We are in Numbers chapter six with our word for today. בָּרַךְ bless, praise, fill with strength, kneel. It is used 327 times in the Old Testament, 3 times in our chapter. We have looked at our word for today two times already but will again today since it is such an important part of our chapter. Our chapter starts with a specific group of people who want to take a special vow to glorify God. Then our chapter ends with God wanting all of his people to remember just how valuable and important they are to him not just a select group. How does God do this? Let’s look at the 3 uses of our word at the end of our chapter. Numbers 6:22-27 The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus תְבָרֲכ֖וּ [Piel imperfect] you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them, The LORD יְבָרֶכְךָ֥ [Piel imperfect] 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 אֲבָרֲכֵֽם [Piel imperfect] will bless them.” We need the blessings that God lists here: to be cared for by the Lord who watches over us; to have the smile of His face upon us and the riches of His grace given to us; to have Him pay attention to us when we call; and, as the result of these things, to enjoy His peace in our hearts. This is significant that God would set up this practice of blessing his people through his official representatives. God knows that we can easily forget how valuable we are to Him. This was a way to remind the people of God’s love for them. This reminds us of what Jesus did when he was on the earth. Notice God’s heart seen in the actions of the Son of God. Mark 10:13-16 And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. I’ll close with this great passage that reminds us of the spiritual blessings we have being a part of the church of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.
