Translations
Original
Notes
The first half of this verse asks for blessings like health, wealth, and fertility.
The second half seeks protection from all kinds of dangers. This prayer is similar to the language in Psalms 121:3–8; 140:4; and 141:9. These sincere requests are still good examples for prayer and blessings that people can seek for everyone. The entire poem emphasizes the Lord as the source of all good things.
Psalm 67:1 has a short version of this blessing. This is similar to one found on a silver amulet from Ketef Hinnom, southwest of Jerusalem’s Old City. A second, larger silver amulet from the same tomb has the full blessing with words almost the same as here.
The Second Temple period lasted from Ezra to the time of Jesus. Priests would give a blessing at each day's sacrifice or at the end of services. This blessing is still used in Jewish and Christian liturgy (the formal order of prayers and worship, as in 6:27).
The priestly blessing connects to the themes of worship and purity in chapters 5–6. It is a prayer where priests ask for God's blessings for Israel. As representatives of God, priests had the duty to pray (compare Leviticus 9:23; Deuteronomy 10:8). This prayer is similar to the high priestly prayer of Jesus in John 17.
Blessing Community Identity The Grace of God The Priestly Blessing
Glossary
Biblical Concept of Law Bless, Blessing Deuteronomy, Book of Numbers, Book of
Topics
Appreciating One Another Appreciation Being a Blessing Benedictions: Divinely Appointed Benedictions: Levitical, Forms of Farewell Get Well Intercession of Man with God Jesus, the Christ: Priesthood of: Blesses Priest: Duties of Pronounce Benedictions Priests: Services of Blessing the People Saying Goodbye the High Priest Christ: Blesses