Genesis 48:15-16 And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk… I. WE ARE TO CONSIDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES AND THE IMPORT OF JACOB'S BLESSING: "And Jacob blessed Joseph." But more particularly — 1. Contemplate the persons before us: Jacob, Joseph, and his two sons. 2. Mark now the place where these persons met. 3. Remember the time when these persons met. It was the time of Jacob's death. 4. Observe the import of the solemn action in our text. It is a dying blessing! "God-bless the lads!" God is the author of every blessing. We are, secondly — II. To CONSIDER THE INSTRUCTION WHICH THE BLESSING CONVEYS. 1. This blessing teaches the nature of true religion. It is "walking before God." 2. This blessing teaches the benefits of practical godliness. 3. This blessing teaches the advantages of pious parents. "The God of my fathers." The children of pious parents have the advantage of religious instruction. Again: such children have the advantage of fervent and constant prayer for their eternal welfare. Further: such children have the advantage of religious example. Finally: such children, like Jacob's sons, may have the advantage of their parents' dying testimony and last blessing. 4. This blessing teaches the importance of educating the young. (J. Cawood, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day, |
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