to the rest of the tribes, by the idol of Micah, and more especially by the golden calf set up in Dan by Jeroboam. (Gill) (Gen 49:18) I have waited for thy salvation, O LORD. Jacob recognized very early in his life the importance of spiritual things. For that reason he bought the birthright from Esauand later, through the intrigue of he and his mother obtained the blessing. In the blessing upon his sons he stopped and exclaimed this statement [Gen_49:18] right after blessing Dan and before Gad. It appears as a revelation. He had already mentioned that the Messiah would come through Judah [Gen_49:10] We know that at this point the Blessing was upon his mind and its part in the Salvation of Jehovah. (Gen_25:31-34) JACOB’S VIEW OF SALVATION Gen_49:18I have waited for thy salvation, O LORD. Jacob recognized very early in his life the importance of spiritual things. For that reason he bought the birthright from Esauand later, through the intrigue of he and his mother obtained the blessing. Gen_27:33 Gen_27:36 THEBIRTHRIGHT 1. The functions of priesthood in the family. The eldest son naturally became the priest in virtue of his priority of descent, provided no blemish or defect attached to him. Great respect was paid to him in the household, and, as the family widened into a tribe, this grew into a sustained authority, undefined save by custom, in all matters of common interest. Reuben was the first-born of the twelve patriarchs, and therefore the honor of the priesthood belonged to his tribe. God, however, transferred it from the tribe of Reuben to that of Levi (Num_3:12-13; Num_8:18). Hence
GRIFFIN COMMENTS GEN 49—PAGE 12