Genesis 49: The foundation of Israelite monarchy and priesthood

Abstract

The apparent lack of consistency in Jacob’s blessings in Gen. 49, ranging from temporal irregularity to variations in genre and message have lead many scholars to suggest that the chapter should not be viewed as Jacob’s blessings but rather as a compilation of tribal sayings. This article aims to support the structural unity of Gen. 49 by accessing the blessings’ collective theme. The military orientation common to the animal metaphors in Gen. 49 provides a preliminary basis for presuming that the tribal blessings also share a common theme. A careful reading of the blessings points to their innovative role in dividing the responsibilities and privileges traditionally associated with the birthright. Jacob’s blessings split the conventional leadership role associated with the patriarchal birthright into two subdivisions, the monarchic and the priestly, and position each of the tribal blessings within either the monarchic or the priestly blessing cluster. The perplexing prayer which interrupts the blessings emerges as the pivot around which the two blessing constellations revolve.