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Numbers 5

W
The Whosoever Study Bible
Whosoever will, may come.
the fourth book of moses, called numbers
Moses · c. 1445–1405 BC
Chapter the Fifth
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Command the children of Israel, that they put out of the camp every leper, and every one that hath an issue, and whosoever is defiled by the dead:
Both male and female shall ye put out, without the camp shall ye put them; that they defile not their camps, in the midst whereof I dwell.
And the children of Israel did so, and put them out without the camp: as the LORD spake unto Moses, so did the children of Israel.
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the LORD, and that person be guilty;
Then they shall confess their sin which they have done: and he shall recompense his trespass with the principal thereof, and add unto it the fifth part thereof, and give it unto him against whom he hath trespassed.
But if the man have no kinsman to recompense the trespass unto, let the trespass be recompensed unto the LORD, even to the priest; beside the ram of the atonement, whereby an atonement shall be made for him.
And every offering of all the holy things of the children of Israel, which they bring unto the priest, shall be his.
And every man’s hallowed things shall be his: whatsoever any man giveth the priest, it shall be his.
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man’s wife go aside, and commit a trespass against him,
And a man lie with her carnally, and it be hid from the eyes of her husband, and be kept close, and she be defiled, and there be no witness against her, neither she be taken with the manner;
And the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be defiled: or if the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be not defiled:
Then shall the man bring his wife unto the priest, and he shall bring her offering for her, the tenth part of an ephah of barley meal; he shall pour no oil upon it, nor put frankincense thereon; for it is an offering of jealousy, an offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to remembrance.
And the priest shall bring her near, and set her before the LORD:
And the priest shall take holy water in an earthen vessel; and of the dust that is in the floor of the tabernacle the priest shall take, and put it into the water:
And the priest shall set the woman before the LORD, and uncover the woman’s head, and put the offering of memorial in her hands, which is the jealousy offering: and the priest shall have in his hand the bitter water that causeth the curse:
And the priest shall charge her by an oath, and say unto the woman, If no man have lain with thee, and if thou hast not gone aside to uncleanness with another instead of thy husband, be thou free from this bitter water that causeth the curse:
But if thou hast gone aside to another instead of thy husband, and if thou be defiled, and some man have lain with thee beside thine husband:
Then the priest shall charge the woman with an oath of cursing, and the priest shall say unto the woman, The LORD make thee a curse and an oath among thy people, when the LORD doth make thy thigh to rot, and thy belly to swell;
And this water that causeth the curse shall go into thy bowels, to make thy belly to swell, and thy thigh to rot: And the woman shall say, Amen, amen.
And the priest shall write these curses in a book, and he shall blot them out with the bitter water:
And he shall cause the woman to drink the bitter water that causeth the curse: and the water that causeth the curse shall enter into her, and become bitter.
Then the priest shall take the jealousy offering out of the woman’s hand, and shall wave the offering before the LORD, and offer it upon the altar:
And the priest shall take an handful of the offering, even the memorial thereof, and burn it upon the altar, and afterward shall cause the woman to drink the water.
And when he hath made her to drink the water, then it shall come to pass, that, if she be defiled, and have done trespass against her husband, that the water that causeth the curse shall enter into her, and become bitter, and her belly shall swell, and her thigh shall rot: and the woman shall be a curse among her people.
And if the woman be not defiled, but be clean; then she shall be free, and shall conceive seed.
This is the law of jealousies, when a wife goeth aside to another instead of her husband, and is defiled;
Or when the spirit of jealousy cometh upon him, and he be jealous over his wife, and shall set the woman before the LORD, and the priest shall execute upon her all this law.
Then shall the man be guiltless from iniquity, and this woman shall bear her iniquity.
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Chuck Smith on Numbers 5

Verse by verse, the C2000 series. Permission granted by The Word For Today.
Verses 1-12 Chapter 5 Now in chapter five they are told to cleanse the camp by putting out every leper and those that have any kind of an issue from their body, who is and those that have been defied, defiled by touching a dead body. And God didn't want any type of defilement in the camp where he dwells. So the children of Israel did so. They put out of the camp those that were leprous, those that had any runny-type of sores and those who had been defiled by touching dead bodies. And the LORD spake unto Moses, [verse five] saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or a woman shall commit a sin that men commit, to trespass against the LORD, the person is guilty; they shall confess their sin which they have done: and then they shall recompense in their trespass and offer, actually, before the Lord; the ram of the atonement whereby an atonement shall be made for him. And an offering of all the holy things of the children of Israel. And every man hallowed thing shall be his: whatsoever man hath given the priest, it shall be his ( Numbers 5:5-10 ). And so then we have this law of jealous husbands. Now if a woman has had an affair and her husband doesn't know it, she doesn't get pregnant, hasn't been found out, but if a spirit of jealously would suddenly come on a husband, and he had wondered whether or not his wife was really being faithful to him; then he was to bring his wife before the priest, with an offering for her, of a tenth part of an ephah of barley; [which would be a tenth part, would be about a couple quarts] he shall pour no oil upon it, or put any frankincense thereon; for it is an offering of jealousy, bring iniquity to remembrance. And the priest shall bring her near, and set her before the LORD: And the priest shall take the holy water in an earthen vessel; and the dust that is in the floor of the tabernacle the priest shall take, and put it in the water: And then he is to charge this woman with a severe oath and she is to drink this bitter water: And he said, If you have been unfaithful to your husband may this water cause your belly to swell and your stomach to rot ( Numbers 5:13-21 ): Verses 13-31 And the woman would have to drink the bitter water and then wait for the consequences. And if her stomach would swell and all then she was considered guilty and was put out, but if there was no ill effect then she was considered to be innocent, and her husband's jealousy was unfounded. Imagine if you had an extremely jealous husband and every week you're drinking this bitter water. Man, you women have come along way. That would, that would really be tragic, be difficult indeed if your husband was an extremely jealous kind of a person always hauling you in before the priests and going through this routine and making you drink that bitter water. So, that's the law of jealousies and when the spirit of jealousy comes on a husband and all. "

Commentary on Numbers 5

Whosoever Will · the Seven Threads Commentary

Numbers 5:1

Numbers 5-10 covers the regulations for camp purity, the Nazirite vow, the Aaronic blessing, the Levites' dedication, Passover instructions, and the departure from Sinai. The chapters are regulatory rather than narrative: the Mosaic administration being filled out in its full detail. The Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 is the exception, one of the most beautiful passages in the Torah. Three couplets. Six divine acts. The name YHWH three times. The progression is from outward protection (bless and keep) to relational nearness (face shining, grace) to complete inner wholeness (face lifted, shalom). The blessing moves from the exterior to the interior, from external provision to the peace that comes from knowing the face of God is turned toward you. The panim, the face, appears twice. The face of God shining toward someone is the image of the sun emerging from clouds, light falling on a face. The face of God lifted toward someone is the image of a person looking up to make direct eye contact: the opposite of looking away in displeasure. Both are expressions of divine favor so intimate they require the face-language rather than mere provision-language. Thread 1 is the blessing itself: the God who cannot stop reaching pronounces the blessing that names the character of his reaching, toward you, shining, gracious, peace-giving. Thread 2 is the corporate dimension: the blessing is pronounced over the whole congregation by Aaron and his sons, the representative priests of the covenant community.
The LORD bless thee and keep thee. The Aaronic blessing is the most concentrated summary of what it means to live before the face of God; three couplets, six divine acts, the name of the LORD three times.
יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם (yevarekh'kha YHWH ve-yishmerekha ya'er YHWH panav elekha vi-chunekka yissa YHWH panav elekha ve-yasem lekha shalom): 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: three couplets: blessing-keeping, face-shining-grace, face-lifting-peace; the divine name YHWH appears three times, one per couplet; panav (his face) appears twice, the face of God turned toward the person is the highest possible expression of divine favor; shalom at the end is the covenant wholeness that all the prior acts are aimed at producing
threads t1 · t2 · t5 · see Psalm 67:1 · 2 Corinthians 4:6 · Revelation 22:4

