““Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,” Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the way you shall bless the Israelites. Say to them: The Lord bless you, and keep you [protect you, sustain you, and guard you]; The Lord make His face shine upon you [with favor], And be gracious to you [surrounding you with lovingkindness]; The Lord lift up His countenance (face) upon you [with divine approval], And give you peace [a tranquil heart and life].’ So Aaron and his sons shall put My name upon the children of Israel, and I will bless them.””
Numbers 6:22-27 AMP
One of my most cherished memories is the voice of Pastor Olen singing the Aaronic Blessing at the conclusion of almost every service at Shady Grove. In fact, if I close my eyes, I can hear him in my mind and a feeling of peace falls over me like a warm blanket on this icy Texas day.
Also referred to as the Priestly Blessing or the Aaronic Benediction, the words infuse the receiver with peace, hope, and strength. It is regularly sung or quoted at the end of religious services among many faiths – Catholic, Lutheran, Protestant, and Jewish – and refocuses the listener on the the power of G-d to sustain, guide, and provide.
A Benediction by definition is the utterance or bestowing of a blessing, especially at the end of a religious service; it is a devout or formal invocation of blessedness.
The Aaronic Benediction / Priestly Blessing is considered by many scholars as the highest form of blessing because it comes from G-d Himself. He instructed Aaron through Moses on exactly what to say.
Additionally, the Priestly Blessing is often accompanied by a specific hand-shape – it may look familiar to you Trekies*. The hand-shape forms the Hebrew letter “Shin” which is also the symbol for Shaddai, a Hebrew name of G-d. According to several articles I read, the hand-shape is also symbolic of a lattice or window through which the Divine Presence of G-d would shine onto the heads of those receiving. Other articles advise that it is customary to not look directly at the hands of the person speaking the blessing because the words and the shape of G-d’s name on the hands is too holy to behold – so holy that the one pronouncing the blessing will often cover their heads completely so that only their hands could be seen.
However it’s spoken, however it’s sung, whether you see the hands or you look away, the Priestly Blessing / Aaronic Benediction is powerful because the words uttered are the very words of G-d spoken from Him, through His priest, to and over us, His people.
Fortunately I don’t have to wait for a service or for someone else to receive it. The Aaronic Benediction is His utterance of blessing over you and over me today. May I have the courage to impart the power and gift of this blessing to another.
Father – thank You for Your words of hope and blessing. Thank You for words that sustain. Guide me and use me I pray. You are good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Daily Reading: Numbers 5-6
Resources:
* https://www.startrek.com/news/live-long-and-prosper-jewish-history-month