“A New Year’s Blessing”
(Numbers 6:22-27)I. Introduction.
A. Four of the first five books of the Bible, the “Pentateuch” or Books of Moses”, have their titles borrowed from the Greek translation of the scriptures called the “Septuagint,”
or the “Seventy.” But one of the five books bears a strictly English title, “Numbers.”1. The book is so-called because of the numbering of
the children of Israel, so often mentioned in the text.
The actual Hebrew title is “In the Wilderness,” from
Numbers 1:1: “Now the Lord spoke to Moses in the
Wilderness of Sinai, . . .”2. Those numbers in the book reflect the fulfillment of
God’s promises to Abraham: “I will make you a
great nation, I will bless you,” (Genesis 12:2) and,
“blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will
multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven
and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your
descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies.”
(Genesis 22:17).
B. Now, Abraham’s descendants stand on the threshold of
entering that “promised land.” They’ve been freed from
slavery in Egypt, have made their way to Sinai, where they
received God’s Law, and, now, are to be led by God into
the homeland prepared for them.1. The journey from Egypt to Canaan could have been
completed in a matter of weeks. Instead, because of
these peoples’ lack of faith, it turned into a journey
of 40 years.-2-
2. One of the purposes of this book was, no doubt, to
remind a new generation of the unbelief of their
predecessors and to call them to faithfulness in their
new land.3. The book of “Numbers” is like a diary, a record,
kept by Moses, of things pertaining to the
wilderness wanderings. (Numbers 33:2).C. Thirteen months after the exodus, God called for a census
to be taken of the Israelites. All men over age of 20, who
were eligible for military service, were counted. This
excluded Tribe of Levi, from which priests were drawn.1. Total number was 603,550. Suggests the total
number of Israelites at that time was 2 to 3 million.2. Tribes were assigned marching positions, and
Levites were given their duties.3. Before march began, laws given about excluding
those considered unclean from camp, making
restitution for sin, and trying a person accused of
marital infidelity. Then, special vow was provided
for anyone wishing to live a consecrated life – a life
set apart for God.4. As the last preparations are made to leave
wilderness of Sinai, there is a “blessing” in
Numbers 6, beginning at verse 22.a. It is the blessing of God, on threshold of
new land and new life, that Aaron and his
sons were to give to children of Israel.b. This passage is called the “Aaronic
“Blessing” (or Benediction) or the
“Priestly Blessing.”
-3-D. As we stand at start of a new year, with unknown before us,
this blessing can be for us as well. As Joshua, 40 years
later, said to the next generation of Israelites as they were
about to finally enter that promised land, it was God, the
God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses, who would lead
them because, “. . . you have not passed this way before.”
(Joshua 3:4).1. Having Aaron and his sons give this blessing to
Israel indicates a loving, merciful God wanted to
bless His people, wanted to direct them on their
journey, wanted them to trust Him as they went.2. God wants us to be blessed, be directed, and trust
Him that same way, today.II. The Priestly Blessing.
A. In the Hebrew language, the blessing consists of only
three (3) lines with three (3) words in the first line,
five (5) in the second, and seven (7) in the third.B. It begins: “The Lord bless you and keep you;” (v. 24).
1. Word “bless” means to confer well-being, or
prosperity. But, promise of such well-being or
prosperity from God is conditional:
(Deuteronomy 28:1-2; READ).2. Failure to meet God’s conditions brought curses,
not blessings.3. Word “keep” means to provide for and care for, to
guard and protect. God is the caregiver, and
protector, of mankind. This blessing gives God the
role of watchman over Israel, and over His people
today, as well.-4-
C. Then, it continues: “The Lord make His face to shine upon
you and be gracious to you;” (v. 25).1. How do you picture God? Do you picture Him as
smiling or scowling? Here He is smiling, He
“make[s] His face to shine upon [people].”2. With the smile comes graciousness, the bestowing
of favor, especially that which is unmerited. This
blessing gives God the role of benefactor to Israel.D. Then, third: “The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
and give you peace.”1. The first expression, again, suggests a smile
(“lift up. .”) Also, it signifies recognition. These
are God’s people. He knows them and they know
Him.2. “Peace”, here, is more than just the absence of
conflict. It is a positive condition of righteousness
and fulfillment; of well-being.3. This “peace” is for the individual who trusts in God.
(Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep him in perfect peace,
whose mind is stayed on You.”).4. This blessing gives God the role of guide for Israel,
and for His people in all generations.E. Watchman; benefactor; guide, this is a blessing of the Lord,
not of the priests. They merely conveyed it to people.III. The Blessing For Us.
A. As we enter upon a new year, may “The Lord bless us and
keep us.”-5-
1. Today, we receive such blessings through Jesus
Christ (Ephesians 1:3: “Blessed be the God and
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us
with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places
in Christ.”).2. Blessings come to those who follow Jesus’
condition, set forth in Matthew 6:33: “But, seek
first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and
all these things shall be added to you.”B. As we enter upon a new year, may “The Lord make His
face to shine upon us, and be gracious to us.”C. As we enter upon a new year, may “The Lord lift up His
countenance upon us, and give us peace.”1. Peace with God is possible, again through Christ
(Romans 5:1: “Therefore, having been justified
by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord
Jesus Christ,).2. God still desires to give us peace, but we must
accept such peace, accept His Son who died for our
spiritual well-being. He is our “High Priest”, just as
Aaron was for physical Israel, the One who brings
God’s blessing to His people.IV. Conclusion.
A. Whatever the new year holds in store for us, we can be
secure “in Christ.” If we want the fulfillment of this
blessing in our lives, Christ must be our High Priest, for it
is through Him that God blesses His people, today.B. Like the Israelites of long ago, “. . . we walk by faith,”
(II Corinthians 5:7). Step out, in faith, this new year. Let
God lead us and bless us.