What is the meaning of Numbers 6:23? Tell Aaron and his sons • The LORD directs Moses to relay His instruction specifically to Aaron and his sons—the priestly line chosen to stand between God and the people (Exodus 28:1; Hebrews 5:1). • By addressing the priests, God establishes that blessing is not a casual wish; it flows through an ordained channel set apart for sacred service (Leviticus 9:22–23; Deuteronomy 10:8). • The command underscores that ministry to the congregation begins with obedience among its leaders (Malachi 2:6–7). When the priests honor God’s word, the nation enjoys God’s favor. This is how you are to bless the Israelites • God supplies the precise pattern for blessing, reminding us He is both the source and the designer of true well-being (James 1:17; Psalm 29:11). • “Bless” carries the idea of conferring God’s covenant goodness—protection, prosperity, and peace—upon His people (Genesis 12:2–3; Deuteronomy 7:12–15). • The mandate shows that blessing the community is not optional or occasional; it is a regular, God-ordained ministry woven into Israel’s worship life (2 Samuel 6:18; 2 Chronicles 30:27). • By including “the Israelites,” God confirms His heart to reach every household, not merely the leaders or the visibly devout (Numbers 24:5–9; Isaiah 44:3). Say to them • The blessing must be spoken aloud. Scripture repeatedly highlights the creative, life-giving power of God’s spoken word and, by extension, the spoken word of His servants (Genesis 1:3; Proverbs 18:21). • Verbal proclamation seals the blessing in the hearing of the people, stirring faith and reminding them of their identity as God’s covenant community (Romans 10:17; Deuteronomy 33:29). • “Say to them” also protects the blessing from human embellishment. The priests recite God’s exact words, keeping their focus on His promises rather than their own performance (Numbers 23:19–20; Jeremiah 1:9). • Through this audible, shared experience, the entire assembly participates in the moment, echoing God’s intention that worship be communal and not merely private (Nehemiah 8:5–6). summary Numbers 6:23 reveals a gracious God who initiates blessing, assigns His chosen servants to convey it, provides an exact pattern, and insists it be spoken aloud so every Israelite can receive and remember His favor. The verse anchors the famous Aaronic Benediction in divine authority, assuring us that when God’s word is obeyed, His blessing surely follows. |
    |