Final answer:
The blessings given to Judah and Joseph by Israel (Jacob) were significant as they foretold the future roles and fortunes of their descendants. Judah was blessed with leadership and the promise of royal lineage, while Joseph was blessed with prosperity and fruitfulness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Special Blessings to Judah and Joseph
After Israel (Jacob) and his family moved to Egypt, the blessings given to his sons Judah and Joseph were particularly special. The blessing of Judah is noteworthy because it establishes the foundation for the royal tribe from which King David, and subsequently, the Messiah, are believed to descend. Judah is promised leadership, power, and preeminence among his brothers. On the other hand, Joseph received a blessing of prosperity and fruitfulness, symbolized by a bountiful branch that runs over a wall and the strength to withstand adversity, like a strong bow. This foreshadows the two fruitful tribes that come from Joseph, Ephraim, and Manasseh.
These blessings played a significant role in the narrative of the Hebrews, linking to later events in their history such as the Exodus led by Moses, the establishment of kings in Israel, and the enduring idea of a Messianic expectation from the lineage of Judah. The blessings also highlight the themes of divine providence and the distribution of different roles and fates among the tribes of Israel, which resonate throughout the biblical narrative and Hebrew history. Joseph's eventual rise to power in Egypt and the experiences of the Hebrews, including their enslavement and later liberation, showcase the complicated dynamics and unfolding of these blessings over time.