may the LORD cause His face to shine upon you
This phrase is part of the Aaronic Blessing, a priestly benediction given by God to Moses for the Israelites. The imagery of God's face shining upon someone signifies divine favor and presence. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a shining face was a metaphor for approval and blessing. Biblically, God's face represents His attention and care, as seen in Psalm 31:16, "Make Your face shine upon Your servant; save me in Your loving devotion." The shining face of God is a symbol of His glory and holiness, reminiscent of Moses' face shining after speaking with God (Exodus 34:29-35). This phrase foreshadows the ultimate revelation of God's glory in Jesus Christ, who is described as the "radiance of God's glory" (Hebrews 1:3).

and be gracious to you
Grace in the biblical context refers to unmerited favor and kindness from God. This part of the blessing emphasizes God's willingness to forgive and show compassion. The Hebrew word for grace, "chen," implies a deep, loving-kindness that is not earned. This concept is foundational in both the Old and New Testaments, as seen in Ephesians 2:8-9, where salvation is described as a gift of grace. The call for God to be gracious is a request for His mercy and benevolence, reflecting His covenantal love for His people. This grace is ultimately fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, who embodies God's grace and truth (John 1:14).

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal presence and faithfulness to His people.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the law and instructions from God, including the priestly blessing.

3. Aaron and His Sons
The priests who were instructed to bless the Israelites with this benediction.

4. Israelites
The chosen people of God, recipients of the priestly blessing as they journeyed through the wilderness.

5. The Wilderness
The setting where the Israelites received the law and the priestly blessing during their journey to the Promised Land.Understanding God's Favor
The phrase "make His face shine upon you" signifies God's favor and presence. It is a reminder that God's attention and blessing are upon His people.

Experiencing God's Grace
The blessing includes a request for God's grace, which is His unmerited favor. Believers are encouraged to live in the awareness of God's grace, which empowers and sustains them.

Living in the Light of God's Presence
Just as the Israelites were blessed with God's presence, Christians are called to live in the light of Christ, reflecting His love and truth to the world.

The Role of Priestly Intercession
The blessing was given by the priests, highlighting the importance of intercession. Believers are called to pray for one another, invoking God's blessing and grace.

The Continuity of God's Promises
This blessing is part of the larger account of God's promises to His people, which find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Christians are encouraged to trust in God's faithfulness.1. What is the meaning of Numbers 6:25?

2. How can we reflect God's "face shine upon you" in our daily lives?

3. What does "be gracious to you" reveal about God's character in Numbers 6:25?

4. How does Numbers 6:25 connect with God's blessings in Psalm 67:1?

5. In what ways can we seek God's grace in challenging situations?

6. How can we share God's grace with others as seen in Numbers 6:25?

7. What does "the LORD make His face shine upon you" mean in Numbers 6:25?

8. How does Numbers 6:25 reflect God's relationship with humanity?

9. Why is the blessing in Numbers 6:25 significant in biblical history?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 6?

11. What is the Aaronic Blessing?

12. What does 'benediction' mean in the Bible?

13. 1 Samuel 2:25 suggests the Lord intended to kill Eli's sons--how does this reconcile with the concept of a merciful, forgiving deity?

14. Does the severity of punishment in Numbers 16 align with the New Testament portrayal of a forgiving God?May the LORD

This opening phrase centers the blessing on the covenant God—“the LORD”—who revealed Himself to Israel and does not change (Malachi 3:6).

• By invoking Him, the priest acknowledges that every good gift flows from His hand (James 1:17).

• The wording reminds us that true security lies in belonging to the One who “is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6).

• Because He is personal and relational, we can trust Him to attend to our daily needs just as He did for Israel in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 2:7).

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Cause His Face to Shine Upon You

The image of a shining face pictures warm approval and intimate presence.

• In Scripture, when God’s face shines, His people experience deliverance and joy (Psalm 31:16; Psalm 80:3).

• Light dispels darkness; so God’s favor drives away fear and confusion (Isaiah 60:1–2; John 8:12).

• This phrase anticipates the fuller light of Christ, “the radiance of God’s glory” (Hebrews 1:3), who makes God’s character visible (2 Corinthians 4:6).

• Practically, the blessing assures us that our daily walk can be lived under God’s smile, not in uncertainty about His attitude toward us (Psalm 67:1).

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And Be Gracious to You

Grace is God’s unmerited kindness poured out on undeserving people.

• The same grace that forgives also empowers holy living (Titus 2:11–12).

• Israel saw this grace in God’s patience after repeated failures (Nehemiah 9:17). Believers today receive it supremely in Christ, “from His fullness we have all received grace upon grace” (John 1:16).

• Experiencing grace invites a response of gratitude and imitation: “Be kind and compassionate to one another” (Ephesians 4:32).

• The prayer pairs grace with shining favor because God’s acceptance and transforming power always go together (Psalm 84:11).

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Summary

The blessing of Numbers 6:25 asks God to reveal His covenant presence, brighten our lives with His approving light, and flood us with sustaining grace. Living under that promise means walking daily in the confidence that the Lord sees, smiles, and supplies everything needed for life and godliness.

Verse 25. - The Lord make his face shine upon thee. The "face" of God is his personality as turned towards man, or else turned away from him. His face hidden or turned away is despair and death (Deuteronomy 31:17, 18; Job 13:24); his face turned against man is destruction and death (Leviticus 17:10; Psalm 34:16); his face turned upon man in love and mercy is life and salvation (Psalm 27:1; Psalm 44:3). It is to the soul of man what the blessed sun of heaven is to his body. And be gracious unto thee. 'Ἐλεήσαι σε, Septuagint. Be kind and beneficent to thee: the effect in and on the soul of the clear shining upon it of the face of God.

Parallel Commentaries ...


may the LORD
יְהוָ֧ה ׀ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

cause His face
פָּנָ֛יו (pā·nāw)
Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6440: The face

to shine
יָאֵ֨ר (yā·’êr)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular
Strong's 215: To be or become light

upon you
אֵלֶ֖יךָ (’ê·le·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

and be gracious to you;
וִֽיחֻנֶּֽךָּ׃ (wî·ḥun·ne·kā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 2603: To bend, stoop in kindness to an inferior, to favor, bestow, to implore


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OT Law: Numbers 6:25 Yahweh make his face to shine (Nu Num.)