Reading 27 | The Bible in 100 Passages

Friday, October 10, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Numbers 6:22–7:5

The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the Israelites: You shall say to them, The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. So they shall put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.

On the day when Moses had finished setting up the tabernacle, and had anointed and consecrated it with all its furnishings, and had anointed and consecrated the altar with all its utensils, the leaders of Israel, heads of their ancestral houses, the leaders of the tribes, who were over those who were enrolled, made offerings. They brought their offerings before the Lord, six covered wagons and twelve oxen, a wagon for every two of the leaders, and for each one an ox; they presented them before the tabernacle. Then the Lord said to Moses: Accept these from them, that they may be used in doing the service of the tent of meeting, and give them to the Levites, to each according to his service. (NRSV)

Reflection

When my children were little, I concluded every bedtime ritual with the blessing “The Lord bless you and keep you.” My boys no longer beg for stories and tuck-ins, yet I still whisper these words to them before bed, as I put them on the bus to camp or as we say goodbye following college drop-off.

Known as the “priestly blessing,” this may be the most ubiquitous benediction we have. These words are familiar enough to be spoken at weddings, where the religious beliefs of the gathered congregation are unknown, and in interfaith services, where these words are comfortably offered by rabbis, priests, and pastors of all stripes.

In Numbers, the priestly blessing is a brief interruption to endless lists of instructions and job descriptions for the twelve tribes of Israel (Numbers isn’t exactly a page turner). This short yet impactful benediction breaks into the mundane, asking God to provide, protect, love, and respond to us, offering a peace that only God can offer. And perhaps most importantly, this blessing comes directly from God. God instructs Moses’ brother Aaron to bless the people in this way — so we know God is ready, even eager, to respond with blessing upon blessing.

As we go about our days and live our lives, may we offer this blessing to one another, and call it upon ourselves:

May the Lord bless you and keep you;
May the Lord shine upon you and be gracious to you;
May the Lord smile upon you and give you peace.

Prayer

Holy God, we are grateful for all the ways you interrupt our world, looking for every opportunity to bless and keep us. Thank you! Amen. 

Written by Amy Pagliarella, Parish Associate

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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