Watchtower Study, “Article 24,” Week of August 18-24, 2025, What Jacob’s Last Words Teach Us (Part 1), Answers.

Watchtower Study, “Article 24,” August 18-24, 2025, What Jacob’s Last Words Teach Us (Part 1), Answers.

“Gather together so that I may tell you what will happen to you in the last days” (GEN. 49:1).

1, 2. What did Jacob do when he had little time left to live, and why? (See also the image.)

When Jacob realized his life was short, he gathered his sons together to speak to them and give them important instructions. Genesis 47:28 says that Jacob lived 17 more years after his arrival in Egypt, during which time he saw the restoration of his family and enjoyed Joseph's company. But now, as Genesis 49:28 mentions, it was time to speak to his sons and bless them, each with the blessing due him.

These final words were an act of leadership. Jacob was ensuring the unity of his family and the continuity of God's purpose for them. In that context, more than a tradition, it was a way of transmitting faith, responsibility, and direction.

ILLUSTRATION

Jacob on his deathbed, addressing prophetic words to his 12 sons. (See paragraphs 1 and 2.)

3. According to Genesis 49:1, 2, What was special about Jacob's words?

According to these verses, these words were prophetic in nature, as Jehovah inspired him to reveal the future of the tribes of Israel. Furthermore, in ancient Hebrew culture, the words spoken by a dying patriarch were considered especially significant, but in this case, they carried even greater weight: they were the voice of God announcing his purpose.

This scene also shows how Jehovah has guided his people from the beginning, preparing the way for what was to come, including the arrival of the Messiah.

4. What will we discuss in this article? (See also the box “Jacob’s Family.”)

The purpose of this article is to examine the prophecies Jacob spoke about four of his sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah. These words were not mere opinions or personal blessings, but God-inspired messages foretelling what would happen to the tribes descended from them.

In addition to studying what Jacob said, we will analyze how his words were fulfilled over time, reviewing different moments in Israel's history. This approach helps us see that Jehovah's prophecies are accurately fulfilled, thus strengthening our faith in His Word.

ILLUSTRATION

Chart with the family tree of Jacob, who had two wives—Leah and Rachel—and two concubines—Bilha and Zilpah. With Leah she bore Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah; by Rachel she had Joseph and Benjamin, by Bilhah she had Dan and Naphtali, and by Zilpah she had Gad and Asher.

Ruben

5. What responsibility might Ruben have expected to receive?

As the eldest son, Reuben probably thought he would receive certain important privileges and responsibilities. In Genesis 49:3, Jacob calls him “my firstborn,” indicating his position as the first of the twelve sons.

In that culture, the firstborn typically received a double portion of the inheritance, which meant more material goods than his siblings. He could also expect to become the new patriarch of the family when his father died, taking the lead in spiritual, familial, and leadership matters.

6. Why did Reuben lose his birthright? (Genesis 49:3, 4)

Reuben's birthright entailed great responsibility, but it also carried moral expectations. His failure, recounted in Genesis 35:22, was not simply a private indiscretion, but an act that gravely dishonored both his father Jacob and Jehovah.

According to Genesis 49:3-4, Jacob recognized that Reuben had leadership qualities as his firstborn, but compared him to troubled waters, indicating that he lacked self-control and maturity.

Although the Bible doesn't specify Reuben's exact motivations, his actions were despicable before Jehovah. Not only did he lose his position as firstborn, but he was also not considered for family leadership or a special inheritance. This case teaches us that no privilege is guaranteed unless it is accompanied by obedience and self-control.

7. What happened to Reuben and his descendants? (See also the box “Jacob’s Deathbed Prophecy.”)

The words "You shall not excel" that Jacob spoke to Reuben were not simply the utterances of a disappointed father, but an inspired prophecy. There is no record in the Bible of any of Reuben's descendants becoming kings, priests, or prophets, even though, as the firstborn, that would have been expected.

However, Reuben was not isolated from among God's people. He and his tribe were included among the twelve tribes of Israel. This shows that Jehovah is just, but also merciful. Although he did not receive the greatest privileges, Reuben was treated with dignity.

