Translations
Original
Notes
God's favor, shown through his countenance or face, means his approval and special attention (compare Psalm 30:7). Divine peace (Hebrew shalom) is more than only the absence of conflict or violence. God's peace brings complete well-being, health, and wholeness.
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 Peace
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 Spiritual Peace: The Benediction of Ministers should Be the High Priest Christ: Blesses