Numbers 5:2

Numbers 5-10 covers the regulations for camp purity, the Nazirite vow, the Aaronic blessing, the Levites' dedication, Passover instructions, and the departure from Sinai. The chapters are regulatory rather than narrative: the Mosaic administration being filled out in its full detail. The Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 is the exception, one of the most beautiful passages in the Torah. Three couplets. Six divine acts. The name YHWH three times. The progression is from outward protection (bless and keep) to relational nearness (face shining, grace) to complete inner wholeness (face lifted, shalom). The blessing moves from the exterior to the interior, from external provision to the peace that comes from knowing the face of God is turned toward you. The panim, the face, appears twice. The face of God shining toward someone is the image of the sun emerging from clouds, light falling on a face. The face of God lifted toward someone is the image of a person looking up to make direct eye contact: the opposite of looking away in displeasure. Both are expressions of divine favor so intimate they require the face-language rather than mere provision-language. Thread 1 is the blessing itself: the God who cannot stop reaching pronounces the blessing that names the character of his reaching, toward you, shining, gracious, peace-giving. Thread 2 is the corporate dimension: the blessing is pronounced over the whole congregation by Aaron and his sons, the representative priests of the covenant community.
The LORD bless thee and keep thee. The Aaronic blessing is the most concentrated summary of what it means to live before the face of God; three couplets, six divine acts, the name of the LORD three times.
יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם (yevarekh'kha YHWH ve-yishmerekha ya'er YHWH panav elekha vi-chunekka yissa YHWH panav elekha ve-yasem lekha shalom): 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: three couplets: blessing-keeping, face-shining-grace, face-lifting-peace; the divine name YHWH appears three times, one per couplet; panav (his face) appears twice, the face of God turned toward the person is the highest possible expression of divine favor; shalom at the end is the covenant wholeness that all the prior acts are aimed at producing
threads t1 · t2 · t5 · see Psalm 67:1 · 2 Corinthians 4:6 · Revelation 22:4

Numbers 5:3

Numbers 5-10 covers the regulations for camp purity, the Nazirite vow, the Aaronic blessing, the Levites' dedication, Passover instructions, and the departure from Sinai. The chapters are regulatory rather than narrative: the Mosaic administration being filled out in its full detail. The Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 is the exception, one of the most beautiful passages in the Torah. Three couplets. Six divine acts. The name YHWH three times. The progression is from outward protection (bless and keep) to relational nearness (face shining, grace) to complete inner wholeness (face lifted, shalom). The blessing moves from the exterior to the interior, from external provision to the peace that comes from knowing the face of God is turned toward you. The panim, the face, appears twice. The face of God shining toward someone is the image of the sun emerging from clouds, light falling on a face. The face of God lifted toward someone is the image of a person looking up to make direct eye contact: the opposite of looking away in displeasure. Both are expressions of divine favor so intimate they require the face-language rather than mere provision-language. Thread 1 is the blessing itself: the God who cannot stop reaching pronounces the blessing that names the character of his reaching, toward you, shining, gracious, peace-giving. Thread 2 is the corporate dimension: the blessing is pronounced over the whole congregation by Aaron and his sons, the representative priests of the covenant community.
The LORD bless thee and keep thee. The Aaronic blessing is the most concentrated summary of what it means to live before the face of God; three couplets, six divine acts, the name of the LORD three times.
יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם (yevarekh'kha YHWH ve-yishmerekha ya'er YHWH panav elekha vi-chunekka yissa YHWH panav elekha ve-yasem lekha shalom): 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: three couplets: blessing-keeping, face-shining-grace, face-lifting-peace; the divine name YHWH appears three times, one per couplet; panav (his face) appears twice, the face of God turned toward the person is the highest possible expression of divine favor; shalom at the end is the covenant wholeness that all the prior acts are aimed at producing
threads t1 · t2 · t5 · see Psalm 67:1 · 2 Corinthians 4:6 · Revelation 22:4

Numbers 5:4

Numbers 5-10 covers the regulations for camp purity, the Nazirite vow, the Aaronic blessing, the Levites' dedication, Passover instructions, and the departure from Sinai. The chapters are regulatory rather than narrative: the Mosaic administration being filled out in its full detail. The Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 is the exception, one of the most beautiful passages in the Torah. Three couplets. Six divine acts. The name YHWH three times. The progression is from outward protection (bless and keep) to relational nearness (face shining, grace) to complete inner wholeness (face lifted, shalom). The blessing moves from the exterior to the interior, from external provision to the peace that comes from knowing the face of God is turned toward you. The panim, the face, appears twice. The face of God shining toward someone is the image of the sun emerging from clouds, light falling on a face. The face of God lifted toward someone is the image of a person looking up to make direct eye contact: the opposite of looking away in displeasure. Both are expressions of divine favor so intimate they require the face-language rather than mere provision-language. Thread 1 is the blessing itself: the God who cannot stop reaching pronounces the blessing that names the character of his reaching, toward you, shining, gracious, peace-giving. Thread 2 is the corporate dimension: the blessing is pronounced over the whole congregation by Aaron and his sons, the representative priests of the covenant community.
The LORD bless thee and keep thee. The Aaronic blessing is the most concentrated summary of what it means to live before the face of God; three couplets, six divine acts, the name of the LORD three times.
יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם (yevarekh'kha YHWH ve-yishmerekha ya'er YHWH panav elekha vi-chunekka yissa YHWH panav elekha ve-yasem lekha shalom): 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: three couplets: blessing-keeping, face-shining-grace, face-lifting-peace; the divine name YHWH appears three times, one per couplet; panav (his face) appears twice, the face of God turned toward the person is the highest possible expression of divine favor; shalom at the end is the covenant wholeness that all the prior acts are aimed at producing
threads t1 · t2 · t5 · see Psalm 67:1 · 2 Corinthians 4:6 · Revelation 22:4

