God Bless

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

The people of Israel had been bivouacked at the foot of Mt. Sinai for almost a year after leaving Egypt. God had blessed them with the gift of the Ten Commandments. Now it was time for them to possess the land promised. The time for action had come when He had Aaron pronounced this five point blessing on them. Though it was specifically for them it is relevant for us.

We, as they, can have confidence knowing God is the source of all blessings. “The Lord bless you.” This is a declaration, not a petition, it is a promise: “I WILL bless you.” “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father….” (Ephesians 1: 17)

God offered His blessing to each of the 2,000,000 in the camp. “The Lord keep you.” The little word “you” is personal. It applied corporately, but it shouts “you.” He still watches over us personally. He knows you, He loves you, and He blesses you.

God is spoken of metaphorically as condescending to bless us. “The Lord to make His face shine on you.” The Hebrew word for “bless” means to kneel down. It is a reference to Him personally blessing every one. 

God acts as a father relating to his child. Lovingly the father lifts his child over his head and the child beams with joy. This pictures God as showering His blessings on us and having great pleasure in blessing us. Likewise, we have pleasure in His blessings. His blessings are defined as being in Jesus. 

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” (Ephesians 1: 3)

God offers peace amid chaos. The Hebrew word “shalom” used to describe this blessing, now is used as a Jewish greeting, means to restore a relationship. As used here shalom is God’s word for wholeness and goodness and total satisfaction in life. This is the abundant life Jesus promised (John 10:10).

Though it speaks of harmony it means more. It speaks of completeness. He wants to be one with us affording fulfillment.

God pays attention to you. “Lift up His countenance on you.” This means He is mindful of you.

You…you…you…you…you…you: It is repeated six times for emphasis — God wants to bless you. 

Pause now and thank Him for His blessings.