Numbers 6:24-26 is a famous passage that says:
"Then shall the priest take a handful of fine flour for a memorial, and burn it upon the altar, beside the offerings made by fire unto the Lord; and it shall be a sweet savour unto thee before the Lord. And thou shalt offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with thy vow.
"And thou shalt call on me, and go and I will put a word in thy mouth: and I will tell thee what thou art to say."
This passage is part of the instructions given by God through Moses to the priests in the tabernacle. It's describing the ritual of making an offering of bread (the "memorial" referred to) as a way of expressing gratitude and thanking God for His blessings.
The second half of the passage is particularly interesting because it talks about the importance of seeking guidance from God before speaking or taking action. The verse says that if you call on Him, He will put words in your mouth and tell you what to say. This is an invitation to seek God's wisdom and direction in all aspects of life.
Overall, Numbers 6:24-26 is a beautiful passage that highlights the importance of gratitude, seeking guidance from God, and trusting in His provision.
You're quoting the beautiful blessing from Numbers 6:24-26:
"May the Lord bless you and keep you;
may the Lord's face smile on you and be gracious to you.
May the Lord look down from heaven to see you well-given;
and put peace without measure upon the Israelites."
This ancient Hebrew blessing is a beautiful expression of divine favor and protection. It asks God to bestow His blessings, care, and favor upon someone, and to grant them peace and prosperity.
In Jewish tradition, this blessing is often recited as a benediction at the end of prayers or other religious rituals. It's also commonly used in Christian worship services and devotional practices, as you mentioned.
The phrase "May his face shine upon you" is particularly significant, as it alludes to God's presence and favor being bestowed upon the person being blessed. In ancient Jewish tradition, a person's "face" was seen as an expression of their character or personality, so for God's "face" to "shine" upon someone meant that His very essence and goodness were being poured out upon them.
What a wonderful and uplifting blessing!
The phrase "May God bless you and keep you" is a common expression of good wishes, often used to offer prayers or blessings for someone's well-being. Here are some possible meanings behind this phrase:
1. **Divine protection**: The phrase may be asking God to protect the person from harm or evil. In this sense, "keep you" means to safeguard and shield them from negative influences.
2. **Guidance and direction**: Another interpretation is that "may God keep you" means seeking divine guidance and direction in one's life. It's a prayer for wisdom and discernment, asking God to help the person make good decisions and stay on a righteous path.
3. **Comfort and peace**: The phrase might also be offering comfort and peace to someone who is going through a difficult time. "May God bless you" could mean that God's presence or love is being sought for emotional support, while "keep you" implies a sense of peace and tranquility.
4. **General goodwill**: In some cases, the phrase may simply be an expression of good wishes, similar to saying "good luck" or "all the best." It's a way of showing concern and care for someone without necessarily referencing specific divine intervention.
The original source of this phrase is unclear, but it is likely rooted in Christian tradition. The phrase is often used as a farewell or parting blessing, especially in formal settings like weddings, funerals, or other significant events.
"The Lord Bless You and Keep You" is a beautiful hymn, also known as "May the Words of My Mouth" in some hymnals. Here are the lyrics:
The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine upon you,
and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you,
and give you peace.
And let my words be the truth, Lord,
whenever I open my mouth.
Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth;
keep the door of my lips:
incline your ear unto me, when I call;
make haste to save me, when there is none in peril.
The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine upon you,
and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you,
and give you peace.
This hymn is often sung as a benediction or a blessing at the end of a worship service. The words are taken from Numbers 6:24-26, where God commands Moses to offer this blessing to the Israelites: "May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace."
The hymn is often sung in a peaceful and serene tone, with a sense of reverence and gratitude. It's a beautiful way to end a worship service, as it reminds us that God's presence and guidance are always with us.
A beautiful benediction! Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"May the Lord bless you and keep you"
* "Bless" here means to cause good things to happen in someone's life, or to bestow favor upon them. It's an expression of God's favor and approval.
* "Keep" means to guard, protect, or preserve something. In this context, it means that God will watch over and care for the person being blessed.
This part of the benediction is a prayer that God's blessing and protection would be upon the person, ensuring their well-being and prosperity.
"And may His face shine upon you"
* "May" is another way of saying "let it be," indicating a wish or desire.
* "His face" refers to God's presence or countenance. In biblical language, "to see God's face" means to experience God's favor, guidance, and protection.
* "Shine upon you" means to radiate love, joy, and peace onto the person being blessed.
This phrase is a prayer that God would be pleased with the person, shining His favor and blessing upon them, much like the sun shines its light upon the earth.
"And give you peace"
* "Give" means to impart or bestow something.
* "Peace" here refers to a state of harmony, calmness, and inner tranquility. It's not just the absence of conflict, but also a deep sense of contentment and assurance that comes from knowing God is with us.
This final part of the benediction is a prayer that God would grant the person peace in all aspects of their life, whether it be spiritual, emotional, or physical.
Overall, this beautiful benediction is a heartfelt expression of God's love and care for the person being blessed. It's a reminder that God is always with us, watching over us, guiding us, and giving us peace.
You're referring to the famous "May His favor be upon you" verse from the Bible!
The verse is from Numbers 6:24-26, and it's a beautiful blessing that has been passed down through generations:
"The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
May his favor be upon you
and bring peace to those who love him."
This verse is often used in Christian worship services, weddings, and other special occasions. It's a powerful expression of God's love and blessings, reminding us that we are loved and cared for by our Creator.
The phrase "May His favor be upon you" is particularly significant because it speaks to the idea that God's favor or blessing is not just something we receive, but also something we can experience in our daily lives. It's a reminder that we don't have to earn God's favor or prove ourselves worthy; instead, we can simply trust in His goodness and love, and He will bestow His blessings upon us.
This verse has been a source of comfort, hope, and peace for many people throughout history, and it continues to be a powerful reminder of God's unconditional love and favor towards us.
You're quoting Psalm 121:7, which says:
"The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall go before thee; the Lord shall be with thee; he shall not fail thee nor forsake thee: fear thou not, neither be thou afraid; the Lord thy God is with thee."
This passage is a beautiful expression of trust in God's protection and care. It's a powerful reminder that we don't have to fear or worry about the future because God is always with us.
In fact, this verse has been used as a blessing for centuries, and it's still widely used today. When someone says "May the Lord bless you and keep you," they're expressing their desire for God's favor and protection over that person's life.
So, if you ever hear someone say this, just smile and know that they're showing you love and concern through their words!
Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV) reads:
"Then he will be a priest on his day, and shall offer the offering for the life of his people; that they may receive him at their hand. And one lamb thou shalt take from the fold of the goats, instead of every burnt-offering; and it shall be accepted before the Lord, for the trespass which they have committed, and behold, all the people of the congregation shall make restitution with the priest when they offer for the soul that hath sinned."
These verses appear to be discussing the Levitical priesthood and the offerings made by Israelites.