Numbers 5:5

Numbers 5-10 covers the regulations for camp purity, the Nazirite vow, the Aaronic blessing, the Levites' dedication, Passover instructions, and the departure from Sinai. The chapters are regulatory rather than narrative: the Mosaic administration being filled out in its full detail. The Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 is the exception, one of the most beautiful passages in the Torah. Three couplets. Six divine acts. The name YHWH three times. The progression is from outward protection (bless and keep) to relational nearness (face shining, grace) to complete inner wholeness (face lifted, shalom). The blessing moves from the exterior to the interior, from external provision to the peace that comes from knowing the face of God is turned toward you. The panim, the face, appears twice. The face of God shining toward someone is the image of the sun emerging from clouds, light falling on a face. The face of God lifted toward someone is the image of a person looking up to make direct eye contact: the opposite of looking away in displeasure. Both are expressions of divine favor so intimate they require the face-language rather than mere provision-language. Thread 1 is the blessing itself: the God who cannot stop reaching pronounces the blessing that names the character of his reaching, toward you, shining, gracious, peace-giving. Thread 2 is the corporate dimension: the blessing is pronounced over the whole congregation by Aaron and his sons, the representative priests of the covenant community.
The LORD bless thee and keep thee. The Aaronic blessing is the most concentrated summary of what it means to live before the face of God; three couplets, six divine acts, the name of the LORD three times.
יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם (yevarekh'kha YHWH ve-yishmerekha ya'er YHWH panav elekha vi-chunekka yissa YHWH panav elekha ve-yasem lekha shalom): 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: three couplets: blessing-keeping, face-shining-grace, face-lifting-peace; the divine name YHWH appears three times, one per couplet; panav (his face) appears twice, the face of God turned toward the person is the highest possible expression of divine favor; shalom at the end is the covenant wholeness that all the prior acts are aimed at producing
threads t1 · t2 · t5 · see Psalm 67:1 · 2 Corinthians 4:6 · Revelation 22:4

Numbers 5:6

Numbers 5-10 covers the regulations for camp purity, the Nazirite vow, the Aaronic blessing, the Levites' dedication, Passover instructions, and the departure from Sinai. The chapters are regulatory rather than narrative: the Mosaic administration being filled out in its full detail. The Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 is the exception, one of the most beautiful passages in the Torah. Three couplets. Six divine acts. The name YHWH three times. The progression is from outward protection (bless and keep) to relational nearness (face shining, grace) to complete inner wholeness (face lifted, shalom). The blessing moves from the exterior to the interior, from external provision to the peace that comes from knowing the face of God is turned toward you. The panim, the face, appears twice. The face of God shining toward someone is the image of the sun emerging from clouds, light falling on a face. The face of God lifted toward someone is the image of a person looking up to make direct eye contact: the opposite of looking away in displeasure. Both are expressions of divine favor so intimate they require the face-language rather than mere provision-language. Thread 1 is the blessing itself: the God who cannot stop reaching pronounces the blessing that names the character of his reaching, toward you, shining, gracious, peace-giving. Thread 2 is the corporate dimension: the blessing is pronounced over the whole congregation by Aaron and his sons, the representative priests of the covenant community.
The LORD bless thee and keep thee. The Aaronic blessing is the most concentrated summary of what it means to live before the face of God; three couplets, six divine acts, the name of the LORD three times.
יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם (yevarekh'kha YHWH ve-yishmerekha ya'er YHWH panav elekha vi-chunekka yissa YHWH panav elekha ve-yasem lekha shalom): 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: three couplets: blessing-keeping, face-shining-grace, face-lifting-peace; the divine name YHWH appears three times, one per couplet; panav (his face) appears twice, the face of God turned toward the person is the highest possible expression of divine favor; shalom at the end is the covenant wholeness that all the prior acts are aimed at producing
threads t1 · t2 · t5 · see Psalm 67:1 · 2 Corinthians 4:6 · Revelation 22:4

Numbers 5:7

Numbers 5-10 covers the regulations for camp purity, the Nazirite vow, the Aaronic blessing, the Levites' dedication, Passover instructions, and the departure from Sinai. The chapters are regulatory rather than narrative: the Mosaic administration being filled out in its full detail. The Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 is the exception, one of the most beautiful passages in the Torah. Three couplets. Six divine acts. The name YHWH three times. The progression is from outward protection (bless and keep) to relational nearness (face shining, grace) to complete inner wholeness (face lifted, shalom). The blessing moves from the exterior to the interior, from external provision to the peace that comes from knowing the face of God is turned toward you. The panim, the face, appears twice. The face of God shining toward someone is the image of the sun emerging from clouds, light falling on a face. The face of God lifted toward someone is the image of a person looking up to make direct eye contact: the opposite of looking away in displeasure. Both are expressions of divine favor so intimate they require the face-language rather than mere provision-language. Thread 1 is the blessing itself: the God who cannot stop reaching pronounces the blessing that names the character of his reaching, toward you, shining, gracious, peace-giving. Thread 2 is the corporate dimension: the blessing is pronounced over the whole congregation by Aaron and his sons, the representative priests of the covenant community.
The LORD bless thee and keep thee. The Aaronic blessing is the most concentrated summary of what it means to live before the face of God; three couplets, six divine acts, the name of the LORD three times.
יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם (yevarekh'kha YHWH ve-yishmerekha ya'er YHWH panav elekha vi-chunekka yissa YHWH panav elekha ve-yasem lekha shalom): 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: three couplets: blessing-keeping, face-shining-grace, face-lifting-peace; the divine name YHWH appears three times, one per couplet; panav (his face) appears twice, the face of God turned toward the person is the highest possible expression of divine favor; shalom at the end is the covenant wholeness that all the prior acts are aimed at producing
threads t1 · t2 · t5 · see Psalm 67:1 · 2 Corinthians 4:6 · Revelation 22:4

Numbers 5:8

Numbers 5-10 covers the regulations for camp purity, the Nazirite vow, the Aaronic blessing, the Levites' dedication, Passover instructions, and the departure from Sinai. The chapters are regulatory rather than narrative: the Mosaic administration being filled out in its full detail. The Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 is the exception, one of the most beautiful passages in the Torah. Three couplets. Six divine acts. The name YHWH three times. The progression is from outward protection (bless and keep) to relational nearness (face shining, grace) to complete inner wholeness (face lifted, shalom). The blessing moves from the exterior to the interior, from external provision to the peace that comes from knowing the face of God is turned toward you. The panim, the face, appears twice. The face of God shining toward someone is the image of the sun emerging from clouds, light falling on a face. The face of God lifted toward someone is the image of a person looking up to make direct eye contact: the opposite of looking away in displeasure. Both are expressions of divine favor so intimate they require the face-language rather than mere provision-language. Thread 1 is the blessing itself: the God who cannot stop reaching pronounces the blessing that names the character of his reaching, toward you, shining, gracious, peace-giving. Thread 2 is the corporate dimension: the blessing is pronounced over the whole congregation by Aaron and his sons, the representative priests of the covenant community.
The LORD bless thee and keep thee. The Aaronic blessing is the most concentrated summary of what it means to live before the face of God; three couplets, six divine acts, the name of the LORD three times.
יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם (yevarekh'kha YHWH ve-yishmerekha ya'er YHWH panav elekha vi-chunekka yissa YHWH panav elekha ve-yasem lekha shalom): 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: three couplets: blessing-keeping, face-shining-grace, face-lifting-peace; the divine name YHWH appears three times, one per couplet; panav (his face) appears twice, the face of God turned toward the person is the highest possible expression of divine favor; shalom at the end is the covenant wholeness that all the prior acts are aimed at producing
threads t1 · t2 · t5 · see Psalm 67:1 · 2 Corinthians 4:6 · Revelation 22:4

