whom the gathering of the people shall be. He declared plainly that he sought heaven, the better
country, Heb 11:13, 14. Now he is going to enjoy the salvation, he comforts himself that he had
waited for the salvation. Christ, as our way to heaven, is to be waited on; and heaven, as our rest
in Christ, is to be waited for. It is the comfort of a dying saint thus to have waited for the salvation
of the Lord; for then he shall have what he has been waiting for.
Verses 19–21
Concerning Gad, Jacob alludes to his name, which signifies a troop, and foresees the character
of that tribe. The cause of God and his people, though for a time it may seem to be baffled and run
down, will be victorious at last. It represents the Christian's conflict. Grace in the soul is often foiled
in its conflicts; troops of corruption overcome it, but the cause is God's, and grace will in the end
come off conqueror, yea, more than conqueror, Ro 8:37. Asher should be a rich tribe. His inheritance
bordered upon Carmel, which was fruitful to a proverb. Naphtali, is a hind let loose. We may
consider it as a description of the character of this tribe. Unlike the laborious ox and ass; desirous
of ease and liberty; active, but more noted for quick despatch than steady labour and perseverance.
Like the suppliant who, with goodly words, craves mercy. Let not those of different tempers and
gifts censure or envy one another.
Verses 22–27
The blessing of Joseph is very full. What Jacob says of him, is history as well as prophecy.
Jacob reminds him of the difficulties and fiery darts of temptations he had formerly struggled
through. His faith did not fail, but through his trials he bore all his burdens with firmness, and did
not do anything unbecoming. All our strength for resisting temptations, and bearing afflictions,
comes from God; his grace is sufficient. Joseph became the shepherd of Israel, to take care of his
father and family; also the stone of Israel, their foundation and strong support. In this, as in many
other things, Joseph was a remarkable type of the Good Shepherd, and tried Corner Stone of the
whole church of God. Blessings are promised to Joseph's posterity, typical of the vast and everlasting
blessings which come upon the spiritual seed of Christ. Jacob blessed all his sons, but especially
Joseph, “who was separated from his brethren.” Not only separated in Egypt, but, possessing eminent
dignity, and more devoted to God. Of Benjamin it is said, He shall ravin as a wolf. Jacob was guided
in what he said by the Spirit of prophecy, and not by natural affection; else he would have spoken
with more tenderness of his beloved son Benjamin. Concerning him he only foresees and foretells,
that his posterity should be a warlike tribe, strong and daring, and that they should enrich themselves
with the spoils of their enemies; that they should be active. Blessed Paul was of this tribe, Ro 11:1;
Php 3:5; he, in the morning of his day, devoured the prey as a persecutor, but in the evening divided
the spoils as a preacher; he shared the blessings of Judah's Lion, and assisted in his victories.
Verses 28–33
Jacob blessed every one according to the blessings God in after-times intended to bestow upon
them. He spoke about his burial-place, from a principle of faith in the promise of God, that Canaan
should be the inheritance of his seed in due time. When he had finished both his blessing and his