Genesis 48 begins a several chapter account describing Jacob blessing his children before he dies. The idea of blessing is a complicated one. God blesses men. Oh, to think that the omnipotent, omniscient God pours out His grace upon us in this life and in the life to come. Lord, bless us today!
Sometimes men bless each other, as when the priests would echo these beautiful words: “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24–26 ESV) May you be thus blessed today!
Men can bless God, acknowledging His attributes and proclaiming their thanks and praise for who He is and what He has done. He is worthy! Bless His Holy Name!
One of the most unusual uses of this word is when a man, perhaps a parent or patriarch, blesses his family under the spirit of prophecy, proclaiming the future of his descendants. That is what we see here.
In chapter 48, Joseph, actually Joseph’s sons, receive the double-portion blessing of the firstborn. While Joseph is the firstborn of Jacob’s favorite wife, Reuben is actually the firstborn son. God’s plans do not always line up with man’s traditions. Fittingly, Joseph’s second son receives the blessing of the firstborn from Jacob’s hand.
May my children be blessed by God with a special knowledge of Him, and may they rest in His love and live for His glory all the days of their lives! And may you be blessed by God today, also.
Behold, the Lamb of God! 