After Jacob had blessed Joseph through his sons, he called for his entire family. When they arrived he blessed them and prophesied about what would happen in the last days.

Reuben was the firstborn, but he had committed a terrible sin against his father. So his tribe would not excel as a nation.

Simeon and Levi had killed the Shechemites because they were angry. So their tribes would be divided and scattered throughout Israel.

Judah would be the tribe that led the children of Israel. Out of it came the good kings like David and our Savior Jesus Christ.

The tribe of Zebulun would be successful in commerce and the tribe of Dan would be a judge of the people. The tribes of Gad, Naphtali, and Benjamin would be warrior tribes. And the tribe of Asher would be rich in raising special food.

The tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh came from Joseph and would be fruitful. They would be strong because God would strengthen them.

Questions:

1. Why did the tribe of Reuben not excel?

2. Why were the tribes of Simeon and Levi divided and scattered throughout Israel?

3. Who came out of the tribe of Judah?

4. Why were the tribes of Ephraim and Manassah fruitful?

5. Does God strengthen us?