INTERESTING FACTS : In 1631 an English Bible printer forgot the NOT in one of the Ten Commandments. Here's how his mistake in Exodus 20:14 read: "Thou shalt commit adultry." Because of this colossal goof, the edition became known as The Wicked Bible, and the printer had to pay a large fine.[1]

DAILY READING : [NUMBERS 3 - 4; 5 - 6]

TEXT : Num 6:24 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: Num 6:25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: Num 6:26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Num 6:27 And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.

THEME : THE BLESSING

Passing by several more laws, including the law of a husband''s jealousy and the law of the Nazarite, we come to the Aaronic or priestly blessing. Perhaps this passage in Num. 6: 24 - 27 is among the more well-known verses in the Old Testament. To this day, many services - Christian and Jewish - conclude with this blessing. Certainly it is a beautiful prayer, and one we all long for.

However, for the Christian more is seen than simply a blessing. We see evidence of the Triune nature of God in the repetition of the Name of the Lord. One commentary states -

"This passage records the solemn benediction which God appointed for dismissing the people at the close of the daily service. The repetition of the name "Lord" or "Jehovah" three times, expresses the great mystery of the Godhead - three persons, and yet one God. The expressions in the separate clauses correspond to the respective offices of the Father, to "bless and keep us"; of the Son, to be "gracious to us"; and of the Holy Ghost, to "give us peace." And because the benediction, though pronounced by the lips of a fellow man, derived its virtue, not from the priest but from God, the encouraging assurance was added, "I the Lord will bless them."[2]

On the same subject Albert Barnes writes -

"The structure of the blessing is remarkable. It is rhythmical, consists of three distinct parts, and mounts by gradual stages to that peace which forms the last and most consummate gift which God can give His people. From a Christian point of view, and comparing the counterpart benediction of 2Co_13:14, it is impossible not to see shadowed forth the doctrine of the Holy Trinity (compare Isa_6:3; Mat_28:19). And the three several sets of terms correspond fittingly to the office of the Three Persons in Their gracious work for the redemption of man.

• Num_6:24

The Lord bless thee, and keep thee - The second clause here, as in the other three verses, defines more closely the general tenor of the preceding one. The singular number, which is observed throughout, indicates that the blessing is conferred on Israel "collectively."

• Num_6:25

Make his face shine - This is an enhancement of the preceding benediction. "The face of God" imports not merely God''s good will in general, but His active and special regard. With the "face" or "eye of the Lord accordingly is connected alike the judicial visitation of the wicked. Psa_34:16, and His mercies to the righteous Psa_4:6.

• Num_6:26

Lift up his countenance upon thee - i. e. especially direct His thought and care toward thee: compare 2Ki_9:32, and similar phrases in Gen_43:29; Gen_44:21. Through such loving providence alone could the peace of God in which the blessing closes be given.

• Num_6:27

Put my name upon the children of Israel - i. e. pronounce My Sacred Name over them in blessing them. God will give effect to the benediction pronounced by the priests."

Thus, we see the blessing of the Lord - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

TRUTH FOR TODAY : WHEN GOD BLESSES, NO MAN CAN ALTER IT!

All of us desire the blessing of the Lord. We want our lives to have that element of joy and peace that neither Man nor this world can supply. The Bible has much to say regarding the blessing of God, but one interesting verse is found in the Book of Proverbs. It says -

"The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it." [Pro 10:22]

Here it is inferred that one can have a "blessing" that proves to be more of a burden than a source of joy and peace. This is in nature what Jesus meant when He said -

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." [Joh 14:27]

Jesus tells us there is a "peace" the world gives that is different than His peace. The world''s "peace" is fleeting, dependent on circumstances, outward in origin, and often - brief. By contrast, Jesus peace is eternal, dependent on God, inward in origin, and lasting. In a similar way, the blessing of God is the same. This world offers blessings of sorts, but they have the same shifting foundation as the world''s peace. Money, fame, sensuality, dependence on Man, achievements, gifts etc. though they make one happy for a period of time, never last. People are always looking for the next "blessing."

However, God''s blessing is not only satisfying, fulfilling, and pleasing, but it also cannot be altered by Man. For those whose blessing comes from this world, they are subject to the ever changing character and whimsical nature of Man and the course of this world. Not so with God. No one can stop what He initiates.

Even king Nebuchadnezzar, after being humbled for a season with temporary insanity, came to realize there none like the Lord. Neither can anyone stop what He commands. The Scripture records his words once he returned to his senses -

"And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?" [Dan 4: 34 - 35]

No one can alter a decree of God. Therefore, let us seek his blessing through faith in His Word. Therefore, let us all "taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him." [ Psa 34:8]