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It was customary for the Israelites to be "blessed" by the high priest. In this passage, Moses gives the wording to be used to convey that they were no ordinary people and that their God was no ordinary God. This Aaronic Blessing not only expressed God's special favor for His people; it also indicated what quality in their lives would best display that favor to others.

Numbers 6:22-27

1. The word bless means to treat with favor. What is one indication that God is on your side because you've declared yourself on His?
2. Recall one way in which you've recently experienced God's protection.
3. Verse 25a could be rendered "May the Lord's face radiate with joy because of you." How have you sensed His smile of pleasure on your life?
4. Being gracious goes way beyond good manners. It is to be merciful and compassionate. When have you observed this aspect of how God blesses?
5. To show favor is to give approval. Do you sense that your obedience and trust have elicited this response from God?
6. Do you think personal peace is a distinct gift or the effect of experiencing God's favor, protection, pleasure, merciful compassion, and approval?

Ask God for His divine favor to rest on people you relate to. Ask that His blessing create a solid peace foundation in your own life.

22 Then the LORD said to Moses, 23 "Instruct Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with this special blessing:

24 'May the LORD bless you and protect you. 25 May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you. 26 May the LORD show you his favor and give you his peace.'

27 This is how Aaron and his sons will designate the Israelites as my people, and I myself will bless them."

Copyright © 2005 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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