This text deals with the "blessing of Jacob" (Genesis 49) in all its aspects, discussing philological, literary and historical problems. After an introductory chapter a translation of Genesis 49 and an analysis of its poetical structure are presented, the text includes a discussion of the genre-definition "tribal saying" (Stammesspruch), and a synchronic and diachronic analysis of Genesis 49 in its literary context. The results of the analysis are finally discussed in relation to Israel's history. Raymond de Hoop suggests that only part of the "blessing" functioned within the deathbed account (Genesis 47:29-49:33), reflecting the historical situation of the time of the origin. Afterwards it was thoroughly worked up, asserts de Hoop, into its present shape to meet the conditions of later political development.