This month we are learning about Jacob’s descendants. And if you’ve received your patriarchal blessing, some of those names should sound familiar!
Let’s start with the basics. Jacob, later renamed Israel, had 12 sons. Each of them became the head of a large family, or tribe:
- Reuben
- Simeon
- Levi
- Judah
- Issachar
- Zebulun
- Dan
- Naphtali
- Gad
- Asher
- Joseph (including descendants Ephraim and Manasseh)
- Benjamin
When you receive your patriarchal blessing, the patriarch, through inspiration, will declare your tribal lineage. It’s not like a DNA test—your tribe isn’t necessarily related to race or nationality. Instead, it’s related to a set of spiritual responsibilities and promised blessings. It declares the tribe through which you will receive your blessings and bless others.
It’s a pretty awesome inheritance!
Of course, your patriarchal blessing is important for lots of other reasons too. It shares promised blessings, guidance, and direction from the Lord—uniquely for you!