Numbers 6:24
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The Lord bless thee - There are three forms of blessing here, any or all of which the priests might use on any occasion. The following is a verbal translation: - 1. May Jehovah bless thee and preserve thee! 2. May Jehovah cause his faces to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee! 3. May Jehovah lift up his faces upon thee, and may be put prosperity unto thee! This is a very comprehensive and excellent prayer, and may be paraphrased thus: - 1. May God speak good unto thee, by giving thee his excellent promises! (See the note on Gen 2:3). May he preserve thee in the possession of all the good thou hast, and from all the evil with which thou art threatened! 2. May the Holy Trinity illuminate thy heart, giving thee the true knowledge of thyself and of thy Maker; and may he show thee his graciousness in pardoning thy sins, and supporting thy soul! 3. May God give thee communion with the Father, Son, and Spirit, with a constant sense of his approbation; and grant thee prosperity in thy soul, and in all thy secular affairs! This I suppose to be the spirit and design of this form of benediction. Others will doubtless interpret it after their manner. 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 offenses, 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. 1. Every genuine Christian is a true Nazarite. He is separated from the world, and dedicated solely to the service of God. 2. His life is a life of self-denial; he mortifies and keeps the flesh in obedience to the Spirit. 3. All this enters into the spirit of his baptismal vow; for in that he promises to renounce the devil and all his works, the pomps and vanities of this wicked world, and all the sinful lusts of the flesh - to keep God's holy word and commandments, and to walk in the same all the days of his life. 4. The person who is faithful has the blessing of God entailed upon him. Thus shall ye bless the children of Israel, etc., etc. See the notes on Num 6:5-7 (note).
John Gill Bible Commentary
The Lord make his face to shine upon thee,.... Cause himself, the sun of righteousness, to arise and shine upon them, and give both spiritual light and heat unto them; grant his gracious presence, the manifestations of himself, communion with him, clearer discoveries of his love, of interest in him, and an increase of spiritual light and knowledge of his Gospel, and the truths of it, and of his mind and will: and be gracious unto thee; by granting larger measures of grace out of his fulness, by leading more abundantly into it, and making fresh and frequent applications of it; grace is often wished for from Christ as well as from the Father.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:24-26 Psalm 67:1 contains an abbreviated version of this benediction, much like one inscribed on a silver amulet excavated at Ketef Hinnom, southwest of Jerusalem’s Old City. On a second, larger silver amulet from the same tomb, the complete benediction was inscribed in words almost identical to those here. In the days of the Second Temple (from Ezra to the time of Jesus), priests pronounced a blessing at each day’s sacrifice or at the end of services. This blessing is still used in Jewish and Christian liturgy as a way of seeking divine blessing (as in 6:27). 6:24 The blessings sought in the first half of this verse include health, wealth, and fertility, while the protection mentioned in the second half was needed for all manner of dangers. This supplication is echoed in the language of Pss 121:3-8; 140:4; and 141:9. These heartfelt appeals are still good models for prayer and for the blessings that God’s people can seek for all humanity. The entire poem draws attention to the Lord as the source of all good things.
Numbers 6:24
Aaron’s Blessing
23“Tell Aaron and his sons: This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: 24‘May the LORD bless you and keep you; 25may the LORD cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Crushing of Christ
By Paul Washer5.5K1:33:27Death Of ChristNUM 6:24ROM 3:23In this sermon, the preacher begins by illustrating a horrifying scenario where a person's family is brutally murdered and the murderer is pardoned by a loving and compassionate judge. This illustration highlights the tension between the wonderful and terrible burden of preaching the Gospel. The preacher acknowledges the difficulty of fully conveying the greatness of God and the Gospel, but expresses a desire to one day preach in a way that truly honors Jesus Christ. The sermon emphasizes the infinite nature of God and His Gospel, and encourages believers to continually chase after Him throughout their lives.
The Depth of the Gospel - Part 1
By Paul Washer2.6K49:02GospelNUM 6:24In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the crushing and breaking of individuals, symbolized by a mass falling upon their heads. However, the ground miraculously opens up and swallows the mass, protecting them from harm. The preacher then compares this imagery to a millstone grinding a kernel of grain into nothingness, highlighting the concept of being crushed. The sermon shifts to the idea of being conformed to culture instead of the Word, and the need for a motivation beyond pep talks. The preacher urges the audience to seek a heavenly vision and a deep understanding of what God has done for them through Jesus Christ.
The Cost of Not Following Christ
By Paul Washer2.5K1:02:05Following JesusNUM 6:24In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the true gospel of Christ and calling people to repentance and faith. He highlights that the evidence of true conversion is the ongoing work of sanctification in a person's life. The preacher also discusses the urgency of missions and emphasizes the command to go and share the gospel. He shares a personal experience of being convicted of sins and finding joy in God's forgiveness, emphasizing the need for grace in our lives.
