To Shimon and Levi, he said: "You worked together as brothers, but you have also used weapons of violence, which isn't right for Jews. [When Shimon and Levi were young, they once wiped out an entire city and all of its inhabitants!] Since you are too powerful when you're together, I'll be separating you when you go into Israel. Levi, your tribe will be spread throughout the whole country, and they will be Kohanim."
More Blessings...
To Yehudah, Yaakov said: "You will become the king; you are like a lion -- the king of the jungle! You have shown that you are a strong leader. I was impressed that you offered to take Binyamin's place when he was kept as a slave! Your banner will be in front of all the others when you travel in the wilderness. Future kings and all of the great sages will descend from you, including King David and Moshiach himself!"
To Zevulun, he said: "You will live on the seashore and sail in ships, buying and selling merchandise. With the money you make, you'll help support your brother Yissachar, while he concentrates on learning Torah. Through this partnership, you will share his reward!"
To Yissachar, he said: "Your tribe will carry the responsibility of intense Torah study, like a donkey that patiently carries its heavy burden. Your land will be pleasant, fertile, and fruitful. You won't even have to take too much time away from your studies to work the land. Many of your children will become members of the great Sanhedrin!"
And More Blessings...
To Dan, Yaakov said: "You are like the snake, who fights slyly, using tricks and surprises. When you go out to war, you'll be at the end of the line, cleverly fighting off any enemies who try to attack from behind!"
To Gad, he said: "Your soldiers will go out to battle and will always win! You will march at the front of the tribes when you enter Israel, then return safely to your portion of land, east of the Jordan River."
To Asher, he said: "In your land there will be many beautiful fruit and olive trees. From these olives, you will make oil for the menorah and offerings in the Bet HaMikdash (Holy Temple)!"
And Still More Blessings!
To Naftali, Yaakov said: "You are like a swift deer, running to bring messages from one place to another. The fruit in your land will ripen faster than anywhere else!"
To Yosef, he said: "Because you never sinned while you were in Egypt, and you were even compassionate to your brothers, who sold you into slavery, your land will be blessed with plenty of water."
To Binyamin, the youngest, Yaakov concluded: "You are like a wolf who eats his prey, just as the fire consumes the daily sacrifices on the altar in the Bet HaMikdash. The Bet HaMikdash will be built in your portion.”
