Chronicle Editor
The institutions of society namely the family, government, and religion were the means by which ceremonial blessings were received. Within the family, the father blessed his wife and children. (Genesis 27:27-29; 49:25-26; 1 Samuel 2:20). In the government context, the ruler blessed his subjects ( 2 Samuel 6:18 ; 1 Kings 8:14, 1 Kings 8:55.) Those who possessed a priestly role were bestowed with the privilege of blessing people in religious contexts. (Genesis 14:19; Leviticus 9:22). The tribe of Levi was set apart as priests to pronounce blessings on individuals and on the children of Israel in the Lord’s name. (Deuteronomy 10:8, 21:5). Three principles are present in formal Old Testament blessings:
1. The greater blesses the lesser, a fact picked up by the writer of Hebrews to demonstrate the superiority of Melchizedek to Abraham. (Hebrews 7:6-7).
3. The blessing is actually an invocation for God’s blessing, for example, “May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful” (Genesis 28:3 ). In a less ceremonial sense, the scriptures declare a general blessing on the righteous. Those who are obedient to God’s commands are blessed with affluence and victory. (Deuteronomy 28:1-14).
On the other hand, those who are disobedient are cursed and suffer the consequences of drought, disease and deprivation. (Deuteronomy 28:15-68). It is also possible for a person to “bless” God. The terminology arises as a response to the blessings bestowed by God: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits”.(Psalm 103:2 KJV ). These occurrences of “bless” are usually translated “praise” or “extol” in modern versions.
The New Testament The parallels between the Old and New Testament usages of “blessing” are striking. To be blessed is to be granted special favor by God with resultant joy and prosperity. However, the emphasis is more on spiritual rather than on material blessings. God’s promise to Abraham serves as a foundation for blessings. The pledge that “all peoples on earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:3) is fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. (Galatians 3:8-14). He has borne the consequences of the curse for believers, (Galatians 3:13) and The blessing is spiritual 9 blessed them with the forgiveness of sins (Romans 4:6-9; Psalm 32:1-2). Believers are “blessed with every spiritual blessing inn Christ” (Ephesians 1:3) and now inherit the blessings promised through the patria.
God Bless…
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