blessing was far from being a mere expression of good will (Winterbotham). It brought blessing to the one who was blessed. When we use these words today, it is often a formal dismissal or nothing but wishing the congregation good will. But the blessing in the text was more than wishing the people good will. It was a Divine act that was to bless the people. Such blessings were given when Melchizedek blessed Abraham (Genesis 14), when Jacob blessed Pharaoh (Genesis 47:7), and when Jacob blessed his