Exploring the Hebrew Riches of the Benediction
Exploring the Hebrew Riches of the Benediction
God’s words do things. When God blesses you, you are blessed.
The Aaronic or Priestly Blessing is one of the most ancient benedictions in the world. It has been spoken to the people of God for over three thousand years. In many churches, these words conclude every Sunday service as the pastor speaks them over the congregation.
These words originated in heaven, with the LORD, who gave them to Moses, who in turn passed them to Aaron and his sons, who were told, “Thus shall you bless the people of Israel; you shall say to them,
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 face upon you and give you peace” (Num. 6:22-26).
God then added this highly significant explanation, “So shall they [that is, the priests] put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them” (6:27). In Hebrew, that last phrase is better translated, “I myself will bless them,” since the pronoun “I” is emphatic. So even though we call it the “Aaronic blessing” or “Priestly Blessing,” it is more appropriately named the “LORD’s Blessing.” Those who speak it are merely the human mouthpiece of God.
Even in English, the words of this blessing are rich and beautiful, but in Hebrew, they take on added depth and color.
First, check out the structure, which is both simple and strong.
- The first line in Hebrew is 3 words, the second 5 words, the third 7 words.
- The first line has 15 Hebrew letters, the second 20 letters, the third 25 letters.
- And, most obviously, the divine name YHWH is repeated three times.
- Also, if we include vs. 27, the opening and closing words are both “bless.”
As the benediction is spoken, word by word, line by line, there is an escalation, a buildup of blessing.
When these words are spoken over the people of God, what is he doing? There are a total of six actions: he blesses and keeps; he shines and is gracious; he lifts up and gives peace.
By faith we receive divine blessings, but faith is simply the empty hand into which the Lord puts his blessing.
The “and” between each of these, however, might also be translated as “so that.” That is, God blesses us so that we are kept safe; he shines his face on us so that we receive grace; he lifts up his face on us so that we receive peace.
Here is a brief look at the Hebrew of each of these actions:
- Bless in Hebrew is barak (ברך). When God blesses, he does not merely wish good fortune upon people. He bestows good. The blessing actualizes what is uttered. It is powerful, dynamic, and electrifyingly vivacious in its authority.
- To “keep” is shamar (שׁמר). It can also mean watch over or guard. When these words of blessing are spoken, picture God erecting a wall of divine protection around us, guarding us from every evil of body and soul.
- To “make his face shine” is a common Hebrew expression that means God will not hide his face from us or glare at us with a gloomy countenance but his face will beam the light of grace into our lives, just as the shining face of Jesus beamed atop the Mount of Transfiguration (Matt. 17:2), showing he is the LORD in the flesh.
- To “be gracious” in Hebrew is chanan (חנן). The bright face of the LORD shines undeserved grace into our lives—grace given repeatedly to Israel and grace given fully and freely in the gift of Jesus. His life preaches grace; his crucifixion shouts it; and his resurrection trumpets it forth so that it echoes from the highest heaven to the deepest depths of Sheol.
- To “lift up the face” is another common Hebrew expression, similar to “make his face shine.” Some scholars explain it to mean that God smiles upon us. He does not just look, gaze, or even peer at us with interest. His face erupts in a heavenly smile. The Father is grinning ear to ear in delight over the children he is blessing.
- To “give peace” is to bestow Shalom (שָׁלוֹם), which is not only liberation from all danger and evil but also the gift of wholeness, peace, deliverance, and salvation. If you want to know what Shalom looks like, just look at Jesus. He is our Shalom in the flesh.
The summary result of this benediction is that God’s name is placed upon his people, and they are thus blessed (Num. 6:27). The threefold speaking of the divine name puts that name upon us. God’s name is his presence, his person, his grace and power and mercy. It is analogous to when we are baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19).
God’s words do things. Just as in creation, his “Let there be” brought forth all things, so his words still accomplish reality. When God blesses you, you are blessed. End of discussion. The Lord isn’t waiting for you to do your part. There is no “part” for you to do. Some might say, “Well, but we have to believe it.” Yes, by faith we receive divine blessings, but faith is simply the empty hand into which the Lord puts his blessing.
Now, with more clarity and a deeper understanding, hear this blessing again, the blessing that the Father gives us in Jesus the Messiah through the power of the Spirit:
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 face upon you and give you peace.
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