Numbers 6:22-27 – The Blessing
The priests are appointed solemnly to bless the people in the name of the Lord. It is part of their work. In this way God gives great comfort and satisfaction to the people, who look upon the priest as God’s mouth to them. Though the priest of himself has no power to bless, yet being commanded by God, the prayer carries with it a promise, and he pronounces it as one having authority with his hands lifted up and his face towards the people. This is a type of Christ’s work, which is to bless us, as our high priest. The last thing Christ does on earth is to bless his disciples, Matt.28:18-20. This is also a pattern for ministers, who dismiss the congregation with a blessing. The same man that God uses to teach and command His people, He uses to bless them; and those that receive God’s Word receive His blessing.
First of all notice that this blessing is personal – it is for each person hearing it to take to themselves. Secondly, it’s interesting that the name Jehovah or the Lord is repeated three times in it each with a different accent in the original. This parallels the New Testament blessing of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14). Thirdly, this blessing teaches us that all good things come from God. It’s like saying, “The Lord love you and cause you to know that He loves you.” If God gives us the assurances of His love and His acceptance of us, this will put gladness into our heart. The fruits of this blessing are protection, pardon, and peace.
God gives the priests permission to use His name in blessing the people, and to bless them as His people, called by His name. God’s name upon them is their honour, their comfort, their safety, and their plea.
Questions
- How is the priest like Christ?
- What things are promised in this blessing?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks for God’s love for you.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.