Numbers 5:9

Numbers 5-10 covers the regulations for camp purity, the Nazirite vow, the Aaronic blessing, the Levites' dedication, Passover instructions, and the departure from Sinai. The chapters are regulatory rather than narrative: the Mosaic administration being filled out in its full detail. The Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 is the exception, one of the most beautiful passages in the Torah. Three couplets. Six divine acts. The name YHWH three times. The progression is from outward protection (bless and keep) to relational nearness (face shining, grace) to complete inner wholeness (face lifted, shalom). The blessing moves from the exterior to the interior, from external provision to the peace that comes from knowing the face of God is turned toward you. The panim, the face, appears twice. The face of God shining toward someone is the image of the sun emerging from clouds, light falling on a face. The face of God lifted toward someone is the image of a person looking up to make direct eye contact: the opposite of looking away in displeasure. Both are expressions of divine favor so intimate they require the face-language rather than mere provision-language. Thread 1 is the blessing itself: the God who cannot stop reaching pronounces the blessing that names the character of his reaching, toward you, shining, gracious, peace-giving. Thread 2 is the corporate dimension: the blessing is pronounced over the whole congregation by Aaron and his sons, the representative priests of the covenant community.
The LORD bless thee and keep thee. The Aaronic blessing is the most concentrated summary of what it means to live before the face of God; three couplets, six divine acts, the name of the LORD three times.
יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם (yevarekh'kha YHWH ve-yishmerekha ya'er YHWH panav elekha vi-chunekka yissa YHWH panav elekha ve-yasem lekha shalom): 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: three couplets: blessing-keeping, face-shining-grace, face-lifting-peace; the divine name YHWH appears three times, one per couplet; panav (his face) appears twice, the face of God turned toward the person is the highest possible expression of divine favor; shalom at the end is the covenant wholeness that all the prior acts are aimed at producing
threads t1 · t2 · t5 · see Psalm 67:1 · 2 Corinthians 4:6 · Revelation 22:4

Numbers 5:10

Numbers 5-10 covers the regulations for camp purity, the Nazirite vow, the Aaronic blessing, the Levites' dedication, Passover instructions, and the departure from Sinai. The chapters are regulatory rather than narrative: the Mosaic administration being filled out in its full detail. The Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 is the exception, one of the most beautiful passages in the Torah. Three couplets. Six divine acts. The name YHWH three times. The progression is from outward protection (bless and keep) to relational nearness (face shining, grace) to complete inner wholeness (face lifted, shalom). The blessing moves from the exterior to the interior, from external provision to the peace that comes from knowing the face of God is turned toward you. The panim, the face, appears twice. The face of God shining toward someone is the image of the sun emerging from clouds, light falling on a face. The face of God lifted toward someone is the image of a person looking up to make direct eye contact: the opposite of looking away in displeasure. Both are expressions of divine favor so intimate they require the face-language rather than mere provision-language. Thread 1 is the blessing itself: the God who cannot stop reaching pronounces the blessing that names the character of his reaching, toward you, shining, gracious, peace-giving. Thread 2 is the corporate dimension: the blessing is pronounced over the whole congregation by Aaron and his sons, the representative priests of the covenant community.
The LORD bless thee and keep thee. The Aaronic blessing is the most concentrated summary of what it means to live before the face of God; three couplets, six divine acts, the name of the LORD three times.
יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם (yevarekh'kha YHWH ve-yishmerekha ya'er YHWH panav elekha vi-chunekka yissa YHWH panav elekha ve-yasem lekha shalom): 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: three couplets: blessing-keeping, face-shining-grace, face-lifting-peace; the divine name YHWH appears three times, one per couplet; panav (his face) appears twice, the face of God turned toward the person is the highest possible expression of divine favor; shalom at the end is the covenant wholeness that all the prior acts are aimed at producing
threads t1 · t2 · t5 · see Psalm 67:1 · 2 Corinthians 4:6 · Revelation 22:4

Numbers 5:11

Numbers 5-10 covers the regulations for camp purity, the Nazirite vow, the Aaronic blessing, the Levites' dedication, Passover instructions, and the departure from Sinai. The chapters are regulatory rather than narrative: the Mosaic administration being filled out in its full detail. The Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 is the exception, one of the most beautiful passages in the Torah. Three couplets. Six divine acts. The name YHWH three times. The progression is from outward protection (bless and keep) to relational nearness (face shining, grace) to complete inner wholeness (face lifted, shalom). The blessing moves from the exterior to the interior, from external provision to the peace that comes from knowing the face of God is turned toward you. The panim, the face, appears twice. The face of God shining toward someone is the image of the sun emerging from clouds, light falling on a face. The face of God lifted toward someone is the image of a person looking up to make direct eye contact: the opposite of looking away in displeasure. Both are expressions of divine favor so intimate they require the face-language rather than mere provision-language. Thread 1 is the blessing itself: the God who cannot stop reaching pronounces the blessing that names the character of his reaching, toward you, shining, gracious, peace-giving. Thread 2 is the corporate dimension: the blessing is pronounced over the whole congregation by Aaron and his sons, the representative priests of the covenant community.
The LORD bless thee and keep thee. The Aaronic blessing is the most concentrated summary of what it means to live before the face of God; three couplets, six divine acts, the name of the LORD three times.
יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם (yevarekh'kha YHWH ve-yishmerekha ya'er YHWH panav elekha vi-chunekka yissa YHWH panav elekha ve-yasem lekha shalom): 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: three couplets: blessing-keeping, face-shining-grace, face-lifting-peace; the divine name YHWH appears three times, one per couplet; panav (his face) appears twice, the face of God turned toward the person is the highest possible expression of divine favor; shalom at the end is the covenant wholeness that all the prior acts are aimed at producing
threads t1 · t2 · t5 · see Psalm 67:1 · 2 Corinthians 4:6 · Revelation 22:4

Numbers 5:12

Numbers 5-10 covers the regulations for camp purity, the Nazirite vow, the Aaronic blessing, the Levites' dedication, Passover instructions, and the departure from Sinai. The chapters are regulatory rather than narrative: the Mosaic administration being filled out in its full detail. The Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 is the exception, one of the most beautiful passages in the Torah. Three couplets. Six divine acts. The name YHWH three times. The progression is from outward protection (bless and keep) to relational nearness (face shining, grace) to complete inner wholeness (face lifted, shalom). The blessing moves from the exterior to the interior, from external provision to the peace that comes from knowing the face of God is turned toward you. The panim, the face, appears twice. The face of God shining toward someone is the image of the sun emerging from clouds, light falling on a face. The face of God lifted toward someone is the image of a person looking up to make direct eye contact: the opposite of looking away in displeasure. Both are expressions of divine favor so intimate they require the face-language rather than mere provision-language. Thread 1 is the blessing itself: the God who cannot stop reaching pronounces the blessing that names the character of his reaching, toward you, shining, gracious, peace-giving. Thread 2 is the corporate dimension: the blessing is pronounced over the whole congregation by Aaron and his sons, the representative priests of the covenant community.
The LORD bless thee and keep thee. The Aaronic blessing is the most concentrated summary of what it means to live before the face of God; three couplets, six divine acts, the name of the LORD three times.
יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם (yevarekh'kha YHWH ve-yishmerekha ya'er YHWH panav elekha vi-chunekka yissa YHWH panav elekha ve-yasem lekha shalom): 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: three couplets: blessing-keeping, face-shining-grace, face-lifting-peace; the divine name YHWH appears three times, one per couplet; panav (his face) appears twice, the face of God turned toward the person is the highest possible expression of divine favor; shalom at the end is the covenant wholeness that all the prior acts are aimed at producing
threads t1 · t2 · t5 · see Psalm 67:1 · 2 Corinthians 4:6 · Revelation 22:4

