Joseph's blessing falls into three parts: prosperity (v. 22), protection (vv. 23-24), and blessings (vv. 25-26).
Joseph will be like the proverbial tree planted by the water, like the man in Psalms 1.
The tone of the message changes abruptly from prosperity to danger. The brothers' jealousy and bitterness had turned into hatred, and they "shot" at him like archers, not only by attempted murder and selling him to the traders but also by their words. They are dramatic, violent deeds to overlook their words, but slander is often likened to arrows (Prov 25:18). Perhaps the jealous slanderous words aimed at Joseph struck as deep in Joseph's heart as what his brothers had done. Unlike Jacob's judgments against Rueben (adultery) and Simeon and Levi's cruel murders, no one is called out by name for their sins against Joseph. (Remember, all the brothers are in the room listening. Are they starting to feel uncomfortable?) However, Joseph forgave his brothers for both their deeds and words.
For the first time in the Bible, God is called a Shepherd and a Stone/Rock. God had given Jacob insight into His own attributes and character, perhaps from Jacob's work as a shepherd and when the Lord appeared to him in Bethel, and Jacob used a stone as a pillar of offering.
He concludes his blessing on Joseph by using two more names of God: Father and El Shaddai ) Almighty—a loving father who has the power to bring about these blessings.
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Kurt Snow serves as a ruling elder at Covenant Reformed Church of Sacramento (RCUS). He served as a member of the Board of Governors of City Seminary of Sacramento from 2000 to 2020.
