Good morning! I’m glad to welcome you to worship today at Hillcrest Baptist Church.

The word “blessed” is a biblical word, and it has been “hijacked” by our culture. Many say, without understanding or thought to what they are saying, “be blessed” or “bless you”. Many may use the word “bless”, but in most cases they do not fully understand the real significance and meaning behind the word. As Christians we know that we daily experience many blessings from God, but do we understand “THE BLESSING”, what it means to speak a blessing to others?

A blessing, according to Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, is “the act or words of one that blesses,” or “a thing conducive to happiness or welfare.” In the Bible, there are several words that are usually translated as “blessing” or “bless.” The Hebrew word most often translated “bless” is barak, which can mean to praise, congratulate, or salute, and is even used to mean a curse. Genesis 1:22 is the first occurrence, when God blessed the sea creatures and birds, telling them to be fruitful and multiply in the earth. Likewise, in verse 28, God gave the similar blessing to Adam and Eve, adding that they were to exercise dominion over creation.

We find God instructing Moses “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them:

24 “The Lord bless you and keep you;

25 The Lord make His face shine upon you,

And be gracious to you;

26 The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,

And give you peace.”’

27 “So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.”

Today we will see through Number 6:22-27 “THE BLESSING.”