Vayechi 5782

Question: 49:28 why are the children of יעקב called שבטים?


Approach: It would seem that the reference is based on יעקב's wish that his "blessings" reflect a longer term approach for each son, as indicated by his phrase באחרית הימים. In the simplest sense of the word, this means "long-term" rather than meaning any Messianic. And the concept of a שבט, meaning rallying a family around a banner, therefore relates to the family characteristics.

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