Numbers 6:24-26 - Heavenly Manna

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee,
and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and
give thee peace. Num 6:24-26 (KJV)

In 1979, a silver amulet was discovered by archaeologists in a Jerusalem
tomb. Inscribed on the silver foil, which dates to the seventh century B.C.,
were the words of this benediction, making this the oldest known quotation
from Scripture (Barkay). [Jamieson, Fausset, And Brown Commentary]

Referred to as "the Lord's Prayer of the O.T.," [Believer's SB]

It was a pattern to gospel ministers, the masters of assemblies, who are in
like manner to dismiss their solemn assemblies with a blessing. (Matthew
Henry's Commentary)

The blessing invokes the power of the divine name Yahweh three times,
causing many Christians, from the church fathers on, to see in it a
foreshadowing of the doctrine of the Trinity. [Believer's SB]

That the name Jehovah is three times repeated in it, and (as the critics
observe) each with a different accent in the original; the Jews themselves
think there is some mystery in this, and we know what it is, the New
Testament having explained it, which directs us to expect the blessing from
the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of the Father, and the
communion of the Holy Ghost, each of which persons is Jehovah, and yet they
are "not three Lords, but one Lord," (Matthew Henry's Commentary)

Several wise and learned men believe that the mystery of the Holy Trinity is
not obscurely hinted at in it. God the FATHER blesses and keeps his
followers. God the SON is gracious unto sinners in remitting their offences,
which he died to blot out. God, the HOLY SPIRIT takes of the things which
are Christ's, and shows them unto genuine Christians, and diffuses the peace
of God in their hearts. In a word, Christ, the gift of the Father by the
energy of the Holy Spirit, came to bless every one of us by turning us away
from our iniquities: (Adam Clarke Commentary)

To be under the almighty protection of God our Saviour; to enjoy his favour
as the smile of a loving Father, or as the cheering beams of the sun; while
he mercifully forgives our sins, supplies our wants, consoles the heart, and
prepares us by his grace for eternal glory; these things form the substance
of this blessing, and the sum total of all blessings. In so rich a list of
mercies worldly joys are not worthy to be mentioned. [Matthew Henry
Commentary]

This beautiful blessing communicates the desire of the LORD to invest His
people with His name. The name of the Lord is tantamount to the Lord Himself
so that this blessing becomes a petition that God might live among His
people and meet all their needs. He alone can bless His people, keep them,
look on them with favor (make His face shine and turn His face toward them),
be gracious to them, and give them peace. [Bible Knowledge Commentary]

This short blessing can be recited much like the Serenity Prayer when we
need a reminder of who God is and how he acts toward us.  He blesses us; he
cares for us; he is gracious to us; he is present with us; and he brings
peace into our lives.  [Life Recovery Devotional SB]

The fruits of this favour conveyed by this blessing are protection, pardon,
and peace. (Matthew Henry's Commentary)

Those who confess God as their Savior are blessed with His keeping, grace,
and peace. [Disciple SB]

God desired his blessings to fall upon those who were faithful so that they
could experience peace (Num. 6:26) and wholeness in their relationship with
their redeeming God. [New Bible Companion]

A blessing is a hopeful prayer. A blessing was one way of asking for God's
divine favor to rest upon others. The ancient blessing in these verses helps
us understand what a blessing was supposed to do. Its five parts conveyed
hope that God would (1) bless and keep them (favor and protect); (2) make
his face shine upon them (be pleased); (3) be gracious (merciful and
compassionate); (4) turn his face toward them (give his approval); (5) give
peace. When you ask God to bless others or yourself, you are asking him to
do these five things. The blessing you offer will not only help the one
receiving it, it will also demonstrate love, encourage others, and provide a
model of caring to others. [Life Application SB]

KEY VERSES; 6:24-26: God's presence is itself our blessing. [Victor Bible
Reader's Companion]

PERSONAL APPLICATION; We must be pure to live close to God and know His
blessing. [Victor Bible Reader's Companion]