The Old Testament contains numerous benedictions pronounced by patriarchs, priests, and leaders. Here are the major ones:
Patriarchal Blessings:
- Melchizedek blessed Abram, calling him “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth”(Gen 14:19–20)
- Rebekah received a blessing: “May you, our sister, Become thousands of ten thousands, And may your descendants possess The gate of those who hate them” (Gen 24:60)
- Isaac blessed Jacob with prosperity, dominion over nations, and protection: “Cursed be those who curse you, And blessed be those who bless you” (Gen 27:27–29)
- Isaac blessed Jacob with fruitfulness and the blessing of Abraham, including possession of the land (Gen 28:3–4)
- Jacob blessed Joseph, invoking God’s shepherding care and asking that Joseph’s descendants multiply (Gen 48:15–16)
- Jacob blessed Ephraim and Manasseh, establishing them as a standard of blessing for Israel (Gen 48:20)
- Jacob blessed Joseph with heavenly and earthly blessings, surpassing ancestral blessings (Gen 49:25–26)
Priestly and Royal Blessings:
- The Aaronic blessing pronounced: “The LORD bless you, and keep you; The LORD make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace” (Num 6:24–26)
- Moses blessed the sons of Israel before his death (Deut 33), including specific blessings for each tribe
- Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, requesting children from the LORD (1 Sam 2:20)
- David blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts (2 Sam 6:18)
- King Solomon blessed the assembly of Israel, praising God’s faithfulness to David (1 Kings 8:14–61)
Psalmic Blessings:
- A blessing invoking God’s graciousness and the shining of His face (Ps 67:1–2)
- A blessing of divine protection and guardianship (Ps 121:7–8)
- A blessing from Zion, requesting prosperity and descendants, concluding with “Peace be upon Israel” (Ps 128:5–6)
- A blessing from Zion by the Creator of heaven and earth (Ps 134:3)