GRATITUDE FOR GOD’S GRACIOUS GAZE
‘May the LORD bless you and keep you;
may the LORD cause His face to shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
may the LORD lift up His countenance toward you
and give you peace.’
Numbers 6:24-26
We wanted a better understanding of the word “shine,” so we turned to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible:
H 215: 1) to be or become light, shine 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become light (day) 1a2) to shine (of the sun) 1a3) to become bright 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be illuminated 1b2) to become lighted up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give light, shine (of sun, moon, and stars) 1c2) to illumine, light up, cause to shine, shine 1c3) to kindle, light (candle, wood) 1c4) lighten (of the eyes, his law, etc) 1c5) to make shine (of the face). (12)
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible
When a new father is handed his baby for the first time, his eyes light up; and he may even have the sparkle of tears of joy in his eyes. Our heavenly Father’s face lights up and shines down on us in grace, love, and peace. We are never out of God’s loving sight. He watches over us and protects us as our perfect Heavenly Father.
In some churches the pastor pronounces this blessing over the congregation as a benediction or parting statement. We know of more than one church choir that sings some version of this passage to end their service each week. This is the benediction the Lord instructed Moses to have Aaron and his sons pronounce over the Israelites, God’s chosen people. We, too, are His chosen, adopted children; and this blessing is ours as well.
We would do well to memorize this blessing. Singing one of the many settings of it would help you to internalize these words. Meditate on the fact that God “keeps” you—protects and provides. He beams when you come before Him in prayer. He graciously saved you and holds you in His hands. He gives you His peace that “surpasses all comprehension” (Philippians 2:7) when you trust in Him. Remember to have gratitude for our Father’s gracious, loving gaze toward us, His children.
Father, thank you for protecting, providing, and giving us peace no matter what trials we may face. Thank You for blessing us, Your children.
Worship with Andrea Bocelli, Kari Jobe, and Cody Carnes singing “The Blessing”: