Patriarchal Blessings: Tribal Assignment
Tagged content
-
Quote
When a man who is of Israel joins the Church, his tribal relationship does not change. For instance, a descendant of Judah would be classed as of the tribe of Judah, a descendant of Benjamin as of the tribe of Benjamin, and so with those of other tribes. Ephraim was blessed with the birthright in Israel, and in this dispensation he has been called to stand at the head to bless the other tribes of Israel.
President Joseph Fielding Smith
.
-
Quote
A declaration of lineage is not a scientific pronouncement or an identification of genetic inheritance. A declaration of lineage is representative of larger and more important things. … This declaration concerns the government of the kingdom of God, not the nature of the blood or the composition of the genes of the person being blessed. ... [A patriarchal blessing] is given under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and should be read and interpreted under the influence of that same Spirit. Dallin H. Oaks, “Patriarchal Blessings,” in Transcript of Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting on The Patriarch (Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, January 2005), 8, 10. 260821
Elder Dallin H. Oaks
.