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 6:23 – 26)
You very well may have heard this famous blessing, but do you know where it comes from? It actually originates in what is probably one of the least read books of the bible – the book of Numbers. It is wedged right between a discussion of what it means to be a Nazirite, and a rather lengthy description of offerings and dedications for the temple.
You may ask why it is found in this particular location; and I can tell you with complete and utter certainty that I’m not sure! Yeah, sorry… I don’t really know for sure, but I do actually have a theory (as you probably suspected – otherwise why would I even be writing this?).
First, to set the foundation, here is a little infomercial on being a Nazirite. Probably the most famous Nazirite was Samson (a.k.a. “the strong, long-haired dude”). In fact, Nazirites are under a vow to not cut their hair or drink wine for the full time they are under the Nazirite vow (you can read all about it in Numbers 6). But looking like a rock star and not drinking wine are not in and of themselves the point – the point is to make a vow to God and be dedicated to fulfilling it.
And as for the information after the blessing about dedications and offerings, it begins with a group of leaders who voluntarily offered several animals, carts, and other items to be dedicated for use at the temple. Again, this was done of their own free will, as an offering to God that they saw to fulfillment.
So perhaps, God placed this beautiful prose in this particular location between these events to make it clear what kind of blessings are waiting for those who follow through their faith with action. The Nazirite made a vow and fulfilled it by avoiding wine and the razor in dedication to God. The Israelite leaders professed their submission and gratitude to their Lord, and then gave of their own possessions to show their faith was more than just talk.
Perhaps…just perhaps…the Lord is ready to bless those who aren’t afraid to show their love for their King?
“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.”