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 6:24-25
This is the prayer to be prayed over the people of God by the spiritually mature elders. Back when it was first instituted it was to be prayed by the High Priest and those appointed to serve the Lord. But the message is worth pondering and worthy of consideration as it is a direct instruction from God to Moses and then Aaron and then to Aaron’s sons who were to serve the people before the Lord, and in the worship practices of the Tabernacle.
What does it mean to have the ‘blessing’ of the Lord? What does it mean to be ‘kept’ by God Himself? What does it mean for God’s face to shine upon us? What does it mean for God’s grace to be poured out to us? What does it mean for God’s face to turn to us? How does God give us peace?
Searching the commentaries this one is simple in its explanation of this blessing.
“The priests were solemnly to bless the people in the name of the Lord. To be under the almighty protection of God our Saviour; to enjoy his favour as the smile of a loving Father, or as the cheering beams of the sun; while he mercifully forgives our sins, supplies our wants, consoles the heart, and prepares us by his grace for eternal glory; these things form the substance of this blessing, and the sum total of all blessings. In so rich a list of mercies worldly joys are not worthy to be mentioned. Here is a form of prayer. The name Jehovah is three times repeated. The Jews think there is some mystery; and we know what it is, the New Testament having explained it. There we are directed to expect the blessing from the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of the Father, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, 2Co 13:14; each of which Persons is Jehovah, and yet they are not three Lords, but one Lord.” Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
We can learn from those who have went before us in deep searching for meaning from the scriptures, but don’t stop there …continue in asking the Holy Spirit to explain and teach you personally on how this scripture is to be applied to your life… today. Remember … the Holy Spirit is to be your MAIN teacher in ALL things.
Could the three references of Jehovah (Lord) be what each portion of the Godhead (Trinity) is to bless us with? The Father’s love keeps us. The Grace of the Lord Jesus saves us. And the Peace of the Holy Spirit is to indwell and immerse us. The depths of knowing Him is a great pursuit and worthy of our entire lives.
I suggest this would be a good blessing to memorize and pray over people personally knowing the depths of the Father’s love for His children. Pray with the inspiration and power of the Holy Spirit. Pray for His Paneh (Face) to be present in your / their midst and turn and ‘shine’ upon them. Why? This prayer was given by God on how to pray a ‘blessing’ over people.