Christmas Season · Holy Name of Jesus · Year A
Numbers 6:22-27
The Priestly Blessing
January 1, 2026
Overview & Insights
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you.” (Numbers 6:24-25)
The Nazirite regulations continue the theme of purity from Numbers 5. The Nazirites are laymen and laywomen who in a special way have dedicated themselves to God. Amos lists the Nazirite with the prophet as a special kind of holy person (Amos 2:11–12). These regulations also continue the theme of oaths, for both the woman suspected of adultery and the Nazirite make oaths (Num. 5:15–31; 6:2). Historical and Cultural Background Nazirite vows in later Jewish tradition may illuminate the nature of Nazirite vows earlier in Israelite history. In mishnaic times Nazirite vows were typically conditional: “If God does [such and such], I will become a Nazirite for [x] period of time.” A person might vow to become a Nazirite “if a son is born to me” (Mishnah Nazir 2:7–10). Queen Helena vowed, “If my son returns safely from the war, I will be a Nazirite for seven years” (Mishnah Nazir 3:6).
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Commentary
Numbers 6:22-27 Working Preacher
A commentary on the Aaronic blessing and how God's own name is placed upon the people.
Numbers 6 Enduring Word · David Guzik
An evangelical commentary on Numbers 6, treating the Nazirite vow and the threefold priestly benediction.
Numbers 6 resources Precept Austin
A deep study collection with Hebrew word studies and cross-references on the priestly blessing.
Classic commentaries on Numbers 6 BibleHub
Parallel translations and classic public-domain commentaries assembled for Numbers 6.
Background & Word Study
Numbers 6 in Hebrew, with Jewish commentary Sefaria
The Hebrew text with Rashi and other Jewish commentators, essential for the priestly blessing in its original setting.
Introduction to Numbers Enter the Bible
A book introduction with background on the wilderness narrative and priestly material that houses the blessing.
Overview: Numbers BibleProject
An animated overview tracing the structure and theology of Numbers to situate the blessing text.
Numbers 6 in Hebrew, with Jewish commentary Sefaria
The Hebrew text of the priestly blessing alongside English with Rashi and other Jewish commentators.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
Why is the Aaronic blessing read on the Holy Name of Jesus?
Because of its last line: so shall they put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them. The blessing works by the placing of the divine name on a people, which is exactly what the eighth-day naming in Luke 2 does in a new key.
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