Where in the Bible does it say 'May the Lord bless you and keep you'?

The phrase "May the Lord bless you and keep you" is found in the Bible in the book of Numbers, specifically in Numbers 6:24-26. This passage is part of what is commonly referred to as the Aaronic or Priestly Blessing. The full blessing reads as follows:

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." (Numbers 6:24-26, NIV)

This blessing was given by God to Moses with instructions for how Aaron and his sons, the priests, were to bless the Israelites. The context of this blessing is deeply rooted in the identity and nature of God as a compassionate and loving deity who desires the well-being of His people.

The Significance of the Priestly Blessing

The Priestly Blessing is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it is a direct command from God to Moses, emphasizing its divine origin and importance. Secondly, it encapsulates the heart of God's desire for His people: blessing, protection, grace, and peace.

"The Lord bless you and keep you"

This opening line of the blessing is a prayer for God's favor and protection. The word "bless" in Hebrew is "barak," which means to kneel or to praise, indicating a divine favor that comes from God. When we ask for God's blessing, we are asking for His favor and goodness to be upon us. The phrase "keep you" translates from the Hebrew word "shamar," meaning to guard or protect. This implies a divine safeguarding, a watchful care that God extends over His people.

"The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you"

The imagery of God's face shining upon someone is a powerful expression of divine approval and presence. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a shining face was a sign of favor and acceptance. When God’s face shines upon us, it signifies His pleasure and delight in us. The prayer for God to be gracious is a plea for His mercy and kindness. Grace, or "chesed" in Hebrew, is a central attribute of God's character, reflecting His steadfast love and compassion.

"The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace"

To have God turn His face toward you is to have His full attention and favor. This is a deeply personal and intimate gesture, indicating a close relationship between God and the individual. The final part of the blessing asks for peace, or "shalom" in Hebrew. Shalom is more than just the absence of conflict; it encompasses completeness, welfare, and harmony. It is a holistic sense of well-being that comes from being in right relationship with God.

Theological Implications

The Priestly Blessing reveals much about the nature of God and His relationship with humanity. It underscores God's desire to bless and protect His people, to be gracious and merciful, and to grant them peace. These are not just abstract concepts but tangible expressions of God's character and His covenantal love.

God's Desire to Bless

From the very beginning, God's intention has been to bless humanity. In Genesis 1:28, God blessed Adam and Eve, instructing them to be fruitful and multiply. This theme of blessing continues throughout Scripture, culminating in the ultimate blessing of salvation through Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:3 declares, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ."

God's Protective Nature

God's protective nature is a recurring theme in the Bible. Psalm 121:7-8 says, "The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." This assurance of God's protection provides comfort and security, knowing that we are under His watchful care.

God's Grace and Mercy

God's grace and mercy are central to His character. In Exodus 34:6, God describes Himself to Moses as "The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness." This self-revelation highlights God's willingness to forgive and His enduring patience with humanity. The New Testament echoes this in Ephesians 2:8-9, which states, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."

God's Gift of Peace

Peace is a profound gift from God, and it is a central theme in both the Old and New Testaments. Isaiah 26:3 promises, "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." In the New Testament, Jesus Himself is described as the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), and He offers peace to His followers in John 14:27, saying, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Application for Believers Today

The Priestly Blessing is not just a historical artifact but a living prayer that continues to resonate with believers today. It is often used in Christian liturgies, benedictions, and personal prayers, serving as a reminder of God's enduring promises.

Personal Application

For individual believers, this blessing can be a source of daily encouragement and hope. Praying this blessing over oneself and others can reinforce the truth of God's favor, protection, grace, and peace. It is a powerful way to align one's heart and mind with God's will and character.

Community Application

In a communal setting, the Priestly Blessing can foster a sense of unity and shared faith. When spoken over a congregation, it serves as a collective affirmation of God's presence and promises. It can also be a powerful tool for pastoral care, offering comfort and assurance to those in need.

Conclusion

The phrase "May the Lord bless you and keep you" is a profound and timeless expression of God's love and care for His people. Found in Numbers 6:24-26, this Priestly Blessing encapsulates the heart of God's desire for us: to bless, protect, be gracious, and grant peace. As we meditate on these words, may we be reminded of God's unchanging nature and His enduring promises, drawing us closer to Him in faith and trust.