To value something means to attach honor to it. In fact, this is the meaning of the verb "to bless." In Hebrew, the word bless literally means "to bow the knee." This word was used in showing reverence, even awe, to an important person. Now, this doesn't mean that in order to bless a person we are to stand back, fall to our knees, and bow before that person in awe! Nonetheless, words of blessing should carry with them the recognition that this person is valuable and has redeeming qualities. In the Scriptures, recognition is based on who they are, not simply on their performance.

In blessing his son, Isaac says, "Surely, the smell of my son/Is like the smell of a field/Which the LORD has blessed … Let people serve you,/And nations bow down to you" (Gen. 27:27-29). That pictures a very valuable person! Not just anybody merits having nations bow down to him!

As you may have noticed, Isaac uses a word picture to describe how valuable his son is to him. ("The smell of my son is like the smell of a field which the LORD has blessed.") Word pictures are a powerful way of communicating acceptance. In the Old Testament, word pictures were a key to communicating to a child, a spouse, or a friend a message of high value—a key element in establishing safety.

© Copyright 2005 Smalley Relationship Center

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