A Priestly Blessing

The LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:
“‘“The LORD bless you
and keep you;
the LORD make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”’

Numbers 6:22-26 NIV

This priestly blessing begins with seeking God to bless and keep his people. In the Old Testament, God’s blessings generally dealt with what God gave them: many descendants, productive land, good health, and long life. And his keeping referred to his protection of individuals, families, and the nation.

The second line of this blessing seeks for God to shine his face on his people–to look at them with favor. Coupled with that is seeking God to be gracious to his people. These two go hand-in-hand.

The third line asks God to turn his face toward his people–to turn his attention toward them. And, as he did, to grant them peace. Peace was more than protection from enemies. It encompassed well-being and wholeness.

This blessing was also a prayer. As the priest would bless the people, he was also praying for them. Praying that God would bless and keep them, be gracious to them, and give them peace.

I am not a member of the Jewish priesthood. But I am a part of a royal priesthood (1 Pet. 2:5, 9). And I offer this priestly blessing/prayer on behalf of each of you who read this. That our Lord would bless you with every spiritual blessing (Eph. 1:3-14). That he would guard your hearts and minds (Phil. 4:7). That he would be gracious to you (Rom. 8:32). And that he would give you his peace and wholeness (John 14:27).