Genesis 49 contains Jacob's final blessings and prophecies over his twelve sons before his death in Egypt.

Jacob began with Reuben, his firstborn, acknowledging his natural right to preeminence but declaring that he wouldn't excel due to his instability and his sin of defiling his father's bed with Bilhah (see Genesis 35).

The next two sons, Simeon and Levi, were addressed together due to their shared violence, particularly their brutal revenge at Shechem (see Genesis 34). Jacob prophesied that they would be scattered in Israel (which historically came to pass as Simeon's territory was absorbed into Judah’s), and the Levites, though later sanctified as priests, were given no territorial inheritance but were dispersed among all the tribes.

Judah received the most significant and memorable blessing, being promised that the scepter and ruler's staff would not depart from him “until Shiloh come.” Jacob prophesied royal leadership for Judah's line, describing him as a lion's cub who would be praised by his brothers. This blessing established Judah as the kingly tribe (from which David and ultimately the Messiah would come) and included imagery of abundance and prosperity.

Zebulun was blessed with a future by the seashore and involvement in maritime trade, while Issachar was characterized as a strong donkey who would choose security and good land over freedom, becoming a servant to tribute. Dan was promised to judge his people and was described as a serpent by the roadway, suggesting both justice and cunning in warfare.

Gad would face raids but would ultimately raid in return. Asher was blessed with rich food and royal delicacies, indicating a future of prosperity. Naphtali was described as a deer set free who gives beautiful words, suggesting grace and eloquence.

Joseph received an extensive and richly detailed blessing, being called “a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall.” Jacob acknowledged the attacks and hardships Joseph endured but declared that his bow remained steady and his arms were made strong by the mighty God of Jacob. The blessing invoked multiple names for God and promised blessings of heaven above, the deep below, and the breast and womb — culminating in Joseph being set apart from his brothers.

Finally, Benjamin was described as a ravenous wolf who devours prey in the morning and divides spoil in the evening, indicating a fierce and warlike nature for his descendants.

After completing these individual prophecies, Jacob gave final instructions about his burial, requesting to be laid to rest with his fathers in the cave of Machpelah, before drawing up his feet into the bed and breathing his last.