491 And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days.
491 Then Jacob called for his sons and said: "Gather around so I can tell you what will happen to you in days to come.
491 Then Jacob called his sons and said, "Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you what shall happen to you in days to come.
491 Jacob called his sons and said, "Gather around. I want to tell you what you can expect in the days to come."
491 And Jacob called his sons and said, "Gather together, that I may tell you what shall befall you in the last days:
491 Then Jacob called together all his sons and said, "Gather around me, and I will tell you what will happen to each of you in the days to come.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 49:1
Commentary on Genesis 49:1-2
(Read Genesis 49:1-2)
All Jacob's sons were living. His calling them together was a precept for them to unite in love, not to mingle with the Egyptians; and foretold that they should not be separated, as Abraham's sons and Isaac's were, but should all make one people. We are not to consider this address as the expression of private feelings of affection, resentment, or partiality; but as the language of the Holy Ghost, declaring the purpose of God respecting the character, circumstances, and situation of the tribes which descended from the sons of Jacob, and which may be traced in their histories.