jacob is now one hundred and forty seven years of age, long and hard has been his life. with ups and downs throughout. when his grandma Sarah died, Abraham bought a burial place for her and him and their descendants after. The cave that is in the field of Machpelah is located in modern day Hebron, north of Jerusalem. It is well known where the burial place is and it is guarded for now by the Muslims who don’t allow anyone to go very far into the cave. It is a sacred place to all three religions of Islam, Judaism, and Christians alike. Abraham is well respected by all faiths. He was an amazing man. Isaac and his wife Rebekah, are buried there along with Jacob and his first wife Leah. for the woman Jacob loved the most died on their journey to Canaan, and she had to be buried in Bethlehem (the birthplace of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ).
33. And when Jacob had finished commanding his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed and breathed his last, and was gathered to his people.
Jacob had been sitting at the edge of the bed with his staff at hand helping to hold him up, while he was speaking to his sons about their fate in the last days. He now laid back down in his bed with his whole body strewn across the bed and fell asleep with his loved ones all around him. there is much to say about Jacob the man, his life, and his walk with God. Too much for this format here to do him any justice. I will expand on his life in another folder. I may do it in a book on the Genesis story itself, or one on the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and Maybe even include Joseph in there as well. What I will say here is this: the life Jacob led, and his walk with God, in my opinion, is a reflection of all people who have ever, and or still do have a relationship with God. just as Israel wrestled with God, so to has every person at some point of time in their life, wrestled with Him, in some form or fashion.
33 As it is written: Is. 8:14; Is. 28:16