◄ Numbers 6:26 ►
may the LORD lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.'
Study Bible
The LORD
The term "LORD" in this verse is a translation of the Hebrew name "YHWH" or "Yahweh," which is the personal name of God revealed to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). This name signifies God's eternal existence and His covenantal faithfulness to His people. In the context of Numbers 6:26, it emphasizes the personal and relational nature of God, who is actively involved in the lives of His people. The use of "LORD" here reminds us of God's sovereignty and His role as the ultimate authority and protector of Israel.

turn His face
The phrase "turn His face" is a Hebrew idiom that signifies God's attention and favor. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the face was often associated with presence and favor. When God "turns His face" toward someone, it indicates His approval, blessing, and the granting of His presence. This is a powerful image of divine favor, suggesting that God is not distant or indifferent but is actively engaged and benevolent toward His people.

toward you
The word "you" is personal and direct, indicating that God's blessings are not just for the community as a whole but for each individual within it. This personal aspect of the blessing underscores the intimate relationship between God and His people. It reassures believers that they are known and loved by God on a personal level, and that His blessings are meant for them individually.

and give you peace
The Hebrew word for "peace" is "shalom," which encompasses more than just the absence of conflict. It refers to a state of completeness, wholeness, and well-being. In the biblical context, "shalom" includes prosperity, health, security, and harmony with God and others. This blessing of peace is a holistic one, promising not only external tranquility but also internal contentment and spiritual fulfillment. It reflects God's desire for His people to live in a state of harmony and well-being, both in their relationship with Him and with each other.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal presence and faithfulness to His people.

2. Aaron and His Sons
The priests who were instructed to bless the Israelites with this benediction, serving as mediators between God and the people.

3. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, recipients of the blessing, representing the community of believers.

4. The Wilderness
The setting where the Israelites received the Law and the priestly blessings, symbolizing a place of testing and divine provision.

5. The Priestly Blessing
A divinely ordained blessing given to the Israelites, encapsulating God's favor and peace.
Teaching Points
Understanding God's Countenance
God's countenance represents His favor and attention. When God "lifts up His countenance," it signifies His approval and blessing upon His people.

The Gift of Peace
The peace mentioned here is not merely the absence of conflict but a holistic well-being that encompasses spiritual, emotional, and physical aspects.

The Role of Priestly Blessing
The priestly blessing serves as a reminder of God's desire to bless His people and the importance of intercessory prayer and blessing in the community of faith.

Living in God's Peace
Believers are called to live in the peace that God provides, trusting in His provision and presence in all circumstances.

Reflecting God's Favor
As recipients of God's favor, Christians are encouraged to reflect His love and peace to others, becoming conduits of His blessing in the world.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the meaning of God's countenance enhance your perception of His relationship with you?

2. In what ways can you actively seek and maintain the peace of God in your daily life?

3. How can the practice of blessing others, as seen in the priestly blessing, be incorporated into your personal or communal prayer life?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to reflect God's favor and peace to those around you?

5. How do the connections between Numbers 6:26 and New Testament passages deepen your understanding of God's peace through Christ?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 4:6-8
This passage echoes the theme of God's countenance bringing peace and security, highlighting the personal and communal aspects of divine blessing.

Philippians 4:7
The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, is a New Testament parallel to the peace mentioned in Numbers 6:26, emphasizing the continuity of God's peace through Christ.

John 14:27
Jesus' promise of peace to His disciples connects to the peace given by God in the Old Testament, showing the fulfillment of divine peace through Christ.

2 Corinthians 13:11
Paul's exhortation to live in peace and the God of love and peace will be with them reflects the ongoing presence of God's peace in the life of believers.

Hebrews 13:20-21
The benediction in Hebrews mirrors the priestly blessing, focusing on God's equipping and peace for His people.
Sermons
The Benediction Through the PriestsD. Young Numbers 6:22-26
The BenedictionW. Binnie Numbers 6:22-27
The Priestly BlessingE.S. Prout Numbers 6:22-27
A Comprehensive BenedictionR. Ferguson, LL. D.Numbers 6:23-26
Brightness to be RenewedChristian CommonwealthNumbers 6:23-26
Buoyant in the Favour of GodH. W. Beecher.Numbers 6:23-26
God's Favour the Comfort of the SoulT. Burroughs.Numbers 6:23-26
Israel Blest and KeptJ. C. Philpot.Numbers 6:23-26
Peace with GodJoseph Cook.Numbers 6:23-26
The Blessing of the High PriestSpurgeon, Charles HaddonNumbers 6:23-26
The Divine Blessing and KeepingSpurgeon, Charles HaddonNumbers 6:23-26
The Golden BlessingR. E. Sears.Numbers 6:23-26
The Pastor's Wish and PrayerR. Ferguson, LL. D.Numbers 6:23-26
The Priestly BlessingW. Jones.Numbers 6:23-26
The Priestly BlessingHenry, MatthewNumbers 6:23-26
The Threefold BlessingDean Law.Numbers 6:23-26
People
Aaron, Israelites, Moses, Naziriteship
Places
Sinai
Topics
Appoint, Approval, Countenance, Face, Lift, Lord's, Peace, Resting
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 6:26

