The Priestly Blessing

When Yahweh redeemed the people of Israel from Egypt, He asked Moses to dedicate the sons of Levi for service in the Tabernacle. Aaron and his sons were specially consecrated and anointed to minister as priests. One of the crucial roles God gave these priests was the blessing of the children of Israel. Through the priestly declarations specified in Numbers 6:22-27, they invoked God's blessings upon the entire nation. Having asked God to make us blessings, let us proceed to see how this priestly blessing, famous in benedictions and sang in Elevation Worship’s song, The Blessing, applies to us in the dispensation of grace.

God's original intent was for the entire nation of Israel to be consecrated as a kingdom of priests to Him. However, after they carved and worshipped idols at Mount Sinai, only the tribe of Levi promptly repented and followed Moses' instruction to kill the idol worshippers. So, Moses declared that the Levites had consecrated themselves to the Lord's service by this act. The remaining tribes could not partake in the sacred services related to the sacrifices and worship in the Tabernacle. Moreover, other nations who had no share in God's covenant with Israel could never access this privilege.

Thank God that Christ fulfilled the requirement of Moses' Law and instituted a new covenant with better promises. As Paul wrote in his letter to the Ephesians: "Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death." (2:14-16). Now, by faith in Christ, we are God's covenant people too and we have been made royal priests to the Lord.

But even in the Old covenant, there appeared to be exemptions to this special arrangement. In 2 Samuel 6, we find that David performed some priestly duties though He was from tribe of Judah. When the ark of the Lord was being returned from Obed-Edom's house to the City of David, the king was reported to be wearing a linen ephod - a priestly garment. When the ark had been set in the tabernacle that David had erected, "David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord. And when David had finished offering burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord of hosts." (2 Samuel 6: 17-18). Was this not a reserved role of the priests? Clearly, David had an advanced revelation of God that made Him relate with God in an uncommon way in the Old Testament. His writings in the Psalms are replete with truths about Christ and the New Covenant, mysteries which could only have been revealed in the secret place of the Most High.

Another noteworthy act in verse 20 of the same account is: "David returned to bless his household." He acted as a priest over his household and declared blessings upon them. Are we exercising our mandate as royal priests in our homes? Or are we shirking this responsibility to pastors and Sunday School teachers? Though the priests in the Old Testament were mandated to teach Israel the Law, God instructed that His commands are taught in the home too. The Israelites had to talk of them when they sit in the house, walk by the way, lie down and rise up. They had to bind them as signs on their hand and between their eyes and write them on the doorposts (Deuteronomy 6:7-9). Thus, God expected the family heads especially to act as priests in their own home. Should Christian husbands do less in their capacity as head of the household (Ephesians 5:23)? Can we, as seed bearers, do better in this role henceforth?

We have every reason to stand in our priestly role to invoke God's blessings over our lives and families. We must intentionally exercise this privilege that David coveted in his era. We cannot afford to waste the priced opportunity that Christ has freely given us in the Old Testament. Today, the Lord is instructing us too to be careful to bless our households - spouses, children and helps.

We will delve into each of the seven-fold blessings in Numbers 6:24-27 but let's first note that they were invoked primarily through words. Over and again, God has highlighted the essence of our words in this 40-day journey. We must not take our words for granted. When words are deliberately spoken in a solemn and emphatic manner, they cease to be mere words. These statements backed by God's authority are decrees that evoke a heavenly response.

"The Lord bless you". The Hebrew word, '

barak ', translated as 'bless' when used in relation to man means to bring benefit. Thus, the priests were invoking addition, increase, and merits from God unto His people. In the New Testament, we understand that all the benefits and promises of God come to us through Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:3). He has removed the curse of sin and the Law. As the Message Bible renders 2 Corinthians 1:20a, "Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus." Because of what Christ has done, every blessing including children, has been authorized and made ready for implementation. "For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory" (2 Corinthians 1:20, NLT). And as Balak said to Balaam, when God blesses, no man can reverse it (Numbers 23:20).

