Genesis 49

Jacob gathers all his twelve sons to deliver his final, powerful prophetic blessings (or judgments) over each of them. He foretells the future destiny and character of each tribe. The most significant blessing is reserved for Judah, prophesying that the scepter (royal rule) will not depart from his line until Shiloh (the Messiah) comes. He also blesses Joseph, calling him a fruitful bough. Jacob commands his sons to bury him with his fathers in the Cave of Machpelah in Canaan.