For over 12 years, Numbers 6:24-26 has been the song that we nightly sing with the girls. Yes, there really is a tune to it, we didn't make it up! It's interesting though to come upon this song in the context of exiting the instruction of Leviticus and entering the Numbering of Israel. It just seems a little out of place and odd to suddenly have Aaron stop and speak such a personal blessing on the People of Israel.
The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His face shine upon you, and give you peace, forever.
In the middle of instructions and counting and warnings and rules and vows, Aaron reminds the Israelites of God's face. Why did God choose this particular moment in time to speak this blessing? Verse 27 says that in so doing, Aaron and his sons will "place my name on the People of Israel." His name. God's face. His smile. A blessing. So personal. Enjoy Him.
Every place where I cause my name to be honored in your worship, I'll be there myself and bless you. Exodus 20:24
In the middle of my days and your days of counting pennies, giving warnings to children, breaking some rules and keeping vows -- God's face is smiling on us. Because His Name is on us. Therefore His Presence is with us. Forever.
1 comment:
It did seem like a random placement of this blessing, but I love it anyway. It's kind of a nice little treat in the midst of all the counting and lists.
A comment from Eugene Peterson about word 'prosper' in 6:26 that I thought was enlightening:
"The word I translated 'prosper' comes from the Hebrew word shalom. In other versions it's translated 'peace.' The word basically means 'wholeness' - the dynamic, vibrating health of an individual or a society that pulses with divinely directed purpose and surges with transforming love...Shalom. It's more than peace as we know it. It's prosperity, in the fullest sense of the word. It's life in all its abundance, which we have brimming over from Christ living inside of us."
Love it.
Blessed Sunday to everyone.
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