     8117   discipleship, benefits

Numbers 6:22-26

     6703   peace, divine OT

Numbers 6:22-27

     5042   name of God, significance

Numbers 6:23-27

     8638   benedictions

Numbers 6:24-26

     1335   blessing

Numbers 6:25-26

     1210   God, human descriptions
     5150   face

Library
Separation to God.
NUMB. VI. 1-21. THE INSTITUTION OF THE ORDER OF NAZARITES. The first twenty-one verses of Numb. vi. give us an account of the institution and ordinances of the order of Nazarites. And let us note at the outset that this institution, like every other good and perfect gift, came from above; that GOD Himself gave this privilege--unasked--to His people; thereby showing His desire that "whosoever will" of His people may be brought into closest relationship to Himself. It was very gracious of GOD to permit …
James Hudson Taylor—Separation and Service

Tenth Day. Holiness and Separation.
I am the Lord your God, which have separated you from other people. And ye shall be holy unto me, for I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from other people that ye should be Mine.'--Lev. xx. 24, 26. 'Until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth himself unto the Lord, he shall be holy.... All the days of his separation he is holy unto the Lord.'--Num. vi. 5, 8. 'Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered without the …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Of the Duties which we are to Perform after Receiving the Holy Communion, Called Action or Practice.
The duty which we are to perform after the receiving of the Lord's Supper is called action or practice, without which all the rest will minister to us no comfort. The action consists of two sorts of duties:---First, Such as we are to perform in the church, or else after we are gone home. Those that we are to perform in the church are either several from our own souls, or else jointly with the congregation. The several duties which thou must perform from thine own soul are three:--First, Thou must …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

These Things, My Brother Aurelius, Most Dear unto Me...
38. These things, my brother Aurelius, most dear unto me, and in the bowels of Christ to be venerated, so far as He hath bestowed on me the ability Who through thee commanded me to do it, touching work of Monks, I have not delayed to write; making this my chief care, lest good brethren obeying apostolic precepts, should by lazy and disobedient be called even prevaricators from the Gospel: that they which work not, may at the least account them which do work to be better than themselves without doubt. …
St. Augustine—Of the Work of Monks.

The Worship of the Synagogue
One of the most difficult questions in Jewish history is that connected with the existence of a synagogue within the Temple. That such a "synagogue" existed, and that its meeting-place was in "the hall of hewn stones," at the south-eastern angle of the court of the priest, cannot be called in question, in face of the clear testimony of contemporary witnesses. Considering that "the hall of hew stones" was also the meeting-place for the great Sanhedrim, and that not only legal decisions, but lectures …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Peace
Grace unto you and peace be multiplied. I Pet 1:1. Having spoken of the first fruit of sanctification, assurance, I proceed to the second, viz., Peace, Peace be multiplied:' What are the several species or kinds of Peace? Peace, in Scripture, is compared to a river which parts itself into two silver streams. Isa 66:12. I. There is an external peace, and that is, (1.) (Economical, or peace in a family. (2.) Political, or peace in the state. Peace is the nurse of plenty. He maketh peace in thy borders, …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Gen. xxxi. 11
Of no less importance and significance is the passage Gen. xxxi. 11 seq. According to ver. 11, the Angel of God, [Hebrew: mlaK halhiM] appears toJacob in a dream. In ver. 13, the same person calls himself the God of Bethel, with reference to the event recorded in chap. xxviii. 11-22. It cannot be supposed that in chap xxviii. the mediation of a common angel took place, who, however, had not been expressly mentioned; for Jehovah is there contrasted with the angels. In ver. 12, we read: "And behold …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Covenanting a Privilege of Believers.
Whatever attainment is made by any as distinguished from the wicked, or whatever gracious benefit is enjoyed, is a spiritual privilege. Adoption into the family of God is of this character. "He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power (margin, or, the right; or, privilege) to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."[617] And every co-ordinate benefit is essentially so likewise. The evidence besides, that Covenanting …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Prayer
But I give myself unto prayer.' Psa 109: 4. I shall not here expatiate upon prayer, as it will be considered more fully in the Lord's prayer. It is one thing to pray, and another thing to be given to prayer: he who prays frequently, is said to be given to prayer; as he who often distributes alms, is said to be given to charity. Prayer is a glorious ordinance, it is the soul's trading with heaven. God comes down to us by his Spirit, and we go up to him by prayer. What is prayer? It is an offering …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Annunciation to Zacharias of the Birth of John the Baptist.
(at Jerusalem. Probably b.c. 6.) ^C Luke I. 5-25. ^c 5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judæa [a Jewish proselyte, an Idumæan or Edomite by birth, founder of the Herodian family, king of Judæa from b.c. 40 to a.d. 4, made such by the Roman Senate on the recommendation of Mark Antony and Octavius Cæsar], a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course [David divided the priests into twenty-four bodies or courses, each course serving in rotation one week in the temple …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Things to be Meditated on as Thou Goest to the Church.
1. That thou art going to the court of the Lord, and to speak with the great God by prayer; and to hear his majesty speak unto thee by his word; and to receive his blessing on thy soul, and thy honest labour, in the six days past. 2. Say with thyself by the way--"As the hart brayeth for the rivers of water, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, even for the living God: When shall I come and appear before the presence of God? For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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