Numbers 5:13

Numbers 5-10 covers the regulations for camp purity, the Nazirite vow, the Aaronic blessing, the Levites' dedication, Passover instructions, and the departure from Sinai. The chapters are regulatory rather than narrative: the Mosaic administration being filled out in its full detail. The Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 is the exception, one of the most beautiful passages in the Torah. Three couplets. Six divine acts. The name YHWH three times. The progression is from outward protection (bless and keep) to relational nearness (face shining, grace) to complete inner wholeness (face lifted, shalom). The blessing moves from the exterior to the interior, from external provision to the peace that comes from knowing the face of God is turned toward you. The panim, the face, appears twice. The face of God shining toward someone is the image of the sun emerging from clouds, light falling on a face. The face of God lifted toward someone is the image of a person looking up to make direct eye contact: the opposite of looking away in displeasure. Both are expressions of divine favor so intimate they require the face-language rather than mere provision-language. Thread 1 is the blessing itself: the God who cannot stop reaching pronounces the blessing that names the character of his reaching, toward you, shining, gracious, peace-giving. Thread 2 is the corporate dimension: the blessing is pronounced over the whole congregation by Aaron and his sons, the representative priests of the covenant community.
The LORD bless thee and keep thee. The Aaronic blessing is the most concentrated summary of what it means to live before the face of God; three couplets, six divine acts, the name of the LORD three times.
יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם (yevarekh'kha YHWH ve-yishmerekha ya'er YHWH panav elekha vi-chunekka yissa YHWH panav elekha ve-yasem lekha shalom): 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: three couplets: blessing-keeping, face-shining-grace, face-lifting-peace; the divine name YHWH appears three times, one per couplet; panav (his face) appears twice, the face of God turned toward the person is the highest possible expression of divine favor; shalom at the end is the covenant wholeness that all the prior acts are aimed at producing
threads t1 · t2 · t5 · see Psalm 67:1 · 2 Corinthians 4:6 · Revelation 22:4

Numbers 5:14

Numbers 5-10 covers the regulations for camp purity, the Nazirite vow, the Aaronic blessing, the Levites' dedication, Passover instructions, and the departure from Sinai. The chapters are regulatory rather than narrative: the Mosaic administration being filled out in its full detail. The Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 is the exception, one of the most beautiful passages in the Torah. Three couplets. Six divine acts. The name YHWH three times. The progression is from outward protection (bless and keep) to relational nearness (face shining, grace) to complete inner wholeness (face lifted, shalom). The blessing moves from the exterior to the interior, from external provision to the peace that comes from knowing the face of God is turned toward you. The panim, the face, appears twice. The face of God shining toward someone is the image of the sun emerging from clouds, light falling on a face. The face of God lifted toward someone is the image of a person looking up to make direct eye contact: the opposite of looking away in displeasure. Both are expressions of divine favor so intimate they require the face-language rather than mere provision-language. Thread 1 is the blessing itself: the God who cannot stop reaching pronounces the blessing that names the character of his reaching, toward you, shining, gracious, peace-giving. Thread 2 is the corporate dimension: the blessing is pronounced over the whole congregation by Aaron and his sons, the representative priests of the covenant community.
The LORD bless thee and keep thee. The Aaronic blessing is the most concentrated summary of what it means to live before the face of God; three couplets, six divine acts, the name of the LORD three times.
יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם (yevarekh'kha YHWH ve-yishmerekha ya'er YHWH panav elekha vi-chunekka yissa YHWH panav elekha ve-yasem lekha shalom): 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: three couplets: blessing-keeping, face-shining-grace, face-lifting-peace; the divine name YHWH appears three times, one per couplet; panav (his face) appears twice, the face of God turned toward the person is the highest possible expression of divine favor; shalom at the end is the covenant wholeness that all the prior acts are aimed at producing
threads t1 · t2 · t5 · see Psalm 67:1 · 2 Corinthians 4:6 · Revelation 22:4

Numbers 5:15

Numbers 5-10 covers the regulations for camp purity, the Nazirite vow, the Aaronic blessing, the Levites' dedication, Passover instructions, and the departure from Sinai. The chapters are regulatory rather than narrative: the Mosaic administration being filled out in its full detail. The Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 is the exception, one of the most beautiful passages in the Torah. Three couplets. Six divine acts. The name YHWH three times. The progression is from outward protection (bless and keep) to relational nearness (face shining, grace) to complete inner wholeness (face lifted, shalom). The blessing moves from the exterior to the interior, from external provision to the peace that comes from knowing the face of God is turned toward you. The panim, the face, appears twice. The face of God shining toward someone is the image of the sun emerging from clouds, light falling on a face. The face of God lifted toward someone is the image of a person looking up to make direct eye contact: the opposite of looking away in displeasure. Both are expressions of divine favor so intimate they require the face-language rather than mere provision-language. Thread 1 is the blessing itself: the God who cannot stop reaching pronounces the blessing that names the character of his reaching, toward you, shining, gracious, peace-giving. Thread 2 is the corporate dimension: the blessing is pronounced over the whole congregation by Aaron and his sons, the representative priests of the covenant community.
The LORD bless thee and keep thee. The Aaronic blessing is the most concentrated summary of what it means to live before the face of God; three couplets, six divine acts, the name of the LORD three times.
יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם (yevarekh'kha YHWH ve-yishmerekha ya'er YHWH panav elekha vi-chunekka yissa YHWH panav elekha ve-yasem lekha shalom): 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: three couplets: blessing-keeping, face-shining-grace, face-lifting-peace; the divine name YHWH appears three times, one per couplet; panav (his face) appears twice, the face of God turned toward the person is the highest possible expression of divine favor; shalom at the end is the covenant wholeness that all the prior acts are aimed at producing
threads t1 · t2 · t5 · see Psalm 67:1 · 2 Corinthians 4:6 · Revelation 22:4

