Scripture to Read: Genesis 49:16-19
Yesterday, we took a look at what God had spoken through Jacob to two more of his sons, Zebulun and Issachar. Today, we consider another pair of Jacob's sons and his blessings given to them. The first son we read about is Dan. Jacob's blessing to Dan is found in Genesis 49:16-17, "Dan shall judge his people as one of the tribes of Israel. 17 Dan shall be a serpent in the way, a viper by the path, that bites the horse's heels so that his rider falls backward." What starts well doesn't end well for Dan. Dan is described in snakelike terms. Since Satan is called the serpent in Genesis 3, Dan being compared to a snake is not a good thing. In Judges 18, these words are brought to light as Dan's descendants attack Laish. While Dan attacks, his brother Gad and Gad's descendants are told that they will be overtaken in Genesis 49:19, "Raiders shall raid Gad, but he shall raid at their heels." As Gad is attacked, he will return with attacks of his own. Amid the division foreseen, Genesis 49:18 is a cry for hope, "I wait for your salvation, O LORD." As Jacob (Israel) shared these words with his sons, he cried out to the LORD for His salvation. Jacob (Israel) knew the only answer to such division and fighting was the salvation found in God. As Jacob neared the end of his life, he fought the good fight because he had waited upon the salvation of the LORD. We must fight the good fight daily as well.
Challenge & Application
1. What does Jacob’s response in Genesis 49:18 tell us about how he felt in giving his sons such pronouncements?
2. As you fight against temptation each day, how do you remember the salvation of the LORD in your life?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!