The Priestly Blessing

“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 6:24-26)

 

When God instructed Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel, He did not focus on material wealth, physical prosperity, or earthly comforts. Instead, the blessings He gave were deeply spiritual, addressing the core needs of the human heart. This stands in stark contrast to the "prosperity gospel" mindset, which often emphasizes physical blessings such as wealth, health, or success. The Priestly Blessing in Numbers 6:24-26 reveals that God’s highest concern is not for our outward circumstances but for the inner state of our souls.

In this blessing, God promises:

1.    Security—the assurance of His protection and care.

2.    Favor—the joy of living in His grace and delight.

3.    Peace—the wholeness and serenity that only His presence can provide.

These are blessings that transcend circumstances and remain unshaken in the face of life’s uncertainties. They remind us that true prosperity is found in a life rooted in God’s presence and purpose.

In this profound blessing, God speaks through Moses to Aaron and his sons, giving them the words to pronounce His favor upon the Israelites. These verses are not just poetic; they hold deep truths about the way God interacts with His people. 

 

Let’s explore this blessing by focusing on three elements.

 

1. Blessed for Security (Safety)

 

"The Lord bless you and keep you."

The word "keep" comes from a Hebrew term that conveys the idea of guarding, protecting, and preserving. It is the image of a shepherd watching over his sheep, ensuring their safety from harm. God promises to be our ultimate protector. In a world full of uncertainties, dangers, and trials, God’s blessing ensures that we are secure in His care. He guards our souls, our faith, and our eternal destiny.

 

Psalm 121:7-8: "The Lord will keep you from all harm—He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."

Psalm 91:1-2- "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’"

This verses beautifully emphasize God's watchful care and protection over every aspect of our lives and that God as a safe haven for those who trust in Him.

When God is our protection, there is nothing to fear.

Application:

Place your trust in God’s ability to keep you, even when life feels unstable. Rest in the assurance that He neither slumbers nor sleeps (Psalm 121:4).

 

2. Favored by His Grace (Satisfaction)

 

"The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you."

 

To have God’s face shine on you is to experience His favor, approval, and delight. In ancient cultures, the shining of a king’s face represented his approval and goodwill toward a subject. Likewise, God’s grace is a demonstration of His unmerited favor toward us.

 

When God’s face shines upon us, it means He is pleased with us—not because of what we’ve done, but because of His grace through Christ. His favor brings us satisfaction and joy, knowing we are loved and accepted.

 

God’s grace is not only the unmerited favor that restores us to a relationship with Him, but it also has a profound impact on how we relate to others and the opportunities He opens for us. His grace enables us to walk in divine favor, positioning us to experience blessings in relationships, circumstances, and even in the hearts of those around us. I am reminded of Joseph, who experienced God’s grace, which gave him favour with Potiphar, the keeper of the prison, and eventually Pharaoh. Even in adversity, God’s favour in Joseph’s life caused others to trust and elevate him.

 

Application:

 

Seek God’s presence daily, for in His favor is life (Psalm 30:5). Remember that His grace is sufficient for you, even when you feel undeserving. His favour will cause you to find favour with others, especially with those who hate you. 

3. Peace from His Presence (Serenity)

"The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace."

God "turning His face toward you" implies His full attention and presence. It is the assurance that He is near, that He sees you, and that He is for you. The peace He gives is not the absence of trouble but the presence of His wholeness and serenity in the midst of life’s storms. True peace comes from knowing that God’s eyes are fixed on you and that His plans for you are good. His peace surpasses all understanding and guards our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7). There are many rich people out there but do not have the peace.

 Jesus said in John 14:27 - "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.

The peace Jesus gives is not like the fleeting peace the world offers, which often depends on external circumstances. His peace is rooted in the eternal assurance of God’s presence and promises.

Application:

Invite God’s peace into every situation, surrendering your worries to Him. Rest in the confidence that His presence is with you always.

Reflection Questions:

Security/Safety: Are you trusting God to guard and protect every area of your life?

Favor/Satisfaction: Are you living in the joy of God’s grace and favor, knowing you are deeply loved?

Peace/Serenity: How can you cultivate peace by turning your heart and mind toward God’s presence?