19 Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last.
19 "Gad
19 "Raiders shall raid Gad,
19 Gad will be attacked by bandits, but he will trip them up.
19 "Gad, a troop shall tramp upon him, But he shall triumph at last.
19 "Gad will be attacked by marauding bands, but he will attack them when they retreat.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 49:19
Commentary on Genesis 49:19-21
(Read Genesis 49:19-21)
Concerning Gad, Jacob alludes to his name, which signifies a troop, and foresees the character of that tribe. The cause of God and his people, though for a time it may seem to be baffled and run down, will be victorious at last. It represents the Christian's conflict. Grace in the soul is often foiled in its conflicts; troops of corruption overcome it, but the cause is God's, and grace will in the end come off conqueror, yea, more than conqueror, Romans 8:37. Asher should be a rich tribe. His inheritance bordered upon Carmel, which was fruitful to a proverb. Naphtali, is a hind let loose. We may consider it as a description of the character of this tribe. Unlike the laborious ox and ass; desirous of ease and liberty; active, but more noted for quick despatch than steady labour and perseverance. Like the suppliant who, with goodly words, craves mercy. Let not those of different tempers and gifts censure or envy one another.