Jacob Prepares to Die

Genesis 49:28–33
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In this passage the writer sums up Jacobs words to his sons. They express the theme and blessing that is being passed along through the seed of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The focus of Jacob’s words has been the promise that when the one comes to whom the kingship truly belongs (Gen. 49:10), peace and prosperity will come that God intended all to have in the garden of Eden.

We have been learning about the twelve tribes of Israel, and how Jacob gave each of them their proper blessing (v. 28). Now the review of his family is over and Jacob prepares for his death (vv. 28-33). He says he will die, and he wants to be buried in the Machpelah Cave which was located near the town of Mamre in Canaan (vv. 29-30). Abraham and Sarah were buried there, and so are Isaac and Rebekah as well as Leah (v. 31). Abraham had purchased this from Ephron the Hittite (v. 32). When Jacob finished giving instructions to his sons, he laid down and died (v. 33).

The following is an outline of this passage:

   1. His last words - “All of these are the twelve tribes of Israel” (v. 28).

   2. His last will - “I am to be gathered unto my people (vv. 29-32).

   3. His last witness -"He breathed his last, and was gathered to his            people.” (v. 33).

The last recorded words of Jacob concerned his own burial and about his bones lying in Canaan.

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