Numbers 6:24-27 “YHVH bless you and keep you: YHVH make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you: YHVH lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.”
This well-known blessing has far more (deeper) meaning than we realize. Each Hebrew word behind the English in this passage is filled with images that are lost in the English words. In order to understand and receive this Blessing it is important to have a better understanding on the specific words used in Numbers 624-27. With the Hebraic understanding of each of these Hebrew words we can better understand the meaning of the Aaronic blessing as it was understood by the Ancient Hebrews. And this enables us to receive the meaning the message in the passage hold and for this reason it comes alive.
YHVH
This is the name of God (Elohiym) – יהוה (Yahuvah) In our culture we use names as simple identifiers, a word with no meaning that identifies an individual (Lord). But, in the Hebrews culture each name was a Hebrew word, or phrase, that has a meaning. In the case of יהוה it is the verb הוה (havah) meaning to “exist” and the prefixed pronoun י (y) meaning “he.” The name יהוה means “He exists.”
It is important to understand, that it is our Creator Elohiym (God) – He is the one blessing us
- Bless (Strong’s #1288) The Hebrews thinking processes were different then our own and no word demonstrates this better than this one. Every word in the Hebrew language was related to an image of action, something that could be sensed (as observed by the five senses – seen, heard, smelled, touched or felt) and in motion. The word bless however, is a purely abstract word which cannot be sensed or in motion. In order to interpret this word correctly we must find its original concrete meaning. In Genesis 24:11 we read, “And he made the camels kneel down outside the city.” The phrase “kneel down” is the Hebrew verb ברך (barak). This same word is used to mean to kneel down to present a gift as one would do to show respect to another. Here we learn to understand that our Creator God Yahuvah is presenting us with a gift, and He is kneeling down before us ….. Once again – we get a picture of His loving and compassionate character. Him being our example – like when Yahushua kneeled down in front of His disciples in order to wash their feet (bless them with peace). This definitely is not something to take up lightly – that our Father Creator is kneeling down to present us with His gift. What an amazing Father we serve.
- Keep (Strong’s #8104) The Hebrews were a nomadic people raising livestock. It would not be uncommon for a shepherd to be out with his flock, away from the camp, over the night. In order to protect the flock the shepherd would construct a corral of thorn bushes. The shepherd would then guard over the flock and the corral would be a hedge of protection around them. The image behind the Hebrew verb שמר (shamar) is this guarding and protecting of the shepherd and the corral over the flock. Yahuvah is giving the gift of His guarding and protection over us…..
- Face (Strong’s #6440) The Hebrew word פנים (paniym) is a plural word and reflects the Hebraic sense of motion as the face reflects many different moods, emotions and thoughts. This Hebrew word can mean the face but also the “presence” or the “wholeness of being” of an individual. What a beautiful vision – we are being blessed with His presence – being able to enter His presence in order to experience His thoughts and heart.
- Shine (Strong’s #215) The word אור (or), as a noun means “light” and as a verb, as it is used here, means to “give light” or “shine.” It is also related to the idea of giving order as light, being the opposite of darkness, brings about order. In His presence we will find light – light giving us a more clear direction and vision on the time ahead. By spending time in His presence we find answers – and knowing this – that while sitting there we are completely covered and protected by His marvelous light.
- Gracious (Strong’s #2603) A nomads camp consisted of many family tents, arranged in a circle, and was viewed as a place of beauty. Not just the appearance of beauty but the action, a place of warmth, love, friendship, community and sustenance. The verb חנן (hhanan) is this concept of beauty. Here we find the warmth and love of His being, by seeing His beauty, we to will be beautified in soul and spirit.
- Countenance (Strong’s #6440) This is the Hebrew word פנים (paniym) again meaning “face.” Again this points to the gifts we will find in His gracious presence….
- Give (Strong’s #7760) The Hebrew verb שים (siym) literally means to “set down in place.’ He will give to us all we need, and He will set it down before us – in His right time…..
- Peace (Strong’s #7965) The noun used here is שלום (shalom) from the verb שלם (shalam). The verb shalam means to “restore” in the sense of replacing or providing what is needed in order to make someone or something whole and complete. The noun שלום (shalom) is one who has, or has been provided, what is needed to be whole and complete. In His presence we will be restored back to His original plan for our life’s – in no other way will we be able to achieve this. Only in time spent with Him. What a blessing! May we truly understand and have deeper insight on what we bless people with, when blessing them with these words. And may we be open to embrace this blessing with a much deeper understanding than only excepting it as a repetition of words without power. The power lies in His presence.
Blessings, Roxzaan
Source: Gift one time
