What can we learn about family blessings from Jacob's actions in Genesis 48:8? Verse in focus “ When Israel saw the sons of Joseph, he asked, ‘Who are these?’ ” (Genesis 48:8) Setting the moment: Jacob’s twilight blessing • Jacob is blind and near death, yet spiritually alert. • Seeing shapes he cannot identify, he pauses to inquire; his question invites a formal presentation of the boys so that the blessing can proceed deliberately (Genesis 48:9). • By stopping to ask, Jacob models a careful, purposeful approach—he will not give a half-hearted benediction. Recognizing each child by name • Jacob refuses to assume; he ensures he knows exactly whom he is blessing. • Personal acknowledgment gives weight to the words that follow. • Scripture consistently treats individual identity as precious to God (Isaiah 43:1). Blessing is intentional, not accidental • “Please bring them to me, that I may bless them” (Genesis 48:9) shows deliberate action. • Proverbs 13:22: “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children….” • The pattern: identify, draw near, speak life—never leave blessing to chance. Incorporating the next generation into God’s covenant • Jacob adopts Ephraim and Manasseh as his own (Genesis 48:5), securing their share in Israel’s heritage. • This echoes Deuteronomy 6:6-7: “These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children….” • Family blessing is more than affection; it is a covenantal transfer of faith and promise. Faith sees future fruit • Crossing his arms, Jacob gives the greater blessing to the younger (Genesis 48:14) because he trusts God’s revealed plan, not cultural custom. • Psalm 78:4: “We will not hide them from their children, but will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD….” • Blessings spoken in faith anticipate God’s sovereign ordering of a family’s future. Practical takeaways for today • Pause to know each child—speak their name, affirm their unique place. • Bless intentionally: schedule moments to speak Scripture-rooted words over family members. • Tie blessings to the gospel story, reminding children of their place in God’s redemption. • Trust God’s purposes even when they upend human expectations. • Keep the chain unbroken: 2 Timothy 1:5 shows faith traveling from grandmother to mother to son; our blessings help carry that legacy forward. |
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