The concept of children as a blessing is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting the value and joy that offspring bring to families and communities. Throughout Scripture, children are portrayed as gifts from God, entrusted to parents to nurture and guide in the ways of the Lord.

Biblical Foundations

1. Creation and Mandate: The blessing of children is first seen in the creation narrative. In Genesis 1:28 , God blesses Adam and Eve, saying, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it." This command underscores the divine intention for human procreation and the inherent blessing in raising children.

2. Heritage and Reward: Psalm 127:3-5 explicitly describes children as a blessing: "Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." This passage highlights the honor and joy associated with having children, likening them to arrows that provide strength and security.

3. Covenantal Promises: Throughout the Old Testament, God's promises to the patriarchs often included the blessing of numerous descendants. For instance, in Genesis 15:5 , God promises Abraham, "Look at the heavens and count the stars, if you are able. So shall your offspring be." This promise of abundant offspring is a sign of divine favor and blessing.

New Testament Perspectives

1. Jesus and Children: In the New Testament, Jesus affirms the value of children. In Matthew 19:14 , He says, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Jesus' welcoming of children and His declaration of their importance in the kingdom of heaven underscore their intrinsic value and the blessing they represent.

2. Spiritual Legacy: The New Testament also emphasizes the spiritual aspect of raising children. In Ephesians 6:4 , Paul instructs, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This guidance reflects the responsibility and blessing of nurturing children in faith, ensuring a legacy of godliness.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Israelite society, children were considered a sign of divine favor and a source of economic and social strength. Large families were often seen as a blessing, providing labor for agricultural work and ensuring the continuation of family lineage and inheritance. The biblical portrayal of children as a blessing is consistent with this cultural context, where offspring were integral to the community's survival and prosperity.

Theological Implications

The view of children as a blessing carries significant theological implications. It reflects the belief in God's sovereignty and goodness, as He is the giver of life and the one who blesses families with children. This perspective encourages gratitude and stewardship, recognizing children as gifts to be cherished and raised according to God's principles.

Practical Applications

For believers, viewing children as a blessing influences family dynamics and parenting approaches. It encourages parents to value their children, invest in their spiritual and moral development, and see them as integral members of the faith community. This perspective also fosters a culture of life, where children are welcomed and celebrated as part of God's divine plan for humanity.Psalm 127:3
See, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
Topicalbible.org

Psalm 127:3-5
See, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
Topicalbible.org

Genesis 1:28
And God blessed them, and God said to them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.
Topicalbible.org

Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing to the Lord.
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Luke 1:31
And, behold, you shall conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and shall call his name JESUS.
Topicalbible.org

Children and Little Dogs
... Jesus obviously delighted in being at liberty to stretch ... her within the circle of
the 'children,' are apparent ... His full-flowing tide of blessing, and nothing ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/children and little dogs.htm

The Blessing Secured
... have you never felt the need of being filled with the ... perhaps tells you that you
know nothing of that blessing. ... Oh, children of God, have you never felt a hope ...
/.../murray/the deeper christian life/v the blessing secured.htm

The Redeemer's Return is Necessitated by the Present ...
... Instead of being a blessing to all people, Israel seems ... Israel knows Him not, a
"veil" being over their ... The Lord liveth, that brought up the children of Israel ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/vi the redeemers return is.htm

"Because of his Importunity. "
... inconvenienced by the Orphan-Houses being in that ... greatly for the benefit of the
children, both physically and morally, with God's blessing, to be ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/muller/answers to prayer/because of his importunity.htm

The Sermon on the Mount
... God's ideal for His children is higher than the highest human thought can reach. ...
They have Christ's joy, the joy of being a blessing to humanity. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 31 the sermon on.htm

The Teaching of Matthew 13 Proves that no Era of Millennial ...
... 13 proves that no era of Millennial blessing precedes Christ's ... fire"a very different
picture that from the children of the Wicked One being reconciled to ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/2 the teaching of matthew.htm

Enthusiasm.
... The idea that children must grow into manhood and womanhood before they can be ... be
dragged into the dens of vice; and instead of being a blessing they will be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/to the work to the work/chapter v enthusiasm.htm

Christ and Little Children
... led by parents who revered Jesus, to receive His blessing. ... reason, "for of such,"
of children and childlike ... our flesh, and all our primitive being, come back ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 10 13-16 christ and little.htm

The Blessing of God.
... meaning to those who have become His children by faith ... further to issue in His way
being "known upon ... the tenderness and preciousness of this blessing are most ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part ii the blessing of.htm

Through the Fall and Revolt of Adam, the Whole Human Race Made ...
... The children being vitiated in their parent, conveyed the taint ... Children come not
by spiritual regeneration but carnal ... offspring, this is by the blessing of God ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 through the fall.htm

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