This example is very helpful for us today: even though mistakes leave lasting consequences, Jehovah can still value a repentant person and give them a place among his people.

8. What lessons can we learn from Ruben's example?

Reuben's case clearly illustrates that personal decisions, especially in moral matters, can have lasting effects. He was driven by desire, possibly an emotional impulse, and it cost him his birthright. As Galatians 6:7 says, no one can mock God.

However, there is also a lesson of hope. Jehovah is not a God who simply punishes. Reuben was not expelled from his family or despised. It is clear that he learned from his mistake, for he did not repeat the same thing and acted responsibly. Therefore, even though the consequences are not erased, Jehovah continues to use and bless those who repent.

SIMEON AND LEVI

9. Why did Jacob address Simeon and Levi with such disapproving words? (Genesis 49:5-7)

Jacob's disapproval of Simeon and Levi is deeply connected to the massacre of the men of Shechem. Genesis 49:5-7 not only exposes what they did, but also the kind of people they were becoming.

The expression "their sword is an instrument of violence" shows that Jacob viewed them as dangerous men, dominated by anger. Yet, Jacob did not curse his sons as people, but rather their unbridled rage. This indicates that he did not lose his fatherly love, but he did strongly condemn their behavior.

ADDITIONAL COMMENT

Jacob disapproved of Simeon and Levi because they acted deceitfully and violently in avenging Dinah's rape. They cruelly slaughtered all the men in a city, and Jacob condemned this act in his final words.

10. How were Jacob’s prophetic words about Simeon and Levi fulfilled? (See also the box “Jacob’s Deathbed Prophecy.”)

Jacob, seeing what Simeon and Levi had done to the men of Shechem, prophesied that they would be “dispersed throughout Israel.” This prophecy was not merely a symbolic punishment, but was literally fulfilled more than 200 years later, when Israel entered the Promised Land.

The tribe of Simeon did not receive a defined territory of its own, but rather its lands were divided within the territory of the tribe of Judah. On the other hand, the tribe of Levi did not receive a specific region: its inheritance was 48 cities distributed throughout the territory of Israel.

This dispersion was a direct fulfillment of Jacob's prophecy, which left them without unity or a prominent presence as an independent tribe.

11. What good things did the tribes of Simeon and Levi do?

Although Jacob disapproved of Simeon and Levi's violence, his descendants did not repeat those mistakes. Over time, the tribes of these two sons did good things that pleased Jehovah.

For example, when the Israelites fell into worship of the golden calf, the men of the tribe of Levi sided with Moses and defended pure worship.

On the other hand, the tribe of Simeon also showed faithfulness: when Israel entered to conquer the promised land, the men of Simeon fought bravely alongside those of Judah, fulfilling the will of Jehovah.

This shows that even if a family or tribe has made mistakes in the past, its descendants can earn God's favor if they strive to do the right thing.

12. What lessons can we learn from the examples of Simeon and Levi?

From the examples of Simeon and Levi, we learn that we should not be driven by anger. Although we may feel angry when someone harms us or when we see an injustice, it is important not to act impulsively or violently. Jehovah disapproves of such reactions, even if we feel they are justified.

When we face unjust situations, we must follow biblical principles. This means not taking revenge or returning evil for evil. In this way, we avoid hurting others with our words or actions and remain at peace with God and with others.

JUDAH

13. Why might Judah have been worried when it was his turn to listen to Jacob?

Judah may have been worried when it was his turn to listen to Jacob, because he, too, had made serious mistakes. He had already heard how his father rebuked Reuben, Simeon, and Levi for their behavior, so he may have feared receiving strong disapproval as well.

Judah had participated in serious acts: first, he helped sack the city of Shechem after Simeon and Levi killed the local men. Then, he was part of the plot to sell his brother Joseph into slavery and lied to his father, making him believe that Joseph was dead.

Later, he had sexual relations with his daughter-in-law Tamar, believing her to be a prostitute. All of this could have led him to believe that his father would reprimand him harshly or even disinherit him. So it was understandable that he felt uneasy.

