blessing (2)
The book of Genesis 14:18-20 (NABRE) describes Melchizedek blessing Abraham. This blessing is foundational in the Old Testament as it establishes a relationship between Abraham and God that is extended also to Abraham’s descendants. So what exactly is it?
In Greek and Latin, blessing ultimately has to do with speaking well of, but the Hebrew word בָּרַךְ (barak) has other meanings in addition to praising that are at play here. It comes from a root that can mean “kneel” or “cause to kneel,” and it’s in this meaning that we gain some insight into what happened when Melchizedek, the first priest of God, blessed Abraham.
Through this exchange, Melchizedek is essentially placing Abraham into formal service of God. Abraham kneels to God and from that also receives back from God the benefits that come from service of him. Consider where God has blessed you. How might your blessings represent an opportunity to serve God?
related topic: blessing (1)
you also may like our study of the book of Genesis
The first seven lessons of In the Beginning: The Book of Genesis, a 28-lesson Catholic Bible study with an imprimatur, provide an in-depth look at the very earliest biblical history—including the two accounts of Creation, events surrounding the Fall of Adam and Eve, the relationship between Cain and Abel, and the baptismal foreshadowing present in the account of Noah and the Flood. Remaining lessons look at lives of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Click on the book’s cover to view a sample lesson.
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