Musing over “bless Israel, and you will be blessed.” What does the Scripture says?
Interesting response I received from Chat GPT and my response to it: ——————- The idea that blessing Israel leads to blessings comes from a biblical promise originally given to Abraham. The key verse often referenced is Genesis 12:3, where God says to Abraham: “*I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.*” (NIV) This promise was given *specifically to Abraham*, but it extends to his descendants, which later include the nation of Israel. Some interpret this verse as a broader principle that those who support Israel (as Abraham’s descendants) will be blessed. *However, the direct wording of the Bible speaks about blessing Abraham, not specifically Israel as a nation.* Later in the Bible, similar themes appear in verses like Numbers 24:9, where Balaam speaks about Israel: “Blessed is everyone who blesses you, and cursed is everyone who curses you.” This strengthens the idea that blessing Israel (at l...