Christmas Season · Holy Name of Jesus · Year C
Numbers 6:22-27
The Priestly Blessing
January 1, 2028

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
A commentary on the Aaronic blessing and how God's own name is placed on the people.
Numbers 6 - The Priestly Blessing Enduring Word · David Guzik
An evangelical commentary 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.
Numbers 6:22 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentaries gathered verse by verse on the blessing's threefold form.
Numbers 6:22 Verse-by-Verse Commentary StudyLight
A large library of expositors stacked verse by verse for a further voice on the passage.
Background & Word Study
Numbers 6 in Hebrew, with Jewish commentary Sefaria
The Hebrew text of the priestly blessing alongside English with Rashi and other Jewish commentators.
Overview: Numbers BibleProject
An animated overview tracing the structure and theology of Numbers around the blessing text.
Enter the Bible: Numbers Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary's book introduction to the wilderness narrative and priestly material.
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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