All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father said to them when he blessed them, giving each the blessing appropriate to him.

 Genesis 49:1-33

Then Jacob called for his sons and said: “Gather around so I can tell you what will happen to you in days to come.

“Assemble and listen, sons of Jacob; listen to your father Israel.

Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, the first sign of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power. Turbulent as the waters, you will no longer excel, for you went up onto your father’s bed, onto my couch and defiled it.

“Simeon and Levi are brothers—  their swords are weapons of violence.

“Judah, your brothers will praise you; your hand will be on the neck of your enemies; your father’s sons will bow down to you. You are a lion’s cub, Judah;  you return from the prey, my son. Like a lion he crouches and lies down, like a lioness—who dares to rouse him?

Zebulun will live by the seashore and become a haven for ships; his border will extend toward Sidon.

Issachar is a rawboned donkey lying down among the sheep pens.

Dan will provide justice for his people as one of the tribes of Israel. Dan will be a snake by the roadside, a viper along the path,

Gad will be attacked by a band of raiders, but he will attack them at their heels.

Asher’s food will be rich; he will provide delicacies fit for a king.

Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns.

Joseph is a fruitful vine, a fruitful vine near a spring, whose branches climb over a wall.

Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; in the morning he devours the prey, in the evening he divides the plunder.

All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father said to them when he blessed them, giving each the blessing appropriate to him.

When Jacob had finished giving instructions to his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed, breathed his last and was gathered to his people.

Why?

Jacob gave instructions to his sons and described their destination. Then Jacob finished his mission in this world.

How?

My destination has been decided by the Lord. I know one day I will meet the Lord and my family in Heaven.