The blessing given by a father to his children, especially that given to his firstborn son. Normally given when the father is an old man nearing death (
Gen 27:2;
Gen 48:21;
Gen 49:1), this blessing forms part of his testamentary farewell to his children. The importance of such a blessing is the key element in a story concerning Jacob and Esau in (
Gen 27,
Gen 28:1-5).
Gen 27:2
2He said, “See, I am old; I do not know the day of my death.
Gen 48:21
21Then Israel said to Joseph, “I am about to die, but God will be with you and will bring you again to the land of your ancestors.
Gen 49:1
Jacob's Last Words to His Sons
1Then Jacob called his sons, and said: “Gather around, that I may tell you what will happen to you in days to come.
Gen 27
Isaac Blesses Jacob
1When Isaac was old and his eyes were dim so that he could not see, he called his elder son Esau and said to him, “My son”; and he answered, ... View more
Gen 28:1-5
1Then Isaac called Jacob and blessed him, and charged him, “You shall not marry one of the Canaanite women.2Go at once to Paddan-aram to the house of Bethuel, y ... View more
