Significance of the Aaronic blessing

The blessing is structurally beautiful, and its text is rich. The blessing forms a crescendo. The first line begins with three words, then the second line elevates to 5 words, and then the final line has seven words. The blessing reaches its climax at the shalom (peace). The emphasis of the blessing is clearly upon God. They are told three times to invoke the name of God. One mention of His name would suffice, but the priestly repetition of His name centres the blessing upon the character of God.

The Lord bless you and keep you. "Bless" (Hebrew, Barach)

Its meaning includes “to bless, kneel, salute, or greet.” In the Old Testament, it means “to endue with power for success, prosperity, fecundity, longevity, etc.” Barach can also mean to praise or adore. The Lord adores me!? Praises me!? What a thought!

"Keep" (Hebrew, Shamar) means "to guard or protect." This often-used word carries the basic idea, “exercise great care over.” This sort of care can be physical, but God is primarily concerned with the spiritual. When we follow our Shepherd, we’re guarded from things that could threaten our salvation. It’s closely connected with keeping a covenant with God and observing His law. It’s also the word used when the Bible talks about shepherds keeping a flock. Psalm 23 gives a very personal view of this relationship between sheep and Shepherd.

The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The word "shine" (Hebrew or) means "to shed light" or "illuminate." When God’s face is shining on us, His attention is on us with a purpose and direction. The Hebrew word for gracious is hanan and “depicts a heartfelt response by someone who has something to give to those in need.” It’s often used of God and is “an action from a superior to an inferior who has no real claim for gracious treatment.”

The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. The word for countenance is the same word as “face” in the previous verse. “Lift up” comes from the word nasa. It has three main meanings: to lift up anything, to bear or carry (especially guilt for sin), and to take away (often to remove sin). The Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament states that the phrase “lift up one’s face/countenance” is “an indication of a good conscience, confidence, favour, or acceptance.” Here in the Blessing, the most apparent meaning for this phrase is that God accepts us.

The Hebrew word for peace is shalom. It is deeper than peace as an absence of strife or a simple greeting. Shalom involves “the idea of unimpaired relationships with others and fulfilment in one’s undertakings.” “Completeness, wholeness, harmony, fulfilment are closer to the meaning” of shalom than our English word “peace” is.

As those who believe Jesus Christ is the Messiah, we have a unique and more comprehensive blessing to share with fellow believers. Paul pronounced this blessing on the Corinthians: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you. (2Co 13:13)

Application Question:

What fresh insight have you learned from the Aaronic blessing, and how can it make a difference in your life?

Quote:

Jesus is moved to happiness every time He sees that you appreciate what He has done for you. Grip His pierced hand and say to Him, "I thank Thee, Savior, because Thou has died for me." Thank Him likewise for all the other blessings He has showered upon you from day to day. It brings joy to Jesus.” -Ole Hallesby.

Prayer:

Lord, I thank You for Your blessing. Thank You that You are the God who blesses me by keeping me and being gracious to me and giving me Your peace. Amen.