Arcana Coelestia # 1420
1420. And thou shalt be a blessing. That this signifies that all things both in general and in particular are from the Lord, is evident from the signification of “a blessing.” A “blessing” is predicated of all goods; in the external sense, of corporeal, worldly, and natural goods; in the internal sense, of spiritual and celestial goods. “To be a blessing,” is to be the source of all goods, and the giver of all goods. This can by no means be said of Abram, and hence it is evident that by Abram is represented the Lord, who alone is “a blessing.” In like manner in regard to what is said of Abraham hereafter:
Abraham shall surely become a great and numerous nation, and in him shall all the nations of the earth be blessed (Genesis 18:18);
of Isaac:
In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed (Genesis 26:4),
and of Jacob:
In thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed (Genesis 28:14).
That nations cannot be blessed, and are not blessed, in Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and in their seed, but in the Lord, may be seen by everyone. This is clearly said in David:
His name shall endure forever; before the sun shall the name of his son endure; and all nations shall be blessed in him (Psalms 72:17); where the Lord is treated of. Again:
Thou shalt set him for blessings forever (Psalms 21:6); where also the Lord is treated of.
In Jeremiah:
The nations shall be blessed in Him, and in Him shall they glory (Jeremiah 4:2).
From these passages it is now evident that “a blessing” signifies the Lord, and that when He is called “a blessing,” it signifies that from Him are all celestial and spiritual things, which alone are goods; and because they alone are goods, they alone are truths; and therefore in proportion as there are celestial and spiritual goods in natural, worldly, and corporeal ones, in the same proportion these are goods, and are “blessed.”
Psalms 72
1
God, give the king your justice; your righteousness to the royal son.
2
He will judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice.
3
The mountains shall bring prosperity to the people. The hills bring the fruit of righteousness.
4
He will judge the poor of the people. He will save the children of the needy, and will break the oppressor in pieces.
5
They shall fear you while the sun endures; and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.
6
He will come down like rain on the mown grass, as showers that water the earth.
7
In his days, the righteous shall flourish, and abundance of peace, until the moon is no more.
8
He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, from the River to the ends of the earth.
9
Those who dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him. His enemies shall lick the dust.
10
The kings of Tarshish and of the islands will bring tribute. The kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.
11
Yes, all kings shall fall down before him. All nations shall serve him.
12
For he will deliver the needy when he cries; the poor, who has no helper.
13
He will have pity on the poor and needy. He will save the souls of the needy.
14
He will redeem their soul from oppression and violence. Their blood will be precious in his sight.
15
They shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba. Men shall pray for him continually. They shall bless him all day long.
16
Abundance of grain shall be throughout the land. Its fruit sways like Lebanon. Let it flourish, thriving like the grass of the field.
17
His name endures forever. His name continues as long as the sun. Men shall be blessed by him. All nations will call him blessed.
18
Praise be to Yahweh God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds.
19
Blessed be his glorious name forever! Let the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and amen.
20
This ends the prayers by David, the son of Jesse. BOOK III A Psalm by Asaph.