Numbers 5:16

Numbers 5-10 covers the regulations for camp purity, the Nazirite vow, the Aaronic blessing, the Levites' dedication, Passover instructions, and the departure from Sinai. The chapters are regulatory rather than narrative: the Mosaic administration being filled out in its full detail. The Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 is the exception, one of the most beautiful passages in the Torah. Three couplets. Six divine acts. The name YHWH three times. The progression is from outward protection (bless and keep) to relational nearness (face shining, grace) to complete inner wholeness (face lifted, shalom). The blessing moves from the exterior to the interior, from external provision to the peace that comes from knowing the face of God is turned toward you. The panim, the face, appears twice. The face of God shining toward someone is the image of the sun emerging from clouds, light falling on a face. The face of God lifted toward someone is the image of a person looking up to make direct eye contact: the opposite of looking away in displeasure. Both are expressions of divine favor so intimate they require the face-language rather than mere provision-language. Thread 1 is the blessing itself: the God who cannot stop reaching pronounces the blessing that names the character of his reaching, toward you, shining, gracious, peace-giving. Thread 2 is the corporate dimension: the blessing is pronounced over the whole congregation by Aaron and his sons, the representative priests of the covenant community.
The LORD bless thee and keep thee. The Aaronic blessing is the most concentrated summary of what it means to live before the face of God; three couplets, six divine acts, the name of the LORD three times.
יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם (yevarekh'kha YHWH ve-yishmerekha ya'er YHWH panav elekha vi-chunekka yissa YHWH panav elekha ve-yasem lekha shalom): 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: three couplets: blessing-keeping, face-shining-grace, face-lifting-peace; the divine name YHWH appears three times, one per couplet; panav (his face) appears twice, the face of God turned toward the person is the highest possible expression of divine favor; shalom at the end is the covenant wholeness that all the prior acts are aimed at producing
threads t1 · t2 · t5 · see Psalm 67:1 · 2 Corinthians 4:6 · Revelation 22:4

Numbers 5:17

Numbers 5-10 covers the regulations for camp purity, the Nazirite vow, the Aaronic blessing, the Levites' dedication, Passover instructions, and the departure from Sinai. The chapters are regulatory rather than narrative: the Mosaic administration being filled out in its full detail. The Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 is the exception, one of the most beautiful passages in the Torah. Three couplets. Six divine acts. The name YHWH three times. The progression is from outward protection (bless and keep) to relational nearness (face shining, grace) to complete inner wholeness (face lifted, shalom). The blessing moves from the exterior to the interior, from external provision to the peace that comes from knowing the face of God is turned toward you. The panim, the face, appears twice. The face of God shining toward someone is the image of the sun emerging from clouds, light falling on a face. The face of God lifted toward someone is the image of a person looking up to make direct eye contact: the opposite of looking away in displeasure. Both are expressions of divine favor so intimate they require the face-language rather than mere provision-language. Thread 1 is the blessing itself: the God who cannot stop reaching pronounces the blessing that names the character of his reaching, toward you, shining, gracious, peace-giving. Thread 2 is the corporate dimension: the blessing is pronounced over the whole congregation by Aaron and his sons, the representative priests of the covenant community.
The LORD bless thee and keep thee. The Aaronic blessing is the most concentrated summary of what it means to live before the face of God; three couplets, six divine acts, the name of the LORD three times.
יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם (yevarekh'kha YHWH ve-yishmerekha ya'er YHWH panav elekha vi-chunekka yissa YHWH panav elekha ve-yasem lekha shalom): 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: three couplets: blessing-keeping, face-shining-grace, face-lifting-peace; the divine name YHWH appears three times, one per couplet; panav (his face) appears twice, the face of God turned toward the person is the highest possible expression of divine favor; shalom at the end is the covenant wholeness that all the prior acts are aimed at producing
threads t1 · t2 · t5 · see Psalm 67:1 · 2 Corinthians 4:6 · Revelation 22:4

Numbers 5:18

Numbers 5-10 covers the regulations for camp purity, the Nazirite vow, the Aaronic blessing, the Levites' dedication, Passover instructions, and the departure from Sinai. The chapters are regulatory rather than narrative: the Mosaic administration being filled out in its full detail. The Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 is the exception, one of the most beautiful passages in the Torah. Three couplets. Six divine acts. The name YHWH three times. The progression is from outward protection (bless and keep) to relational nearness (face shining, grace) to complete inner wholeness (face lifted, shalom). The blessing moves from the exterior to the interior, from external provision to the peace that comes from knowing the face of God is turned toward you. The panim, the face, appears twice. The face of God shining toward someone is the image of the sun emerging from clouds, light falling on a face. The face of God lifted toward someone is the image of a person looking up to make direct eye contact: the opposite of looking away in displeasure. Both are expressions of divine favor so intimate they require the face-language rather than mere provision-language. Thread 1 is the blessing itself: the God who cannot stop reaching pronounces the blessing that names the character of his reaching, toward you, shining, gracious, peace-giving. Thread 2 is the corporate dimension: the blessing is pronounced over the whole congregation by Aaron and his sons, the representative priests of the covenant community.
The LORD bless thee and keep thee. The Aaronic blessing is the most concentrated summary of what it means to live before the face of God; three couplets, six divine acts, the name of the LORD three times.
יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם (yevarekh'kha YHWH ve-yishmerekha ya'er YHWH panav elekha vi-chunekka yissa YHWH panav elekha ve-yasem lekha shalom): 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: three couplets: blessing-keeping, face-shining-grace, face-lifting-peace; the divine name YHWH appears three times, one per couplet; panav (his face) appears twice, the face of God turned toward the person is the highest possible expression of divine favor; shalom at the end is the covenant wholeness that all the prior acts are aimed at producing
threads t1 · t2 · t5 · see Psalm 67:1 · 2 Corinthians 4:6 · Revelation 22:4

Numbers 5:19

Numbers 5-10 covers the regulations for camp purity, the Nazirite vow, the Aaronic blessing, the Levites' dedication, Passover instructions, and the departure from Sinai. The chapters are regulatory rather than narrative: the Mosaic administration being filled out in its full detail. The Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 is the exception, one of the most beautiful passages in the Torah. Three couplets. Six divine acts. The name YHWH three times. The progression is from outward protection (bless and keep) to relational nearness (face shining, grace) to complete inner wholeness (face lifted, shalom). The blessing moves from the exterior to the interior, from external provision to the peace that comes from knowing the face of God is turned toward you. The panim, the face, appears twice. The face of God shining toward someone is the image of the sun emerging from clouds, light falling on a face. The face of God lifted toward someone is the image of a person looking up to make direct eye contact: the opposite of looking away in displeasure. Both are expressions of divine favor so intimate they require the face-language rather than mere provision-language. Thread 1 is the blessing itself: the God who cannot stop reaching pronounces the blessing that names the character of his reaching, toward you, shining, gracious, peace-giving. Thread 2 is the corporate dimension: the blessing is pronounced over the whole congregation by Aaron and his sons, the representative priests of the covenant community.
The LORD bless thee and keep thee. The Aaronic blessing is the most concentrated summary of what it means to live before the face of God; three couplets, six divine acts, the name of the LORD three times.
יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם (yevarekh'kha YHWH ve-yishmerekha ya'er YHWH panav elekha vi-chunekka yissa YHWH panav elekha ve-yasem lekha shalom): 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: three couplets: blessing-keeping, face-shining-grace, face-lifting-peace; the divine name YHWH appears three times, one per couplet; panav (his face) appears twice, the face of God turned toward the person is the highest possible expression of divine favor; shalom at the end is the covenant wholeness that all the prior acts are aimed at producing
threads t1 · t2 · t5 · see Psalm 67:1 · 2 Corinthians 4:6 · Revelation 22:4

