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The Purpose of Prophecy

Genesis 49:1-28

Introduction:

A. Biblical Prophecy

B. Jacob was approaching death

I. The Prophecies

A. The Sons of Leah – Genesis 49:3-15

1. Reuben (Gen. 49:3-4)

2. Simeon and Levi (Gen. 49:5-7)

3. Judah (Gen. 49:8-12)

4. Zebulun (Gen. 49:13)

5. Isaachar (Gen. 49:14-15)

B. The Sons of Bilhah – Genesis 49:16-18, 21

1. Dan (Gen. 49:16-18)

2. Naphtali (Gen. 49:21)

C. The Sons of Zilpah – Genesis 49:19-20

1. Gad (Gen. 49:19)

2. Asher (Gen. 49:20)

D. The Sons of Rachel – Genesis 49:22-27

1. Joseph (Gen. 49:22-26)

Five different names or titles are given to God – Genesis 49:24-25

(1) The mighty One (God) of Jacob

(2) The Shepherd

(3) The Stone or Rock of Israel

(4) The God of Jacob or the God of your father who helps you

(5) The Almighty (El Shaddai)

2. Benjamin (Gen. 49:27)

II. Questions

A. Did every detail of Jacob’s prophecy come to pass, as he predicted?

Romans 11:25-27

Jonah 3:10-4:2

Jeremiah 18:7-10

B. What purpose does this prophecy serve the sons of Jacob, since they will all die before God causes the nation to return to Canaan?

III. The Purpose of Prophecy

A. Prophecy focuses our attention upon future things.

1 Peter 1:3-5

B. Prophecy focuses not only on the future, but on living in the present in the light of the future.

2 Peter 3:10-13

C. Specific and General Prophecy

Revelation 20:12-15

John 3:16,17

Revelation 21:1-4

For the unbeliever

For the Christian

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