289. And blessing, signifies all these things in Him, and from Him in them. By "blessing" is meant every good which man receives from the Lord, as power and opulence, and all that is implied by them; but especially every spiritual good, as love and wisdom, charity and faith, and the joy and felicity thence, which are of eternal life; and because all these are from the Lord, it follows that they are in Him, for unless they were in Him, they could not be in others from Him. Hence it is, that, in the Word, the Lord is called "Blessed," and also "Blessing," that is, Blessing Itself. That Jehovah, that is the Lord, is called "Blessed," is evident from these passages:
The high priest asked Jesus, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? (Mark 14:61). Jesus said, Ye shall not see Me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord (Matt. 23:39; Luke 13:35). Melchizedek blessed Abram, and said, Blessed be God Most High who hath given thine enemies into thy hand (Gen. 14:18-20). Blessed be Jehovah the God of Shem (Gen. 9:26). Blessed be Jehovah, who hath heard my voice (Ps. 28:6). Blessed be Jehovah, for He hath made marvelous His kindness (Ps. 31:21). Blessed be Jehovah, from everlasting to everlasting (Ps. 41:13). In like manner Ps. 66:20; 68:19, 35; 72:18, 19; 89:52; 119:12; 124:6; 135:21; 144:1; Luke 1:68). This is the reason why "blessing" is here mentioned, as also verse 12, and 7:12; and likewise in David:
Glory and honor dost Thou lay upon Him, for Thou makest Him a blessing for ever (Ps. 21:5, 6). [2] These are concerning the Lord. Hence it may be seen what is meant in the Word by "blessing God," namely, to ascribe to Him all blessing; also to pray that He would bless, and to give thanks for having blessed; as may appear from the following passages:
The mouth of Zacharias was opened, and he spoke, blessing God (Luke 1:64, 68). Simeon took up the infant Jesus in his arms, and blessed God (Luke 2:28, 30-31). Bless ye Jehovah, who hath counselled for me (Ps. 16:7). Bless the name of Jehovah, evangelize His salvation from day to day (Ps. 96:1-3). Blessed be the Lord from day to day, bless ye God in the congregations, even the Lord from the fountain of Israel (Ps. 68:19, 26).
This page is part of 
© 2000-2001 The Academy of the New Church