Numbers 5:20

Numbers 5-10 covers the regulations for camp purity, the Nazirite vow, the Aaronic blessing, the Levites' dedication, Passover instructions, and the departure from Sinai. The chapters are regulatory rather than narrative: the Mosaic administration being filled out in its full detail. The Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 is the exception, one of the most beautiful passages in the Torah. Three couplets. Six divine acts. The name YHWH three times. The progression is from outward protection (bless and keep) to relational nearness (face shining, grace) to complete inner wholeness (face lifted, shalom). The blessing moves from the exterior to the interior, from external provision to the peace that comes from knowing the face of God is turned toward you. The panim, the face, appears twice. The face of God shining toward someone is the image of the sun emerging from clouds, light falling on a face. The face of God lifted toward someone is the image of a person looking up to make direct eye contact: the opposite of looking away in displeasure. Both are expressions of divine favor so intimate they require the face-language rather than mere provision-language. Thread 1 is the blessing itself: the God who cannot stop reaching pronounces the blessing that names the character of his reaching, toward you, shining, gracious, peace-giving. Thread 2 is the corporate dimension: the blessing is pronounced over the whole congregation by Aaron and his sons, the representative priests of the covenant community.
The LORD bless thee and keep thee. The Aaronic blessing is the most concentrated summary of what it means to live before the face of God; three couplets, six divine acts, the name of the LORD three times.
יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם (yevarekh'kha YHWH ve-yishmerekha ya'er YHWH panav elekha vi-chunekka yissa YHWH panav elekha ve-yasem lekha shalom): 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: three couplets: blessing-keeping, face-shining-grace, face-lifting-peace; the divine name YHWH appears three times, one per couplet; panav (his face) appears twice, the face of God turned toward the person is the highest possible expression of divine favor; shalom at the end is the covenant wholeness that all the prior acts are aimed at producing
threads t1 · t2 · t5 · see Psalm 67:1 · 2 Corinthians 4:6 · Revelation 22:4

Numbers 5:21

Numbers 5-10 covers the regulations for camp purity, the Nazirite vow, the Aaronic blessing, the Levites' dedication, Passover instructions, and the departure from Sinai. The chapters are regulatory rather than narrative: the Mosaic administration being filled out in its full detail. The Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 is the exception, one of the most beautiful passages in the Torah. Three couplets. Six divine acts. The name YHWH three times. The progression is from outward protection (bless and keep) to relational nearness (face shining, grace) to complete inner wholeness (face lifted, shalom). The blessing moves from the exterior to the interior, from external provision to the peace that comes from knowing the face of God is turned toward you. The panim, the face, appears twice. The face of God shining toward someone is the image of the sun emerging from clouds, light falling on a face. The face of God lifted toward someone is the image of a person looking up to make direct eye contact: the opposite of looking away in displeasure. Both are expressions of divine favor so intimate they require the face-language rather than mere provision-language. Thread 1 is the blessing itself: the God who cannot stop reaching pronounces the blessing that names the character of his reaching, toward you, shining, gracious, peace-giving. Thread 2 is the corporate dimension: the blessing is pronounced over the whole congregation by Aaron and his sons, the representative priests of the covenant community.
The LORD bless thee and keep thee. The Aaronic blessing is the most concentrated summary of what it means to live before the face of God; three couplets, six divine acts, the name of the LORD three times.
יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם (yevarekh'kha YHWH ve-yishmerekha ya'er YHWH panav elekha vi-chunekka yissa YHWH panav elekha ve-yasem lekha shalom): 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: three couplets: blessing-keeping, face-shining-grace, face-lifting-peace; the divine name YHWH appears three times, one per couplet; panav (his face) appears twice, the face of God turned toward the person is the highest possible expression of divine favor; shalom at the end is the covenant wholeness that all the prior acts are aimed at producing
threads t1 · t2 · t5 · see Psalm 67:1 · 2 Corinthians 4:6 · Revelation 22:4

Numbers 5:22

Numbers 5-10 covers the regulations for camp purity, the Nazirite vow, the Aaronic blessing, the Levites' dedication, Passover instructions, and the departure from Sinai. The chapters are regulatory rather than narrative: the Mosaic administration being filled out in its full detail. The Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 is the exception, one of the most beautiful passages in the Torah. Three couplets. Six divine acts. The name YHWH three times. The progression is from outward protection (bless and keep) to relational nearness (face shining, grace) to complete inner wholeness (face lifted, shalom). The blessing moves from the exterior to the interior, from external provision to the peace that comes from knowing the face of God is turned toward you. The panim, the face, appears twice. The face of God shining toward someone is the image of the sun emerging from clouds, light falling on a face. The face of God lifted toward someone is the image of a person looking up to make direct eye contact: the opposite of looking away in displeasure. Both are expressions of divine favor so intimate they require the face-language rather than mere provision-language. Thread 1 is the blessing itself: the God who cannot stop reaching pronounces the blessing that names the character of his reaching, toward you, shining, gracious, peace-giving. Thread 2 is the corporate dimension: the blessing is pronounced over the whole congregation by Aaron and his sons, the representative priests of the covenant community.
The LORD bless thee and keep thee. The Aaronic blessing is the most concentrated summary of what it means to live before the face of God; three couplets, six divine acts, the name of the LORD three times.
יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם (yevarekh'kha YHWH ve-yishmerekha ya'er YHWH panav elekha vi-chunekka yissa YHWH panav elekha ve-yasem lekha shalom): 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: three couplets: blessing-keeping, face-shining-grace, face-lifting-peace; the divine name YHWH appears three times, one per couplet; panav (his face) appears twice, the face of God turned toward the person is the highest possible expression of divine favor; shalom at the end is the covenant wholeness that all the prior acts are aimed at producing
threads t1 · t2 · t5 · see Psalm 67:1 · 2 Corinthians 4:6 · Revelation 22:4

Numbers 5:23

Numbers 5-10 covers the regulations for camp purity, the Nazirite vow, the Aaronic blessing, the Levites' dedication, Passover instructions, and the departure from Sinai. The chapters are regulatory rather than narrative: the Mosaic administration being filled out in its full detail. The Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 is the exception, one of the most beautiful passages in the Torah. Three couplets. Six divine acts. The name YHWH three times. The progression is from outward protection (bless and keep) to relational nearness (face shining, grace) to complete inner wholeness (face lifted, shalom). The blessing moves from the exterior to the interior, from external provision to the peace that comes from knowing the face of God is turned toward you. The panim, the face, appears twice. The face of God shining toward someone is the image of the sun emerging from clouds, light falling on a face. The face of God lifted toward someone is the image of a person looking up to make direct eye contact: the opposite of looking away in displeasure. Both are expressions of divine favor so intimate they require the face-language rather than mere provision-language. Thread 1 is the blessing itself: the God who cannot stop reaching pronounces the blessing that names the character of his reaching, toward you, shining, gracious, peace-giving. Thread 2 is the corporate dimension: the blessing is pronounced over the whole congregation by Aaron and his sons, the representative priests of the covenant community.
The LORD bless thee and keep thee. The Aaronic blessing is the most concentrated summary of what it means to live before the face of God; three couplets, six divine acts, the name of the LORD three times.
יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם (yevarekh'kha YHWH ve-yishmerekha ya'er YHWH panav elekha vi-chunekka yissa YHWH panav elekha ve-yasem lekha shalom): 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: three couplets: blessing-keeping, face-shining-grace, face-lifting-peace; the divine name YHWH appears three times, one per couplet; panav (his face) appears twice, the face of God turned toward the person is the highest possible expression of divine favor; shalom at the end is the covenant wholeness that all the prior acts are aimed at producing
threads t1 · t2 · t5 · see Psalm 67:1 · 2 Corinthians 4:6 · Revelation 22:4

