“And he came near and kissed him; and he smelled the smell of his clothing, and blessed him and said: “Surely, the smell of my son Is like the smell of a field Which the Lord has blessed. Therefore may God give you Of the dew of heaven, Of the fatness of the earth, And plenty of grain and wine. Let peoples serve you, And nations bow down to you. Be master over your brethren, And let your mother’s sons bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you, And blessed be those who bless you!””
Genesis 27:27-29 NKJV
The practice of fathers blessing their children is deeply rooted in biblical tradition and Jewish culture. It is a powerful way to affirm a child’s identity, impart spiritual guidance, and pray for God’s favor over their lives. Let’s explore how fathers today can give a meaningful blessing to their children.
Biblical Foundations of the Father’s Blessing
The Bible emphasizes the practice of fathers blessing their children as a means of passing on faith, identity, and God’s promises:
- Abraham Blessing Isaac: In Genesis 24:1, Abraham ensured that Isaac would receive a godly wife, showing his concern for Isaac’s future under God’s covenant. This culminated in Abraham passing on the covenant promises to Isaac (Genesis 25:11).
- Isaac Blessing Jacob and Esau: Isaac’s blessings to Jacob (through deception) and Esau demonstrate the prophetic nature of blessings and their long-lasting impact (Genesis 27:27-40). Jacob’s blessing affirmed God’s covenant promises, while Esau’s blessing reflected his secondary role in God’s plan.
- Jacob Blessing His Sons and Grandsons: Jacob blessed his twelve sons in Genesis 49, providing specific prophetic insights into each son’s future and their roles as the tribes of Israel. He also blessed Ephraim and Manasseh, reversing the traditional order to reflect God’s sovereign choice (Genesis 48:13-20).
- Moses Blessing the Israelites: Before his death, Moses pronounced blessings over the tribes of Israel, summarizing God’s promises for each tribe and their unique roles (Deuteronomy 33).
- Jesus Blessing the Children: Jesus welcomed children and blessed them, emphasizing their importance in God’s kingdom: “And He took them in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them” (Mark 10:16).
- Paul’s Blessings in His Letters: Paul frequently blessed the believers in his epistles. For example: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2 Corinthians 13:14).
- God’s Blessing Over Humanity: From the beginning, God blessed humanity, saying: “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it” (Genesis 1:28). God’s blessings affirm His desire for humanity to thrive under His care and purpose.
- The Priestly Blessing: God instructed Aaron and his sons to bless the Israelites with these words: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26).
- David Blessing Solomon: As David prepared Solomon to build the temple, he blessed and prayed for him, saying: “Only may the Lord give you wisdom and understanding… and give you charge concerning Israel” (1 Chronicles 22:11-13).
- Boaz Blessing Ruth: Boaz blessed Ruth for her faithfulness, showing that blessings extend beyond biological relationships: “May the Lord repay your work, and may a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel” (Ruth 2:12).
How Fathers Can Bless Their Children Today
- Speak Life and Identity: Affirm your child’s God-given worth and potential. Example: “You are loved by God and have been gifted with [specific talents]. May you grow in wisdom, kindness, and strength as you fulfill God’s purpose for your life” (Jeremiah 29:11).
- Pray Over Your Children: Lay hands on your child and pray for their spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. Example: “Heavenly Father, I ask that You guide [child’s name], protect them, and lead them in Your truth. May they walk in Your light and find joy in serving You” (Psalm 23).
- Call Out Their Potential: Identify their unique strengths and character traits, much like Jacob’s blessings over his sons (Genesis 49). Example: “You have a compassionate heart, and I know God will use your kindness to make a difference in the world.”
- Emphasize God’s Promises: Remind them of God’s faithfulness and His promises. Example: “May the Lord bless you and keep you, and may you always remember His unfailing love for you” (Lamentations 3:22-23).
Examples from Jewish Culture
1. Sabbath Blessing (Erev Shabbat)
On Friday nights, Jewish fathers bless their children before the Sabbath meal:
- For Sons: “May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh” (Genesis 48:20).
- For Daughters: “May God make you like Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, and Leah” (Ruth 4:11).
2. Bar/Bat Mitzvah
During a Bar or Bat Mitzvah (coming-of-age ceremony), fathers publicly bless their children, thanking God for their growth and spiritual maturity.
3. Life Milestones
Fathers pronounce blessings during weddings, births, and other special moments, acknowledging God’s role in their child’s life.
Practical Steps for Fathers
- Set Aside a Special Moment: Choose regular times to bless your children, such as bedtime, birthdays, or major milestones.
- Use Scripture in the Blessing: Incorporate Bible verses like Numbers 6:24-26 or Psalm 23.
- Make It Personal: Speak directly to your child’s unique qualities and challenges.
- Model Faith and Integrity: Your life of faith strengthens the impact of your words.
Example Blessings
For a Son
“My son, may the Lord bless you and keep you. May He guide your steps in wisdom and protect you in all your ways. You are strong and courageous, and I know God has great plans for you. May your life be a light to others, reflecting God’s love and truth. I love you, and I’m so proud of you” (Joshua 1:9; Matthew 5:14-16).
For a Daughter
“My daughter, you are precious and deeply loved by God. May He bless you with kindness, wisdom, and grace. May your heart always seek His ways, and may you shine His light in all you do. I pray that God protects and strengthens you as you grow into the woman He created you to be. I love you and thank God for you every day” (Proverbs 31:25-26; Jeremiah 29:11).
Conclusion
Fathers have a profound opportunity to bless their children by speaking life, praying over them, and reminding them of God’s promises. The biblical and Jewish tradition of blessing children teaches us to pass on faith and love in intentional ways. Fathers can leave a legacy of faith by regularly blessing their children and pointing them to God’s purpose for their lives.
How will you bless your children today?