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Genesis 49:1 - Final prophecy before death?

Genesis 49:1 - בראשית 49:1

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקְרָא יַעֲקֹב אֶל־בָּנָיו וַיֹּאמֶר הֵאָסְפוּ וְאַגִּידָה לָכֶם אֵת אֲשֶׁר־יִקְרָא אֶתְכֶם בְּאַחֲרִית הַיָּמִים׃

English Translation

And Ya῾aqov called to his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days.

Transliteration

Vayikra Yaakov el-banav vayomer he'asfu ve'agida lakhem et asher-yikra etkhem be'acharit hayamim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקְרָ֥א יַעֲקֹ֖ב אֶל־בָּנָ֑יו וַיֹּ֗אמֶר הֵאָֽסְפוּ֙ וְאַגִּ֣ידָה לָכֶ֔ם אֵ֛ת אֲשֶׁר־יִקְרָ֥א אֶתְכֶ֖ם בְּאַחֲרִ֥ית הַיָּמִֽים׃
וַיִּקְרָ֥א יַעֲקֹ֖ב אֶל־בָּנָ֑יו וַיֹּ֗אמֶר הֵאָֽסְפוּ֙ וְאַגִּ֣ידָה לָכֶ֔ם אֵ֛ת אֲשֶׁר־יִקְרָ֥א אֶתְכֶ֖ם בְּאַחֲרִ֥ית הַיָּמִֽים׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of Yaakov's Final Words

The verse (Bereshit 49:1) describes Yaakov Avinu gathering his sons to reveal what will happen to them "in the last days" (בְּאַחֲרִית הַיָּמִים). Rashi explains that Yaakov initially sought to disclose the keitz (the end time of redemption), but the Divine Presence departed from him, preventing him from revealing this prophecy. This aligns with the Talmudic teaching (Pesachim 56a) that certain eschatological knowledge is concealed by Hashem.

Meaning of "Acharit Hayamim"

The Ramban (Nachmanides) interprets "Acharit Hayamim" not strictly as the distant messianic era, but as the future destiny of each tribe. He emphasizes that Yaakov's blessings and prophecies encompass both immediate historical outcomes (e.g., the tribes' roles in Egypt and Eretz Yisrael) and long-term national destiny. The Sforno adds that these words were meant to guide the tribes in maintaining their unique spiritual roles throughout history.

The Withholding of the Keitz

  • Rashi's View: Based on Midrash Tanchuma (Vayechi 6), Yaakov's inability to reveal the end times demonstrates that such knowledge remains beyond human reach, as stated in Daniel 12:9 ("The words are concealed until the time of the end").
  • Maharal's Insight (Gur Aryeh): The withdrawal of prophecy symbolizes that redemption depends on merit, not predetermined revelation, ensuring free will remains intact.

Theological Implications

The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 5:2) derives from this episode that excessive speculation about the end times is discouraged, as it may lead to spiritual neglect. Instead, focus must remain on Torah observance—the true catalyst for redemption. This aligns with the Talmudic principle (Sanhedrin 97b) that the redemption arrives "when Israel repents", not through calculated timelines.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 56a
The verse is referenced in the context of Jacob's desire to reveal the end of days to his sons, but the Divine Presence departed from him, leading him to speak of other matters.
📖 Megillah 16b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the blessings Jacob gave to his sons and the prophetic nature of his words concerning the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'the last days' mean in Genesis 49:1?
A: In Orthodox Jewish tradition, 'the last days' (אַחֲרִית הַיָּמִים) refers to the era of the final redemption (גְּאוּלָּה), when Mashiach (the Messiah) will come. Rashi explains that Yaakov wanted to reveal the future to his sons, but the Divine Presence departed from him, so he instead blessed them individually (Bereshit Rabbah 98:2).
Q: Why did Yaakov gather his sons before his death?
A: Yaakov gathered his sons to give them prophetic blessings and guidance about their future roles as the Twelve Tribes of Israel. The Ramban (Nachmanides) teaches that this was a pivotal moment to establish their spiritual identities and prepare them for their destinies (Commentary on Genesis 49:1).
Q: What can we learn from Yaakov's words in Genesis 49:1?
A: We learn the importance of leaving ethical wills and blessings for future generations. The Talmud (Ta'anit 5b) states that Yaakov's blessings set a precedent for fathers to guide their children with wisdom. It also teaches that even when full prophecy is withheld (as happened here), we must still share whatever Divine insight we have.
Q: How does Genesis 49:1 relate to Jewish belief about the future?
A: This verse connects to the Jewish belief in the ultimate redemption. The Midrash (Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer 3) explains that Yaakov saw the entire future of the Jewish people until the Messianic era. Though he couldn't fully reveal it, this moment affirms our tradition that history moves toward a Divine purpose.
Q: Why couldn't Yaakov reveal the future as he intended?
A: Rashi (citing Bereshit Rabbah 98:2) explains that the Shechinah (Divine Presence) departed from Yaakov when he tried to reveal the end of days, either because it wasn't G-d's will for this knowledge to be shared or because some of his sons (like Reuven or Shimon) weren't spiritually ready to receive it without misunderstanding.