Revivals in Peru
By David James Morse94553:09GEN 1:1EXO 20:3LEV 19:18NUM 6:24In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful testimony of a young man who boldly shared his faith in a village plaza, leading to 43 people coming to Christ. The church in Lima had experienced a decline and realized the need for a change, leading them to prioritize evangelism. Despite facing opposition and apathy, they were determined to reach out to those around them. The speaker also mentions a Texan businessman who had a contract with the Peru government to clear jungle areas and build a town. The sermon emphasizes the importance of an extensive exposition of the Word and the need for churches to defend themselves against false teachings.
Why Don't I Go Straight to Heaven?
By Winkie Pratney92448:06Christian LifeNUM 6:24MAT 6:33JHN 17:1In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experience of teaching people how to love God and communicate their faith. He mentions a group of young people who were passionate about their faith and had a deep understanding of the world and their relationship with God. The speaker then poses a question about how long he can speak, to which he is told that everyone will leave at 5:30. However, he emphasizes that Jesus wants believers to stay in the world and continue their mission. The speaker also shares his personal journey of coming from a non-religious background and finding faith at the age of 17. He recounts attending a church event where he witnessed powerful worship, healing prayers, and a transformative message. The sermon concludes with the speaker encouraging the audience to embrace their faith and stay committed to sharing the love of God with the world.
Numbers 6:24
By Chuck Smith0God's BlessingsMediationNUM 6:24Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of the priest's role in representing both God and the people, highlighting the necessity of mediation due to sin's separation from God. He elaborates on the blessings of the Lord, which include His keeping love, grace, and peace, illustrating how these blessings are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Smith stresses that God's desire is for His name to be associated with blessings and love rather than curses and hate, encouraging believers to embrace the joy and hope that come from God's presence.
Experience His Rest
By Mary Wilder Tileston0NUM 6:24DEU 33:27PSA 16:112CO 3:18COL 1:27Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the intimate relationship between God and His people, using beautiful imagery to describe the blessings of God's presence and the transformation that occurs when we fix our eyes on Him. She emphasizes the joy and contentment found in beholding God and experiencing His peace, leading to a deep union with Him where both God and His people find delight and rest. Through this union, our spirits find their true home and rest in undisturbed peace, becoming a dwelling place for God's divine light and love, bringing glory to Him for eternity.
The Missionary Psalm -- Psalm 67
By A.B. Simpson0EvangelismMissionsNUM 6:24A.B. Simpson expounds on Psalm 67, illustrating its relevance across different dispensations. He emphasizes the need for God's mercy and blessings, which are foundational for personal and communal salvation. The sermon transitions to the Christian dispensation, highlighting the call to spread the Gospel to all nations, and the importance of recognizing God's plan for Israel and the world. Simpson encourages believers to embrace their role as trustees of the Gospel, urging them to actively participate in evangelism as they await Christ's return. He concludes with a call to action, reminding the congregation of the urgency and significance of their mission in these times.
Psalms Chapter 9 the Missionary Psalm -- Psalm 67
By A.B. Simpson0God's BlessingsMissionsNUM 6:24A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of Psalm 67 as a missionary psalm that spans all ages and dispensations. He outlines the blessings of the Mosaic dispensation, the call for the Gospel to be known among all nations in the Christian dispensation, and the eventual restoration of Israel. Simpson highlights the urgency of spreading the Gospel and the responsibility of believers as trustees of God's message. He encourages the church to recognize the momentous times we live in and to prepare for Christ's return, urging that our efforts in missions should be fueled by the hope of His coming.
A New Year's Address
By James Smith0NUM 6:24HOS 14:4LUK 11:9PHP 4:19HEB 4:15HEB 13:8JAS 4:8James Smith preaches about the unchanging nature of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that amidst the uncertainties and challenges of a new year, Jesus remains the same yesterday, today, and forever, offering love, compassion, and help to His people. Believers are encouraged to trust in Jesus alone for all their needs, as He is always present, attentive, and ready to supply. Smith urges the congregation to seek Jesus persistently, reminding them of the blessings, experiences, actions, joys, and protections they can have in Him throughout the year.
Luke 1:18-23. the Unbelief of Zacharias.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0NUM 6:24PSA 107:431TH 5:18JAS 1:6Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the story of Zacharias and the importance of faith over unbelief. Zacharias doubted the angel's message and desired a sign, which was considered sinful as the glorious appearance of the angel should have been proof enough. Unbelief is a great sin and an insult to God's truth, leading to consequences like being speechless. Elizabeth's humble and grateful response to God's mercy in removing her affliction serves as a reminder to acknowledge and thank the Lord for His deliverance from trials.
Miller's Year Book - January to June
By J.R. Miller0Trust in God's ProvisionDaily DevotionNUM 6:24J.R. Miller emphasizes the significance of daily scripture readings as a source of strength and guidance throughout the year. He encourages believers to seek God's blessings for themselves and others, to strive for personal growth, and to trust in God's provision and protection. Miller illustrates that true happiness and wisdom come from living according to God's will and serving others selflessly. He reminds us that every experience, whether joyful or painful, can lead to spiritual growth and deeper faith. Ultimately, Miller calls for a life of continuous learning, service, and reliance on God's unfailing love.
