6254. And I will bless them. That this signifies a prediction about good and truth, is evident from the signification of “blessing,” as being prediction (see above, n. 6230), here about good and truth, which are represented by Manasseh and Ephraim. As “to bless” is a very general expression, it signifies various things; that it signifies also a prediction, both about the good things that will happen, and about the evil, is plain in the following chapter, where Israel foretold to his sons what should befall them; to some, evil things, as to Reuben, Simeon, and Levi; and to some, good things, as to Judah and Joseph. This prediction is called a “blessing” in verse 28 of this chapter: “This is what their father spake of them, and blessed them, everyone according to his blessing he blessed them.” That “blessing” denotes prediction, is evident from the words in the first verse of the chapter: “Jacob called his sons, and said, Be ye gathered together, and I will tell you what shall happen to you in the extremity of the days.”