<b>And it came to pass after these things (Gen. 48:1).</b> Scripture states in response to this verse: <i>For such as are blessed of Him shall inherit the land; and they that are cursed of Him shall be cut off</i> (Ps. 37:22). R. Meir said: Every one who blesses Israel is considered to have blessed the Holy Spirit, since it is said: <i>For such as blessed Him</i>. The verse is not written “blessed them” but rather <i>blessed Him</i>. R. Simeon the son of Yohai declared: Every one who assists Israel is considered to be assisting the Holy Spirit, as is said: <i>Curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof, because they came not to help of the Lord</i> (Judg. 5:23). Does the Holy One, blessed be He, actually require assistance? This verse teaches us that one who aids Israel is considered to be aiding the Holy Spirit. R. Ishmael said: You find that righteous men bless their children when they are about to leave this life. That is why Isaac said to Esau: <i>And bless thee before the Lord before my death</i> (Gen. 27:7). Therefore, when Jacob became ill, Joseph took his two sons unto his father so that he might bless them.