Numbers 6:21-27: a reflection

21“‘This is the law of the Nazirite who vows and of his offering to the LORD for his separation, in addition to that which he is able to afford. According to his vow which he vows, so he must do after the law of his separation.’” 22The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 23“Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘This is how you shall bless the children of Israel.’ You shall tell them, 24‘The LORD bless you, and keep you. 25The LORD make his face to shine on you, and be gracious to you. 26The LORD lift up his face toward you, and give you peace.’ 27“So they shall put my name on the children of Israel; and I will bless them.”

God gives Aaron and his sons the words with which they are to bless the people, and they are among the most beautiful in all of Scripture: The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Three lines, each naming the Lord, each speaking a distinct grace: to be blessed and kept, to receive his shining favor, to be given his peace.

Notice how personal and warm the blessing is. It speaks of God's face shining upon you, of God lifting up his countenance toward you, images of a father looking on a beloved child with delight. This is not a distant deity but a God who turns his face toward his people with favor and grace. And God adds a promise about this blessing: so they shall put my name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them. The blessing marks the people as belonging to God, and God himself stands behind it.

These ancient words are still God's heart toward his people. He desires to bless you and keep you, to turn his shining face toward you with grace, to give you his peace. And in Christ, God has put his name on you, claiming you as his own. Receive this blessing today not as a mere formula but as God's own good will toward you. Let it settle on you: the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you; the Lord give you peace. And carry that blessing to others.

Lord, you gave your people this beautiful blessing, to be blessed and kept, to receive your shining face, to be given your peace. Let these words settle on me as your own good will toward me. Turn your face toward me with grace, put your name on me in Christ, and give me your peace. And help me to speak your blessing over others, that they too may know your favor. Amen.