Daily Reading: Numbers 4-6
The Lord bless you
and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.
Numbers 6:22-26
Footnote:
A blessing was one way of asking for God's divine favor to rest upon others. The ancient blessing in these verses helps us understand what a blessing was supposed to do. Its five parts conveyed hope that God would
1. bless and keep them (favor and protect);
2. make his face shine upon them (be pleased);
3. be gracious (merciful and compassionate);
4. turn his face toward them (give his approval);
5. give peace.
When you ask God to bless others or yourself, you are asking him to do these five things. The blessing you offer will not only help the one receiving it, it will also demonstrate love, encourage others, and provide a model of caring to others.
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All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV.
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