This chapter is a prophecy; the likest to it we have yet met with was that of Noah, Gen. 9:25–27, &c. Jacob is here upon his death-bed, making his will.

Here is, I. The preface to the prophecy, in which, 1. The congregation is called together : Gather yourselves together; let them all be sent for from their several employments, to see their father die, and to hear his dying words.

These were next in age to Reuben, and they also had been a grief and shame to Jacob, when they treacherously and barbarously destroyed the Shechemites, which he here remembers against them.

Glorious things are here said of Judah. The mention of the crimes of the three elder of his sons had not so put the dying patriarch out of humour but that he had a blessing ready for Judah, to whom blessings belonged.

Here we have Jacob’s prophecy concerning six of his sons. I. Concerning Zebulun , that his posterity should have their lot upon the seacoast, and should be merchants, and mariners, and traders at sea.

He closes with the blessings of his best beloved sons, Joseph and Benjamin; with these he will breathe his last. I. The blessing of Joseph, which is very large and full. He is compared to a fruitful bough, or young tree; for God had made him fruitful in the land of his affliction; he owned it, Gen.

Here is, I. The summing up of the blessings of Jacob’s sons, Gen. 49:28. Though Reuben, Simeon, and Levi were put under the marks of their father’s displeasure, yet he is said to bless them every one according to his blessing; for none of them were rejected as Esau was.