Numbers 6:23
By Chuck Smith0God's BlessingsThe PriesthoodNUM 6:24Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of the priestly blessing from Numbers 6:23, explaining that the Lord's name represents His character and attributes. He elaborates on how the priest's duty is to invoke God's blessings, which include protection, grace, and peace for the people of Israel. Smith highlights that God's blessings are not based on human merit but on His grace, and that true peace comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ. The sermon encourages believers to recognize God's desire to bless and keep them, illuminating their lives with His presence.
Jesus at Home in Nazareth
By Victor Maxwell0NUM 6:24DEU 6:4ISA 61:1LUK 4:181CO 2:4Victor Maxwell delves into Luke 4:14-30, exploring Jesus' return to Nazareth after facing temptation in the wilderness, where he encountered fierce antagonism and criticism. Drawing parallels to John Wesley's bold decision to preach outside the church, igniting a revival in England, Maxwell emphasizes the importance of staying committed to God's work despite rejection and persecution. He highlights Jesus' mission to bring salvation, healing, and liberation, emphasizing the power of the Holy Spirit and the promise of deliverance, while addressing the misunderstanding and criticism faced by both Jesus and Wesley.
An Increase of God's Presence
By David Wilkerson0True BlessingGod's PresenceNUM 6:24David Wilkerson emphasizes that God is initiating a transformative work within His church globally, which can be experienced locally. He highlights the importance of God's true blessing, as outlined in Numbers 6:22-27, which includes being kept by Christ, receiving His grace, and experiencing an increase of God's presence. This blessing is essential for a church that seeks to be in right standing with God, characterized by a clear conscience and intimate communion with Him. Wilkerson encourages believers to embrace this new thing God is doing, which leads to peace and a pure ministry birthed from being in His presence. Ultimately, he reassures that entering into God's presence is a privilege available to all.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The Lord bless thee - There are three forms of blessing here, any or all of which the priests might use on any occasion. The following is a verbal translation: - 1. May Jehovah bless thee and preserve thee! 2. May Jehovah cause his faces to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee! 3. May Jehovah lift up his faces upon thee, and may be put prosperity unto thee! This is a very comprehensive and excellent prayer, and may be paraphrased thus: - 1. May God speak good unto thee, by giving thee his excellent promises! (See the note on Gen 2:3). May he preserve thee in the possession of all the good thou hast, and from all the evil with which thou art threatened! 2. May the Holy Trinity illuminate thy heart, giving thee the true knowledge of thyself and of thy Maker; and may he show thee his graciousness in pardoning thy sins, and supporting thy soul! 3. May God give thee communion with the Father, Son, and Spirit, with a constant sense of his approbation; and grant thee prosperity in thy soul, and in all thy secular affairs! This I suppose to be the spirit and design of this form of benediction. Others will doubtless interpret it after their manner. 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 offenses, 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. 1. Every genuine Christian is a true Nazarite. He is separated from the world, and dedicated solely to the service of God. 2. His life is a life of self-denial; he mortifies and keeps the flesh in obedience to the Spirit. 3. All this enters into the spirit of his baptismal vow; for in that he promises to renounce the devil and all his works, the pomps and vanities of this wicked world, and all the sinful lusts of the flesh - to keep God's holy word and commandments, and to walk in the same all the days of his life. 4. The person who is faithful has the blessing of God entailed upon him. Thus shall ye bless the children of Israel, etc., etc. See the notes on Num 6:5-7 (note).
John Gill Bible Commentary
The Lord make his face to shine upon thee,.... Cause himself, the sun of righteousness, to arise and shine upon them, and give both spiritual light and heat unto them; grant his gracious presence, the manifestations of himself, communion with him, clearer discoveries of his love, of interest in him, and an increase of spiritual light and knowledge of his Gospel, and the truths of it, and of his mind and will: and be gracious unto thee; by granting larger measures of grace out of his fulness, by leading more abundantly into it, and making fresh and frequent applications of it; grace is often wished for from Christ as well as from the Father.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:24-26 Psalm 67:1 contains an abbreviated version of this benediction, much like one inscribed on a silver amulet excavated at Ketef Hinnom, southwest of Jerusalem’s Old City. On a second, larger silver amulet from the same tomb, the complete benediction was inscribed in words almost identical to those here. In the days of the Second Temple (from Ezra to the time of Jesus), priests pronounced a blessing at each day’s sacrifice or at the end of services. This blessing is still used in Jewish and Christian liturgy as a way of seeking divine blessing (as in 6:27). 6:24 The blessings sought in the first half of this verse include health, wealth, and fertility, while the protection mentioned in the second half was needed for all manner of dangers. This supplication is echoed in the language of Pss 121:3-8; 140:4; and 141:9. These heartfelt appeals are still good models for prayer and for the blessings that God’s people can seek for all humanity. The entire poem draws attention to the Lord as the source of all good things.