"The Lord 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." Numbers 6:24-26
In pronouncing God's favor on the people, the priest was to use a formula for blessing. This beautiful blessing may be only a model, as the so-called "Lord's Prayer" is a model for prayer, but its purpose is clear; it communicates the desire of the LORD to invest His people with His name. The name of the Lord is tantamount to the lord Himself so that this blessing becomes a petition that God might live among his people and meet all their needs. He alone can bless His people, keep them, look on them with favor (make His face shine and turn His face toward them), be gracious to them, and give them peace.
- the Bible Knowledge Commentary
Today we have a High Priest who is so much greater than this earthly priest. "Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4:14-15)
What does this look like for us? We need only to draw near: "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)
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