(by pastor Jean)

This beautiful blessing was given by God to Moses for Aaron and the priests to bless the children of Israel. This blessing is still as powerful today as it was some 3,400 years ago. “The Lord bless you and keep you” (v24). The Hebrew word for bless is “barak” and it means to kneel in order to bestow favour and well-being on a person. The word “keep” is often translated as protect or guard. “The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you” (v25). When God’s face is shining on you it is as if He is smiling at you. He is looking at you with pleasure and favour. Being gracious is bestowing goodness and kindness. “The Lord lift up His countenance on you” (v26) Countenance can mean presence and suggests God’s attention, approval and delight and it results in peace (v 26) (shalom), completeness, wholeness, soundness (the Amplified Bible adds “tranquility of heart and life continually.) “The verse following this amazing blessing is often missed, “So they will put My name on the children of Israel, and then I will bless them” (Num 6:27; NKJV). This means that every time this blessing is prayed over us God’s name becomes a part of us – in other words, we receive all God’s authority, character and power in addition to His blessing! So, if you’re having a bad day today remember that God is smiling at you. He approves of you. He loves you. He wants to extend His grace to you. “Surely goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life “(Ps 23:6).