Blessings From God

 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with this special blessing: ‘May the Lord bless you and protect (guard, keep and watch) you. May the Lord smile on you (make His face shine on you, show you His kindness) and be gracious to (gift, kind, giving favor, have mercy on) you. May the Lord show you His favor (lift up His approving countenances on you, God look you full in the face, watch over you, look with favor on you, or turn His face toward you) and give you His peace (tranquility of heart and life continually).’ Whenever Aaron and his sons bless the people of Israel in My Name, I Myself will bless them” (put or place My Name on them). Numbers 6:22-27 (NLT).

Another famous prayer from Numbers is the blessings of Numbers 6:24-26. This blessing is still used today in Jewish and Christian services to seek God’s divine blessing. Through the centuries, worshipers have found peace and comfort in this brief, simple yet profound prayer in Numbers 6:24-26.

This famous prayer sought health, wealth, fertility, and protection from God. This prayer is repeated in the language of Psalm 67:1, Psalm 121:3-8; Psalm 140:4; and Psalm 141:9 and similar to Jesus’ High Priestly prayer in John 17. These heartfelt prayers are still good models for prayer and for the blessings that God’s people can seek for themselves and others. The entire prayer emphasizes the Lord God as the true Source of all good things (e.g., food, water, health, children, and protection from enemies).

The prayer calls upon the Lord’s blessing by repeating His Name in each request. The repeating of God’s name reminds God’s people of His interest and involvement in their daily lives as the true Source of their blessings. This prayer was one way of asking for God's divine favor, peace, and wholeness to rest upon others. All God’s people need His grace, mercy, and compassion in this world (see also Psalm 31:16; Psalm 80:3, 7, 19).