The Patriarchal Blessing

Song: How Shall The Young Secure

Scripture: Genesis 48:1-22

Each of the patriarchs in Genesis before their deaths pronounced what has been called the “patriarchal blessing” upon their children. Noah, Abraham, and Isaac each pronounced a blessing upon their sons. Jacob pronounces a special blessing upon the sons of Joseph, before calling all of his sons together to receive his blessing.

It is apparent here and elsewhere that the patriarchal blessing was more than just a wish for the well-being of one’s offspring. The blessing had a prophetic quality. Even if the patriarchal blessing was customary among ancient societies, it took on a new dimension with the patriarchs God called.

It appears that God inspired the fathers with prophetic vision so that when they blessed the sons, they predicted the future courses of their seed. That explains why Isaac told Esau that the blessing he had given Jacob could not be revoked. While the blessing was supernatural and prophetic, it seems that Jacob’s family erroneously thought of the blessing in a superstitious way. Rebekah thought that by tricking Isaac they could guarantee Jacob’s good fortune—as if Isaac’s blindness also blinded God! God had determined to bless Jacob before his birth, but the blessing came with much heartache!

Wouldn’t it be something if we could see the fortunes of our children, and reveal to them their futures? Perhaps it’s better not to know, and just prepare them in faith for whatever the future hold.

Jason Moore