ADDITIONAL COMMENT

Judah may have been concerned because he had made serious mistakes, such as sacking Shechem, selling Joseph, and having relations with his daughter-in-law Tamar. He had already seen Jacob rebuke his brothers, so he feared similar disapproval.

14. What did Jacob say to Judah, and what good things had Judah done? (Genesis 49:8, 9)

Jacob addressed Judah with words of praise and blessing. According to Genesis 49:8, 9, Judah would be strong as a lion, a symbol of power and leadership. Jacob prophesied that Judah would produce great leadership, indicating that his descendants would play a pivotal role in Israel's history.

Judah had demonstrated valuable qualities that justified these words. He cared deeply for his father Jacob's well-being in his old age, showing respect and affection. Furthermore, he demonstrated compassion and courage when he protected his younger brother Benjamin.

For these reasons, despite his past mistakes, Judah received a special blessing and a promise of leadership that would be fulfilled in future generations, including the coming of the Messiah, who would come from his lineage.

15. In what ways was Jacob's prophecy about Judah fulfilled?

Jacob prophesied that Judah would be the leader of his brothers. This promise wasn't fulfilled immediately, but about 200 years later. When the Israelites left Egypt, the tribe of Judah marched in front during their journey through the wilderness, indicating their leadership position.

Later, in the conquest of Canaan, Judah was the pioneer tribe in the fight against the Canaanites. Later, a royal line emerged from Judah, with King David as a strong and respected leader. His reign marked the beginning of a dynasty that would last for many centuries.

16. How was the prophecy found in Genesis 49:10 fulfilled? (See also the box “Jacob’s Deathbed Prophecy.”)

Jacob prophesied in Genesis 49:10 that the scepter would not depart from Judah “until Shiloh comes,” a title that refers to the promised Messiah. This ruler would not only belong to the tribe of Judah, but would rule with lasting authority.

That prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who was born from the line of David, a descendant of Judah. Jesus received David's throne according to the divine promise announced by an angel, and his reign will have no end. Furthermore, Revelation 5:5 identifies him as the Lion of the tribe of Judah, highlighting his power and authority as the messianic King.

17. How can we imitate Jehovah?

Jehovah sets a great example by focusing on the good in his servants, even when they have made serious mistakes. For example, he blessed Judah and assigned him a prominent role in the history of the people of Israel despite his past. This teaches us not to be critical or negative toward our brothers; rather, we should train our eyes and hearts to see the good in them.

When someone receives a responsibility in the congregation or is praised for their work, and we may be aware of their weaknesses, it's easy to become critical. But if we imitate Jehovah, we should focus on the positive and show appreciation for our fellow believers.

18. Why do we have to be patient?

Judah's experience teaches us to be patient. Although Jehovah promised that the tribe of Judah would lead the people, that promise was not immediately fulfilled. For many years, the leaders of the people were from other tribes, such as Moses of Levi, Joshua of Ephraim, and Saul of Benjamin.

However, the tribe of Judah did not rebel or lose faith; rather, they loyally supported the servants Jehovah had chosen. This teaches us that we must trust in Jehovah's timing and wisdom. Although it sometimes seems that His promises are slow to be fulfilled, He does not delay or forget.

19. What does the prophecy Jacob gave shortly before his death teach us about Jehovah?

The prophecy Jacob spoke before his death teaches us much about Jehovah's personality. It reminds us that He does not judge as a human being would, focusing only on external things or past mistakes.

Jehovah values what is in the heart and recognizes when a person sincerely repents. He also displays impressive patience. He doesn't demand perfection, but he does require a continuous effort to do what is right.

This prophecy also emphasizes that Jehovah does not approve of wrongdoing, but can bless those who have made mistakes and demonstrate genuine repentance.

WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM WHAT JACOB TOLD HIS FIRST FOUR SONS?

Ruben

We learn that our bad choices can have lasting consequences, but if we repent and change, Jehovah can continue to bless us.

Simeon and Levi

We learn that we should not be driven by anger or act violently, and that even if we come from a bad family example, we can change and earn Jehovah's approval.

Judah

We learn that Jehovah sees our good qualities, even when we have made mistakes, and that He rewards those who repent and strive to do what is right.