6448. And blessed them; every one according to his blessing he blessed them. That this signifies predictions as to the spiritual life, of what would happen to each one in such a state, is evident from the signification of “blessing,” as being prediction (see n. 6230, 6254); and from the signification of “every one according to his blessing he blessed them,” as being what would happen to each one. That it is as to the spiritual life of each one in such a state, is plain from all that has been said in this chapter of the sons of Israel or the tribes named from them; for by them are described all states of the church as to goods and truths, thus as to the spiritual life of everyone within the church.

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.”