"The Lord keep you". The Hebrew word, '

shamar ', means to guard, keep, hedge about, mark, observe, preserve, reserve, save or watch. By this declaration, the priests called upon the Lord Himself to secure His people with His watchful eyes (Psalm 32:8, 121:3-5); surround them with the hedge of His presence (Psalm 125:2) and save them from any destruction (Psalm 121:7-8). As Apostle Peter writes, "we are kept by the power of God through faith" (1 Peter 1:5). Jesus also assures us through the eternal life He has given us we are safe in the Father's hands (John 10:28-30).

"The Lord make His face shine upon you". The Hebrew word, 'owr '

translated as shine is literally the break of day. It refers to the glorious kindle from the sun as it rises in the morning. This speaks of the aura of glory that comes upon our lives as the Lord not only looks at us but 'smiles down on us'. In Christ, the enmity between us and God on account of sin has been removed. Now, God's face radiates with joy and glory towards us. As the Almighty smiles on you, can any shadow of sorrow or disappointment remain in your life? As the Sun of Righteousness rises with healing in His wings over you who fears His name, shall you not leap with joy like a calf let out to pasture (Malachi 4:2)?

"[May] the Lord be gracious unto you". The Hebrew word, '

chanan '

translated as gracious also means to bend in kindness, to favour, and to show mercy or lovingkindness. As the Psalmist wrote, God's anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! (30:5) Because of Christ's redemptive work, God's wrath has been appeased. In Christ, we enjoy God's favour as we dwell in the grace and truth that He brought. God's grace and peace is multiplied to us through the knowledge of Christ (2 Peter 1:2).

"The Lord lift up His countenance upon you". This speaks of God setting the focus of His attention on you and turning to face you. It resonates with the previous blessing in which He looks favourably and smiles towards you. By this blessing, we are reminded that God is not unconcerned or forgetful of our situation. He is fully aware and looking to demonstrate His goodness in our lives. He will make an obvious demonstration to the world that we have His approval and support.

"The Lord give you peace". The Hebrew word, '

shalom '

translated peace has several connotations. It means good health, prosperity, wellness, wholeness, rest, safety, and favour. This is the exchange Christ made with you on the cross because the chastisement of our peace [shalom] was upon him (Isaiah 53:5). When He bore your sorrows, grief, troubles, and shame, He secured your rest and peace. He was pierced, whipped, broken, and crushed so that you could be healed and made whole. As you declare this blessing, you claim this comprehensive package of 'shalom' by faith.

Finally, Aaron and His sons were to put Yahweh's name upon the people of Israel so that He could bless them. Beloved, do you know how blessed you are to have the name of the Lord upon your life? There is a great blessing in knowing, trusting, and basing our identity the name of God. As Psalm 9:10 says: "And they who know Your name [who have experience and acquaintance with Your mercy] will lean on and confidently put their trust in You, for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek (inquire of and for) You" (AMPC). Have you placed your trust in the name, Jesus, at whose mention every knee in heaven, on earth and below the earth bows? Have you placed faith in the authority in Jesus' name as you make requests to the Father in agreement (John 14:13, Matthew 18:19-20)?

When David went to bless his household, one person missed out: Michal, the daughter of Saul. As David leaped and whirled before the Lord, she despised him in her heart.

She met the king and said: “How glorious was the king of Israel today, uncovering himself today in the eyes of the maids of his servants, as one of the base fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!” David maintained that he would be even more undignified before the Lord who appointed him as king. "Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death" (2 Samuel 6:23).

In all the cases of barrenness specified in Scripture, this is the only one that was not healed. Sadly, it was on account of dishonouring the very man who could bless her and reverse the situation. May the Lord help us to honour our spouses - both in our hearts and with our expressions - so that we do not impede His blessings. If dishonour shut Michal's womb, I believe honour for our spouses and authorities will pave way for childbirth, fruitfulness and prosperity especially as we declare blessings as royal priests in Christ.

In Psalm 133, David paints a picture of the atmosphere in which God's commands His blessing. He uses the imagery of the anointing of the priest to show the essence of unity and harmony for blessing. The oil ran from Aaron’s head, down his beard to the edge of his garments. Since there was no disconnect in his body, the anointing oil could flow from head to toe. In the same way, the blessings we command in the Lord flow effectively when there is unity and harmony. May we receive grace to cultivate a harmonious atmosphere in our marriages, homes, and society so that these blessings we evoke can affect every facet.