Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Genesis, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
God, Humanity, and Creation
Mistrust, Disobedience, and Death
Covenants and Faith in God’s Promises
The Role of Women
Summary
Analysis
Then Jacob offers his last words to his sons, telling each of them what will happen to them. Reuben, his firstborn, is the strongest of his sons, but unstable; he will no longer excel his brothers, because he defiled his father’s bed. Simeon and Levi are cursed for their fierce anger; they will be scattered in Israel.
In a long series of poetic blessings, Jacob prophesies what will become of his sons. The blessings don’t just apply to the individuals, but to the tribes that will descend from each of them. Reuben “defiled” by sleeping with Bilhah in Genesis 35; Simeon and Levi violently attacked the men of Shechem.
Themes
Judah receives an especially long blessing; his father’s sons will praise and bow before him. Jacob describes him as a lion, and a ruler who will bear a scepter.
Judah’s blessing is much more positive. Though his character has been somewhat mixed in Genesis, Judah will be the ancestor of the kingdom of David.
Themes
Zebulun will settle on the seashore; Issachar will become a forced laborer. Dan will be a judge, likened to a snake. Gad will be raided, but will later raid others. Asher will enjoy rich food, and Naphtali will be a doe with beautiful fawns.
Though what Jacob envisions for each son’s destiny isn’t always clear, in general the blessings reflect the fortune, prosperity, and oppression they’ll each face over the course of their respective histories.
Themes
Joseph also receives a long blessing—he will be fruitful, made strong by “the Mighty One of Jacob,” his father’s God who will give him all blessings. Benjamin, finally, will be a devouring wolf.
Joseph receives the longest blessing because of his special status among the brothers; Benjamin’s descendants are described as aggressive warriors.
Themes
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Jacob commands his sons to bury him in the cave of Machpelah, where Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, and Leah are buried. Then Jacob breathes his last.
Jacob finally dies, and he will be buried in the tomb his grandfather Abraham acquired for the family, in the land God has promised to them.
Themes
