Q&A Books/Genesis Truth Boosters/Genesis 49Chapter 49Genesis 4910questionsQ1.Did people in biblical times really believe that those who were dying could predict the future? How can we trust Jacob’s final words in Genesis 49 as more than just poetic or symbolic statements?Q2.How can we take Jacob’s predictions about his sons in Genesis 49:2–27 seriously? Weren’t they just poetic statements about their personalities, or did they actually come true in some meaningful way?Q3.Why would Jacob give such negative predictions about his sons, like those in Genesis 49:4, 7, and 15? Wouldn’t those words discourage them or even push their descendants to live out those negative expectations? How can this be justified?Q4.Genesis 49:6 says Simeon and Levi ‘hamstrung oxen’ in connection with their anger. Does this mean they hurt animals for fun? If so, how can this behaviour be reconciled with their being part of God’s chosen people?Q5.Genesis 49:7 says that Levi and Simeon would be scattered. What exactly does that mean? How was this fulfilled, and why would God allow this kind of judgment on Jacob’s sons?Q6.Why does Jacob describe his sons as animals in Genesis 49:9–27? Is he insulting them, or is there a deeper meaning behind these comparisons?Q7.How could Judah, a man with significant flaws, become a ruler as prophesied in Genesis 49:10–12? Why would God choose him over Joseph, who seems more virtuous?Q8.Was Jacob referring to Joseph’s brothers attacking him in Genesis 49:22–26, or was he speaking about Joseph’s broader struggles in Egypt? How does this blessing connect to Joseph's life and God's purpose?Q9.Why does Jacob speak of a 'steady bow' as a blessing in Genesis 49:24? How does this imagery relate to Joseph's life and what can it teach us about faithfulness to God?Q10.What became of Benjamin’s status as the favorite son, and how did this play out for his descendants? Was the favor Jacob showed to Benjamin lost over time, given the violent history of the tribe of Benjamin?
