This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Genesis 49, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Once upon a time, there was a man named Jacob who had twelve sons. When Jacob was very old, he called his sons together and told them that he had a message for them from God about what would happen to them in the future.
Jacob began with his firstborn son, Reuben. He told Reuben that even though he was strong and powerful, he had made a bad mistake that would cost him his leadership. Jacob explained that Reuben had slept with one of his father’s wives, which was very wrong.
Next, Jacob spoke to Simeon and Levi, who were brothers. He said that they were too violent and had hurt people and animals. Jacob didn’t want to be associated with their bad behavior, and so he said that they would not receive a special blessing.
But Jacob’s next son, Judah, was different. Jacob said that Judah would be a great leader and that his brothers would respect and bow down to him. Jacob compared Judah to a lion and said that he would be a strong ruler. Jacob even said that a special king, called the Messiah, would come from Judah’s family.
After blessing Judah, Jacob gave a message to each of his other sons. He spoke to Zebulun, who would live by the sea and be a great trader. He spoke to Issachar, who would be a hard worker but not a leader. He spoke to Dan, who would be a wise judge but also cause problems for others. He spoke to Gad, who would be strong and fight off enemies. He spoke to Asher, who would be rich and eat lots of good food. He spoke to Naphtali, who would be free and happy like a deer.
Finally, Jacob spoke to Joseph, who was his favorite son. Jacob said that Joseph would be very successful and fruitful, even though he would face many challenges. Jacob compared Joseph to a vine that produced lots of good fruit.
At last, Jacob spoke to his twelfth and youngest son, Benjamin. Jacob said that Benjamin would be like a fierce wolf, devouring his prey in the morning and dividing the spoil in the evening. Jacob loved Benjamin very much and knew that he would be a great warrior and protector of his family.
After blessing each of his sons, Jacob gave them a final command. He asked them to bury him in the same place where his parents and grandparents were buried, in a cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite, in the land of Canaan. This was the same cave where Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, and Jacob’s wife Leah were buried. Jacob’s sons promised to follow his wishes, and when Jacob died, they made sure to bury him in the cave as he had requested.
Biblical Lessons
- God has a plan for each of us, and sometimes we receive blessings or consequences for our actions.
- We should respect our parents and honor their final wishes.
- Even when things seem tough, God is with us and can help us overcome challenges.
- Jealousy and violence can lead to destructive behavior and consequences.
- God can use our weaknesses and struggles to bring about good things.
- God keeps His promises, and He sent the Messiah through the line of Judah.
Related Stories
Isaac in the Land of the Philistines
