translation_id: net-engnet

book_id: GEN

label: NET study note

text: This is a euphemism for having sexual intercourse with Jacob’s wives (see Gen 35:22 ).


text: Divide…scatter . What is predicted here is a division of their tribes. Most commentators see here an anticipation of Levi being in every area but not their own. That may be part of it, but not entirely what the curse intended. These tribes for their ruthless cruelty would be eliminated from the power and prestige of leadership.


text: There is a wordplay here; the name Judah ( יְהוּדָה , yÿhudah ) sounds in Hebrew like the verb translated praise ( יוֹדוּךָ , yodukha ). The wordplay serves to draw attention to the statement as having special significance.


text: The oracle shows that the tribe of Issachar will be willing to trade liberty for the material things of life. Issachar would work ( become a slave laborer ) for the Canaanites, a reversal of the oracle on Canaan. See C. M. Carmichael, “Some Sayings in ,” JBL 88 (1969): 435-44; and S. Gevirtz, “The Issachar Oracle in the Testament of Jacob,” ErIsr 12 (1975): 104-12.


text: The name Dan ( דָּן , dan ) means “judge” and forms a wordplay with the following verb.


text: The comparison of the tribe of Dan to a venomous serpent is meant to say that Dan, though small, would be potent, gaining victory through its skill and shrewdness. Jewish commentators have linked the image in part with Samson. That link at least illustrates the point: Though a minority tribe, Dan would gain the upper hand over others.


text: I wait for your deliverance, O Lord . As Jacob sees the conflicts that lie ahead for Dan and Gad (see v. 19 ), he offers a brief prayer for their security.


text: Jacob envisions God imparting both agricultural ( blessings from the sky above, blessings from the deep that lies below ) and human fertility ( blessings of the breasts and womb ) to Joseph and his family.