Genesis 49:1
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. 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.
Shortly before his death Jacob called his sorrowing sons together to give his final counsel and tell them what would befall them in the future, in the last days. The phrase in the last days points to the future history of their descendants, describing each son's character, reviewing their past conduct, and briefly foretelling the history of the tribe that would descend from him, including judgments for sinful deeds. His words came not from his own natural feelings as an affectionate father but by inspiration under the Spirit of prophecy.
He had forgiven his sons and loved them to the last, mourning Joseph and grieving over Simeon with no resentment toward them, so his own paternal heart would have spoken only love and tenderness. In his last hours God lifted his mind above his natural feelings, with angels all around him and the power of God's grace shining upon him. Under that inspiration he spoke God's truth about them even when it was painful to his love as a father, revealing how God viewed their deeds of violence and that God would punish them for their sins. His words about Simeon and Levi were gloomy, while his prophetic words about his other sons were not as gloomy.