Verses 3–7
Reuben was the first-born; but by gross sin, he forfeited the birthright. The character of Reuben
is, that he was unstable as water. Men do not thrive, because they do not fix. Reuben's sin left a
lasting infamy upon his family. Let us never do evil, then we need not fear being told of it. Simeon
and Levi were passionate and revengeful. The murder of the Shechemites is a proof of this. Jacob
protested against that barbarous act. Our soul is our honour; by its powers we are distinguished
from, and raised above, the beasts that perish. We ought, from our hearts, to abhor all bloody and
mischievous men. Cursed be their anger. Jacob does not curse their persons, but their lusts. I will
divide them. The sentence as it respects Levi was turned into a blessing. This tribe performed an
acceptable service in their zeal against the worshippers of the golden calf, Ex 32. Being set apart
to God as priests, they were in that character scattered through the nation of Israel.
Verses 8–12
Judah's name signifies praise. God was praised for him, chap. 29:35, praised by him, and praised
in him; therefore his brethren shall praise him. Judah should be a strong and courageous tribe. Judah
is compared, not to a lion raging and ranging, but to a lion enjoying the satisfaction of his power
and success, without creating vexation to others; this is to be truly great. Judah should be the royal
tribe, the tribe from which Messiah the Prince should come. Shiloh, that promised Seed in whom
the earth should be blessed, “that peaceable and prosperous One,” or “Saviour,” he shall come of
Judah. Thus dying Jacob at a great distance saw Christ's day, and it was his comfort and support
on his death-bed. Till Christ's coming, Judah possessed authority, but after his crucifixion this was
shortened, and according to what Christ foretold, Jerusalem was destroyed, and all the poor harassed
remnant of Jews were confounded together. Much which is here said concerning Judah, is to be
applied to our Lord Jesus. In him there is plenty of all which is nourishing and refreshing to the
soul, and which maintains and cheers the Divine life in it. He is the true Vine; wine is the appointed
symbol of his blood, which is drink indeed, as shed for sinners, and applied in faith; and all the
blessings of his gospel are wine and milk, without money and without price, to which every thirsty
soul is welcome. Isa 55:1.
Verses 13–18
Concerning Zebulun: if prophecy says, Zebulun shall be a haven of ships, be sure Providence
will so plant him. God appoints the bounds of our habitation. It is our wisdom and duty to
accommodate ourselves to our lot, and to improve it; if Zebulun dwell at the heaven of the sea, let
him be for a haven of ships. Concerning Issachar: he saw that the land was pleasant, yielding not
only pleasant prospects, but pleasant fruits to recompense his toils. Let us, with an eye of faith, see
the heavenly rest to be good, and that land of promise to be pleasant; this will make our present
services easy. Dan should, by art, and policy, and surprise, gain advantages against his enemies,
like a serpent biting the heel of the traveller. Jacob, almost spent, and ready to faint, relieves himself
with those words, “I have waited for thy salvation, O Lord!” The salvation he waited for was Christ,
the promised Seed; now that he was going to be gathered to his people, he breathes after Him to