Terminology in the Holy Bible – Blessing
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains in this lecture the concept of blessing in the Holy Bible with its various dimensions, clarifying that blessing has several forms: God’s direct blessing, fathers’ blessing for children bodily and spiritually, priestly blessing, and our blessing to God (praise and acknowledgment). The general message is that the source of blessing is God, and all types of blessing are drawn from Him and carry goodness, abundance, and sanctification to what surrounds the blessed one.
1. God’s direct blessing
He cites examples from the Old Testament: God’s blessing on Adam and Eve, on Noah, on Abraham, and the list of blessings tied to obedience to the commandments (Deuteronomy 28). This blessing carries goodness and fertility and abundance: numerous offspring, abundant harvests, and plentiful resources.
2. Fathers’ blessing to children
He clarifies that the fathers’ blessing is not a self-contained power but a drawing of blessing from God; the example of Isaac’s blessing to Jacob (Genesis 27) and Jacob’s blessings to Joseph’s sons in Genesis 48, where the fathers invoke God to give graces to their offspring.
3. Priestly blessing
He discusses God’s instruction to Moses on how priests should bless the people through Aaron and his sons (Numbers 6:22–27), and that the priestly blessing is a means of drawing God’s blessing for the people. Therefore, prayers of blessing are said at the opening and closing of gatherings, asking for God’s mercy and grace.
4. The human blessing to God (praise)
Blessing is not only something received; a person blesses God and acknowledges His blessing: Psalm 103 and expressions of praise “Bless the Lord” show that blessing is an expression of praise and recognition of God’s glory and blessing.
5. Meanings and dimensions of blessing
Blessing includes goodness, abundance, sanctification, and an effect that encompasses the surroundings (the city, the field, livestock, the harvest, coming and going). The lecture also distinguishes blessing in the sense of material increase from blessing in the spiritual sense (holiness, grace, salvation).
6. Spiritual conclusion
Blessing in the Coptic Orthodox understanding: it is a gift drawn from God, manifested in material and spiritual good, and leads to sanctification of the surroundings. True blessing is founded on relation to God and obedience to His commandments; fathers and priests ask it from God and do not grant it by themselves.
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