RT Article T1 Genesis 49: The foundation of Israelite monarchy and priesthood JF Journal for the study of the Old Testament VO 43 IS 3 SP 317 OP 333 A1 Twersky, Geula 1968- LA English PB Sage YR 2019 UL https://ixtheo.de/Record/1666241792 AB The apparent lack of consistency in Jacob's blessings in Gen. 49, ranging from temporal irregularity to variations in genre and message have lead many scholars to suggest that the chapter should not be viewed as Jacob's blessings but rather as a compilation of tribal sayings. This article aims to support the structural unity of Gen. 49 by accessing the blessings' collective theme. The military orientation common to the animal metaphors in Gen. 49 provides a preliminary basis for presuming that the tribal blessings also share a common theme. A careful reading of the blessings points to their innovative role in dividing the responsibilities and privileges traditionally associated with the birthright. Jacob's blessings split the conventional leadership role associated with the patriarchal birthright into two subdivisions, the monarchic and the priestly, and position each of the tribal blessings within either the monarchic or the priestly blessing cluster. The perplexing prayer which interrupts the blessings emerges as the pivot around which the two blessing constellations revolve. K1 Bibel : Genesis : 49 K1 Blessings K1 Genesis 49 K1 Jacob K1 Moses K1 Monarchy K1 Priesthood DO 10.1177/0309089217720625