Legacy of Faith: Trusting God's Plan
- Be God's Glory
- Jan 15
- 8 min read
Welcome to The Glory Team Bible Reading plan. In Chapters 48-50 Jacob blesses his sons and dies. Joseph reassures his brothers of God’s purpose, saying, “What you meant for evil, God meant for good.
Genesis 48: Jacob nears the end of his life in Egypt, Joseph brings his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, to visit their grandfather; Jacob symbolically adopts them as his own, bestowing a significant blessing upon them and effectively granting Joseph's family a double portion of the inheritance; notably, Jacob surprisingly blesses Ephraim, the younger son, more than Manasseh, the older, signifying the unexpected nature of God's favor and the continuation of God's covenant through Jacob's lineage.
Genesis 49: Jacob is nearing death, he gathers his twelve sons and delivers prophetic blessings upon each, outlining the future characteristics and destinies of their respective tribes, using vivid imagery and metaphors; notably, Judah is prophesied to be a leading tribe with a kingly lineage, while Joseph receives a particularly abundant blessing due to his faithfulness, while others like Simeon and Levi are rebuked for past actions; concluding with Jacob instructing his sons to bury him in the cave of Machpelah with his ancestors in Canaan, signifying the importance of their heritage in the promised land.
Genesis 50: Details the death of Jacob, Joseph's father, where Joseph grieves openly, has Jacob's body embalmed, and secures permission from Pharaoh to bury him in Canaan, the family burial place; despite their past betrayal, Joseph reassures his brothers that he will not seek revenge, explaining that God used their evil intentions for good; the chapter concludes with Joseph's death in Egypt, where he instructs his brothers to carry his bones to Canaan when God brings them out of Egypt, signifying his faith in God's covenant with the Israelites.
Legacy of Faith: Trusting God's Plan
The purpose of the book of Genesis are to record God's creation of the world and His desire to have a people set apart to worship Him. The author of the Book of Genesis is Moses. There is plenty of evidence that leads to this conclusion:
The Talmud (The Hebrew Bible, the central text of Rabbinic Judaism and the primary source of Jewish religious law and Jewish theology.) attributes this book to Moses.
Citations from Genesis show that the Old Testament is part of the Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 1:8; 2 Kings 13:23; 1 Chronicles 1:1)
Jesus and the New Testament writers attribute Moses as the author of as an essential part of Scripture (Matthew 19:8; Luke 16:29; 24:27)
The original audience of the book of Genesis are the people of Israel and it was written in the wilderness during Israel's wanderings. The setting is primarily the region presently known as the Middle East.
The Key People we will learn about are Adam, Eve, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, and Joseph.
What is God's Name in these Chapters?
In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.
Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.
The book of Genesis establishes fundamental truths about God, including His role as the Creator, His holiness, His hatred of sin, His love for mankind, and His willingness to provide for our redemption.
Elohim - God, The Strong Creator
Jehovah - Lord, The Self-Existing One
El Elyon - The Lord God Most High
Adonai - Lord, Master
El Roi - God who sees me
El Shaddai - God Almighty
Jehovah Jireh - The Lord will provide
El-Elohe-Israel - God, The God of Israel
El Bethel - The God of Bethel (The House of God)
In Genesis Chapter 48, Jacob (Israel) blesses Joseph’s sons and invokes specific aspects of God’s character through His names. He refers to El Shaddai (God Almighty), emphasizing God’s power and provision, recalling how God revealed Himself in Bethel and promised blessings and descendants. Jacob also describes God as the "God of my fathers," highlighting God’s covenant faithfulness to Abraham and Isaac, and as his personal shepherd, illustrating God’s guidance and care throughout his life. Finally, Jacob invokes HaMalach (the Angel), likely referring to the divine presence that redeemed and protected him, pointing to God’s role as a redeemer and sustainer. These names reflect God's attributes of omnipotence, faithfulness, guidance, and redemption.
In Genesis Chapter 49, as Jacob blesses his sons, he invokes aspects of God’s character that reflect His authority, strength, and faithfulness. Jacob refers to El Shaddai (God Almighty) in his blessing for Joseph, emphasizing God’s supreme power in providing blessings, protection, and abundance. He also alludes to God as the Shepherd and Stone of Israel, highlighting God’s role as a guiding protector and the unshakable foundation of His people. These names and descriptions underscore God's steadfastness, provision, and covenant-keeping nature, which are central to His relationship with Jacob and the future tribes of Israel.
In Genesis Chapter 50, the final chapter of Genesis, God's character is seen through His sovereignty, providence, and faithfulness. Although specific Hebrew names for God are not explicitly mentioned, Joseph acknowledges God’s overarching sovereignty when he tells his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20). This reveals God as the ultimate ruler who brings about His purposes, even through human actions. Joseph's trust in God’s justice and plan reflects God's nature as a provider and redeemer, turning adversity into blessings. Additionally, Jacob’s burial at God's command points to God’s covenant faithfulness, ensuring His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob endure.
Christ in Every Book of the Bible
Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.
Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.
The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!
Questions: Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.
Questions About God’s Character
How does Jacob’s recognition of God as his shepherd in Genesis 48:15 reveal God’s guiding nature?
In Genesis 50:19-20, Joseph says, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good." What does this teach about God's sovereignty and ability to redeem difficult situations?
How is God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises reflected in Jacob’s blessings to Joseph’s sons (Genesis 48:3-4)?
What does Jacob’s acknowledgment of God as "the God who has been my shepherd all my life" (Genesis 48:15) teach us about God's provision and care?
Relating and Comparing These Passages to Us Today
Jacob passed blessings to future generations (Genesis 48:8-20). How can we, like Jacob, actively pass down our faith to the next generation?
Joseph forgave his brothers despite their betrayal (Genesis 50:15-21). How can we embody this same grace and forgiveness in our relationships today?
Jacob trusted God’s promises even as he faced death (Genesis 49:29-33). How can we develop a similar trust in God’s plans for our lives and future?
What parallels can you draw between Joseph's ability to see God's plan amid trials (Genesis 50:20) and our need to trust God during hardships today?
Questions About Themes in Genesis 48-50
Theme of Blessing and Legacy: Why is the blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh (Genesis 48:12-20) significant, and what does it show about God's plans for future generations?
Theme of Forgiveness: How does Joseph’s forgiveness of his brothers (Genesis 50:15-21) demonstrate the power of reconciliation?
Theme of God’s Sovereignty: How does the overarching story of Joseph highlight God’s control over human events to fulfill His purposes?
Theme of Faithfulness: What does Jacob's burial request in Genesis 49:29-32 reveal about his faith in God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and himself?
Reflective Application Questions
How can you, like Jacob, acknowledge God as your shepherd and guide in your daily life?
Are there situations in your life where, like Joseph, you need to trust that God is working all things for good? How can you live in that trust?
Joseph’s story highlights the importance of forgiveness. Is there someone in your life you need to forgive, and how can Joseph’s example inspire you?
Jacob blessed his family before his death, leaving a spiritual legacy. How can you intentionally leave a godly legacy for your family and community?
Joseph relied on God’s purpose even in adversity. How can you apply this truth to a challenge you are currently facing?
These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.
Reference Guides:
Life Application Study Guide
A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler
The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans
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