February 10, 2025 - Numbers 5-8

Instruction regarding uncleanness, confession and restitution, adultery, the Nazirites and their vow, offerings at the tabernacle, offerings at the tabernacle’s dedication, the seven lamps, and cleansing and retirement of the Levites.  Included in this material were instructions for blessing the people of Israel.  I suspect that most of us, though familiar with this blessing, do not think of it as being found in the book of Numbers.  It goes like this:

“The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them,

            The Lord bless you and keep you;

            The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;

            The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them’” (6:22–27).

I read that the earliest archaeological discovery containing the covenant name of God (Yahweh) in Jerusalem is a silver amulet conatining this priestly blessing.  It was found in a Judean tomb dating to the seventh or sixth century B.C.  Our God has been blessing his people and has shown grace to his people for a long time, hasn’t he?

God of mercy, God of grace,

show the brightness of Your face.

Shine upon us, Savior, shine;

fill Your world with light divine;

all Your saving health extend

unto the earth's remotest end.

Let the people praise You, Lord;

by all living things adored.

Let the nations shout and sing

glory to their gracious King;

at Your feet their tribute pay,

and Your holy will obey.   --Henry Francis Lyte (1834)