1. The Priestly Blessing Of Numbers 6:22-27

2.  The Israelites were receiving God’s law at Mt. Sinai on their journey (Ex. 20 – Num. 10)  The Israelites would receive God’s lovingkindness in Canaan if they obeyed God’s law (Num. 6:22-27)  “The Lord”, repeated three times, makes it clear that he is the source of all blessings  “You” is singular, addressing each faithful Israelite

3.  Faithful Christians are the Lord’s priests today (1 Pet. 2:5-9)  Faithful Christians are the “Israel of God” today (Gal. 6:16)  The priestly blessing encouraged the Israelites before they journeyed and it does the same for us on our journey (Heb. 12:1-2)

4.  The Lord stands ready to “bless” his people; a demonstration of his kindness toward them; to make them prosper in all areas of their life (Psa. 5:11-12; 67:1-7; 115:12-14)  The Lord’s blessings are conditional: obedience (Lev. 26:3ff; Deut. 28:1-3)  Faithful Christians today are blessed by the Lord (Acts 3:26; Eph. 1:3)

5.  The Lord stands ready to “keep” his people; a demonstration of the guarding and protecting of the Lord’s people (Psa. 91:10-13; 121:1-8)  The Lord’s protection is conditional: trust and refuge (Psa. 91:1-9,14-16)  Faithful Christians today are kept by the Lord (Phil. 4:7; 1 Thess. 5:23; Heb. 13:5-6; 1 Pet. 1:5; Jude 24)

6.  The Lord’s “face” shining upon his people is an act of divine and benevolent approval toward them; to look with pleasure or favor upon (Psa. 31:16; 67:1; 80:3,7,19; 119:135)  The Lord’s “face” is hidden from those whom he disapproves (Deut. 31:17-18)  Faithful Christians today have the approval of the Lord (1 Pet. 3:10-12)

7.  The Lord stands ready to “be gracious” toward his people (Psa. 77:9)  Faithful Christians today are graced by the Lord (Jn. 1:17; 2 Cor. 13:14; Heb. 13:20-21,25)

8.  The Lord stands ready to “lift up his countenance” upon his people; to pay them special attention and a favorable attitude (Psa. 4:6; 34:15; 42:5; 44:3; 89:15)  Faithful Christians today will receive the favorable attitude of the Lord (2 Thess. 2:16; 1 Pet. 5:10)

9.  The Lord stands ready to give “peace” to his troubled people; well-being, wholeness, health, prosperity, and salvation; all God’s good gifts (Psa. 16:11; 29:11; 37:11)  Faithful Christians today are granted peace from the Lord (Eph. 2:14ff; Phil. 4:4-7)

10.  The Lord’s “name” (not just letters or a sound) upon Israel shows they alone belong to the Lord out of all the nations (Deut. 28:10; 2 Sam. 7:23)  The Lord’s “name” is conditional: trust (Psa. 9:10)  Faithful Christians today are given the Lord’s “name” (Jas. 2:7; Rev. 3:12; 22:4)

11.  Let us live thankfully each day for the Lord’s blessing, protection, approval, graciousness, countenance, and peace  Let us live confidently each day knowing that the Lord stands ready to help us  Let us live faithfully each day so that we can receive these great blessing from the Lord

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