Genesis 48:15-16 - Homilies By J.f. Montgomery

HOMILIES BY J.F. MONTGOMERY

The threefold blessing.

Though the doctrine of the Trinity is not revealed in the Old Testament with the same clearness as in the New Testament, the light of the gospel reveals many indications of it. In Numbers 6:24 , Numbers 6:27 , the "name" of God is put upon the children of Israel in a triple formula. A name suggests what we know of the person named. The "name" of God is what he has revealed concerning himself (cf. Exodus 34:5-7 ; Psalms 20:1 ). The threefold benediction of Numbers 6:24 (cf. Isaiah 6:3 ; Revelation 4:8 ) answers to the apostolic benediction of 2 Corinthians 13:14 . And Jacob's solemn blessing of his grandsons in a threefold name of God, answers to the formula of Christian baptism ( Matthew 28:19 ) into (εἰς) the name of the Trinity; while the word "bless," being in the singular, points to the unity of the Godhead. Whether the distinction of the Persons was known to Jacob matters little to us, if we believe that" these things were written for our learning." His prophetic blessing speaks to us of Fatherhood, Sanctification, Redemption, the blessings which we refer to the three Persons. The order of the two last is different from that which we usually observe; but cf. 1 Corinthians 1:30 . "God before whom my fathers did walk." The well-spring of all grace and source of all blessing. Of his own inherent love, caring for us ( 1 Peter 5:7 ). His purpose, that we should rejoice in hope ( Romans 12:12 ); having communion with him here ( Philippians 4:6 , Philippians 4:7 ), the foretaste of eternal joy. Creation the proof of this good will ( Psalms 19:1 ). The infinity of his power, and minuteness of his care. The application of this to us ( Matthew 10:29-31 ). The Bible and nature agree in declaring God's fatherhood. On this rests the call to walk before him ( Genesis 17:1 ; Malachi 1:6 ), which can be obeyed only through belief of his fatherhood and love ( Romans 8:3 ). Therefore he gives the spirit of adoption ( Romans 8:15 ), the personal application of the general truth of his love, whereby we realize our position as children by grace ( Titus 3:5 ). "The God which fed me." The Holy Ghost imparts to men the bread of life.

1. Historically . By his agency the eternal Son became incarnate to give his flesh as the living bread.

2. Practically . By his power we are fed. Christ's work is applied to our conscience ( John 16:14 ); we receive the food of our souls. This is the way of sanctification. It cannot be enforced by rules or penalties. However these may constrain outward observance, they cannot bring about the surrender of the will, the desire "Thy will be done," which is the principle of holiness. "The angel which redeemed me from all evil." Reminded of Psalms 91:11 , and probably some such idea was in Jacob's mind. But there is a foresight of Christ, the Angel of the covenant ( Malachi 3:1 ), in whom God's name is ( Exodus 23:20 ); of a redemption going far beyond earthly danger; "all evil" From sin and all its fruits of sorrow Christ redeemed us ( Romans 6:14 ; Galatians 3:18 ). Jacob, from his own experience, knew that "God is faithful." To us, a wider view of deliverance is given. And the pledge of God's faithfulness is Romans 8:32 ; and the assurance that it gives us 1Jn 6:2.— M .