New International Reader's Version

Genesis 49:14-25 New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

14. "Issachar is like a donkey lying down between two saddlebags.

15. He sees how good his resting place is. He sees that his land is pleasant. So he'll carry a heavy load on his back. He will obey when he's forced to work.

16. "Dan will do what is fair for his people. He will do it as one of the tribes of Israel.

17. Dan will be a serpent by the side of the road. He will be a poisonous snake along the path. It bites the horse's heels so that the rider falls off backward.

18. "Lord, I look to you to save me.

19. "Gad will be attacked by a group of robbers. But he'll attack them as they run away.

20. "Asher's food will be rich and sweet. He will provide food that even a king would enjoy.

21. "Naphtali is a female deer that is set free and gives birth to beautiful fawns.

22. "Joseph is a vine that grows a lot of fruit. It grows close by a spring. Its branches climb over a wall.

23. Mean people shot arrows at him. They shot at him because they were angry.

24. But his bow remained steady. His strong arms moved freely. The hand of the Mighty One of Jacob was with him. The Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, stood by him.

25. Your father's God helps you. The Mighty One blesses you. He gives you blessings from the highest heavens. He gives you blessings from the deepest oceans. He blesses you with children and with a mother's milk.