Num. 6:24-26
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace."
After the camp had been organized, positioned properly, and cleansed of uncleanness, the blessing of the Lord could be given. Instead of being written as three separate sentences, it was written as one sentence lending cohesiveness and complexity to the blessing.
First, the Lord promises to bless them with abundant harvests, good crops, children, and even His presence in their midst. He will keep them, guarding and protecting them as they go in and take the Land. Their victory over armies and even giants in the land hinged upon God, His words, and His presence in their midst.
First, the Lord promises to bless them with abundant harvests, good crops, children, and even His presence in their midst. He will keep them, guarding and protecting them as they go in and take the Land. Their victory over armies and even giants in the land hinged upon God, His words, and His presence in their midst.
Secondly, the Lord will shine His face upon them. His shining face is related to His favor which could be specifically speaking of their salvation as they embarked upon this conquest since Ps. 80:7 says, "Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved!" Also Ps. 119:135 says, "Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes." Their salvation from the enemies would require instruction from God, instruction that they must willingly receive. This is the promise that His words will be their guide.
Thirdly, the Lord will lift up His countenance upon them and give them peace. The countenance usually refers to the face of a person in its expression. In order for God's face to be focused favorably on them, they would have to be holy and wholly following Him. When all is as it should be, not only will His face shine on them but His countenance will be on them. And for what purpose? Peace. This part of the blessing would be especially meaningful for the Israelites since they were claiming a land that was already inhabited by other people. Knowing that as they waged war God's peace would be their portion had to be such a glorious promise!
The blessing ends with these words, "So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them." His blessing as given by the priests will be like a stamp of ownership. In essence this blessings puts God's name upon His people and is His promise that He will do as He has said He would. What glorious words to have as they face the next part of their journey!
Father,
Keep my heart obedient and teachable as I walk by the Spirit. Let nothing in my life block the shine of Your face and Your countenance from me.
In Jesus name,
Amen
Thirdly, the Lord will lift up His countenance upon them and give them peace. The countenance usually refers to the face of a person in its expression. In order for God's face to be focused favorably on them, they would have to be holy and wholly following Him. When all is as it should be, not only will His face shine on them but His countenance will be on them. And for what purpose? Peace. This part of the blessing would be especially meaningful for the Israelites since they were claiming a land that was already inhabited by other people. Knowing that as they waged war God's peace would be their portion had to be such a glorious promise!
The blessing ends with these words, "So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them." His blessing as given by the priests will be like a stamp of ownership. In essence this blessings puts God's name upon His people and is His promise that He will do as He has said He would. What glorious words to have as they face the next part of their journey!
Father,
Keep my heart obedient and teachable as I walk by the Spirit. Let nothing in my life block the shine of Your face and Your countenance from me.
In Jesus name,
Amen
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