The Blessing of God

Numbers 6:22-27

• Aaronic/priestly blessing - God's own words of blessing given to Israel
• Bless you - related to kneeling, as a father comes down to a child's level to speak with and comfort them
• Keep you - protection of the flock/hedge of protection
• Face - plural, seeing/experiencing the multi-faceted character and fullness of God
• Gracious - mercy, compassion, favor
• Verse 25 - His fullness brings light, banishing darkness
• Verse 26 - His fullness looking on you (El Roi)
• Peace - shalom - wholeness, completeness, restoration

Individual blessing within a communal context

The blessing is relational, not material

shin - represents Shaddai

Y’varech’cha Adonai v’yeesh’m’reicha.
Yaer Adonai panav eleicha veechooneka.
Yeesa Adonai panav eleicha v’yasem l’cha shalom.