Christmas Season · Solemnity of Mary: The Holy Mother of God · Year B
Numbers 6:22-27
The Priestly Blessing
January 1, 2027
Overview & Insights
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you.” (Numbers 6:24-25)
Why the Aaronic blessing occurs after the section on the Nazirite is not clear. Was it pronounced over the Nazirites at the beginning or the end of their vows? That is uncertain, though such blessings could occur after offering sacrifice (2 Sam. 6:18). In any event, the purpose of the blessings here is more general. Aaron’s blessing sums up God’s overall wish to bless his people, especially as they in turn strive for purity and dedication to him.
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Commentary
Commentary on Numbers 6:22-27 Working Preacher
The RCL Name of Jesus commentary reading the Aaronic blessing toward the name placed on the people.
Numbers 6 Commentary: The Vow of a Nazirite Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse-by-verse commentary including the priestly benediction in verses 22-27.
Numbers 6 Commentary Precept Austin
Detailed study notes and Hebrew word helps on the threefold blessing.
Numbers 6:22 Commentaries BibleHub
Compiled classic commentaries on the command to bless the people with God's name.
Background & Word Study
Numbers - Enter the Bible Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background on the setting and structure of Numbers.
Numbers 6 | Sefaria Library Sefaria
The Hebrew text of Birkat Kohanim with Jewish commentaries and translations.
Numbers 6:22 Interlinear BibleHub
Hebrew word-by-word interlinear of the priestly blessing.
Book of Numbers Summary | Watch an Overview Video BibleProject
An animated overview of the book's structure and its wilderness setting.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What is the priestly blessing?
God gives Aaron and his sons the words with which to bless Israel, putting his name upon the people; it is the church's benediction to this day.
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