Read Numbers 6:22-27

The Priestly Blessing

In 1900, Peter Lutkin rearranged the words of Numbers 6:24-26 and put them to music, concluding the piece with the now-famous sevenfold “Amen.” It is a beautiful and moving work of art.

Aaron and his sons were charged with imparting the Lord’s blessing upon the children of Israel. There are three blessings, perhaps alluding to the three Persons of the Godhead.

“The Lord bless you and keep you” (Numbers 6:24). Throughout the Scriptures we are reminded that blessings come from God. The psalmists in particular were apt to remind us of this fact. James writes, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17). Without question, God is the best gift-giver (Matthew 7:9-11).

“The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you” (Numbers 6:25). It is truly astounding that the Lord bothers Himself with the affairs of men. “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?” (Psalm 8:3-4). In the grand scheme of things, we may feel so insignificant, but in the mind of God, we are His beloved children. What grace He shows to us!

“The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace” (Numbers 6:26). How much does God care for us? Consider the words of the apostle Peter: “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7). He wants to take care of us, to take our burdens away from us, to give us peace!

Are you experiencing the blessings of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit? If you are not actively engaged in worship and service to Him, you cannot answer that question affirmatively. We must humble ourselves to be exalted; we must submit to Him to be blessed. That takes effort.

The Scriptures are clear: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). Are you seeking God today?