Numbers 5:24

Numbers 5-10 covers the regulations for camp purity, the Nazirite vow, the Aaronic blessing, the Levites' dedication, Passover instructions, and the departure from Sinai. The chapters are regulatory rather than narrative: the Mosaic administration being filled out in its full detail. The Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 is the exception, one of the most beautiful passages in the Torah. Three couplets. Six divine acts. The name YHWH three times. The progression is from outward protection (bless and keep) to relational nearness (face shining, grace) to complete inner wholeness (face lifted, shalom). The blessing moves from the exterior to the interior, from external provision to the peace that comes from knowing the face of God is turned toward you. The panim, the face, appears twice. The face of God shining toward someone is the image of the sun emerging from clouds, light falling on a face. The face of God lifted toward someone is the image of a person looking up to make direct eye contact: the opposite of looking away in displeasure. Both are expressions of divine favor so intimate they require the face-language rather than mere provision-language. Thread 1 is the blessing itself: the God who cannot stop reaching pronounces the blessing that names the character of his reaching, toward you, shining, gracious, peace-giving. Thread 2 is the corporate dimension: the blessing is pronounced over the whole congregation by Aaron and his sons, the representative priests of the covenant community.
The LORD bless thee and keep thee. The Aaronic blessing is the most concentrated summary of what it means to live before the face of God; three couplets, six divine acts, the name of the LORD three times.
יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם (yevarekh'kha YHWH ve-yishmerekha ya'er YHWH panav elekha vi-chunekka yissa YHWH panav elekha ve-yasem lekha shalom): 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: three couplets: blessing-keeping, face-shining-grace, face-lifting-peace; the divine name YHWH appears three times, one per couplet; panav (his face) appears twice, the face of God turned toward the person is the highest possible expression of divine favor; shalom at the end is the covenant wholeness that all the prior acts are aimed at producing
threads t1 · t2 · t5 · see Psalm 67:1 · 2 Corinthians 4:6 · Revelation 22:4

Numbers 5:25

Numbers 5-10 covers the regulations for camp purity, the Nazirite vow, the Aaronic blessing, the Levites' dedication, Passover instructions, and the departure from Sinai. The chapters are regulatory rather than narrative: the Mosaic administration being filled out in its full detail. The Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 is the exception, one of the most beautiful passages in the Torah. Three couplets. Six divine acts. The name YHWH three times. The progression is from outward protection (bless and keep) to relational nearness (face shining, grace) to complete inner wholeness (face lifted, shalom). The blessing moves from the exterior to the interior, from external provision to the peace that comes from knowing the face of God is turned toward you. The panim, the face, appears twice. The face of God shining toward someone is the image of the sun emerging from clouds, light falling on a face. The face of God lifted toward someone is the image of a person looking up to make direct eye contact: the opposite of looking away in displeasure. Both are expressions of divine favor so intimate they require the face-language rather than mere provision-language. Thread 1 is the blessing itself: the God who cannot stop reaching pronounces the blessing that names the character of his reaching, toward you, shining, gracious, peace-giving. Thread 2 is the corporate dimension: the blessing is pronounced over the whole congregation by Aaron and his sons, the representative priests of the covenant community.
The LORD bless thee and keep thee. The Aaronic blessing is the most concentrated summary of what it means to live before the face of God; three couplets, six divine acts, the name of the LORD three times.
יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם (yevarekh'kha YHWH ve-yishmerekha ya'er YHWH panav elekha vi-chunekka yissa YHWH panav elekha ve-yasem lekha shalom): 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: three couplets: blessing-keeping, face-shining-grace, face-lifting-peace; the divine name YHWH appears three times, one per couplet; panav (his face) appears twice, the face of God turned toward the person is the highest possible expression of divine favor; shalom at the end is the covenant wholeness that all the prior acts are aimed at producing
threads t1 · t2 · t5 · see Psalm 67:1 · 2 Corinthians 4:6 · Revelation 22:4

Numbers 5:26

Numbers 5-10 covers the regulations for camp purity, the Nazirite vow, the Aaronic blessing, the Levites' dedication, Passover instructions, and the departure from Sinai. The chapters are regulatory rather than narrative: the Mosaic administration being filled out in its full detail. The Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 is the exception, one of the most beautiful passages in the Torah. Three couplets. Six divine acts. The name YHWH three times. The progression is from outward protection (bless and keep) to relational nearness (face shining, grace) to complete inner wholeness (face lifted, shalom). The blessing moves from the exterior to the interior, from external provision to the peace that comes from knowing the face of God is turned toward you. The panim, the face, appears twice. The face of God shining toward someone is the image of the sun emerging from clouds, light falling on a face. The face of God lifted toward someone is the image of a person looking up to make direct eye contact: the opposite of looking away in displeasure. Both are expressions of divine favor so intimate they require the face-language rather than mere provision-language. Thread 1 is the blessing itself: the God who cannot stop reaching pronounces the blessing that names the character of his reaching, toward you, shining, gracious, peace-giving. Thread 2 is the corporate dimension: the blessing is pronounced over the whole congregation by Aaron and his sons, the representative priests of the covenant community.
The LORD bless thee and keep thee. The Aaronic blessing is the most concentrated summary of what it means to live before the face of God; three couplets, six divine acts, the name of the LORD three times.
יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם (yevarekh'kha YHWH ve-yishmerekha ya'er YHWH panav elekha vi-chunekka yissa YHWH panav elekha ve-yasem lekha shalom): 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: three couplets: blessing-keeping, face-shining-grace, face-lifting-peace; the divine name YHWH appears three times, one per couplet; panav (his face) appears twice, the face of God turned toward the person is the highest possible expression of divine favor; shalom at the end is the covenant wholeness that all the prior acts are aimed at producing
threads t1 · t2 · t5 · see Psalm 67:1 · 2 Corinthians 4:6 · Revelation 22:4

Numbers 5:27

Numbers 5-10 covers the regulations for camp purity, the Nazirite vow, the Aaronic blessing, the Levites' dedication, Passover instructions, and the departure from Sinai. The chapters are regulatory rather than narrative: the Mosaic administration being filled out in its full detail. The Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 is the exception, one of the most beautiful passages in the Torah. Three couplets. Six divine acts. The name YHWH three times. The progression is from outward protection (bless and keep) to relational nearness (face shining, grace) to complete inner wholeness (face lifted, shalom). The blessing moves from the exterior to the interior, from external provision to the peace that comes from knowing the face of God is turned toward you. The panim, the face, appears twice. The face of God shining toward someone is the image of the sun emerging from clouds, light falling on a face. The face of God lifted toward someone is the image of a person looking up to make direct eye contact: the opposite of looking away in displeasure. Both are expressions of divine favor so intimate they require the face-language rather than mere provision-language. Thread 1 is the blessing itself: the God who cannot stop reaching pronounces the blessing that names the character of his reaching, toward you, shining, gracious, peace-giving. Thread 2 is the corporate dimension: the blessing is pronounced over the whole congregation by Aaron and his sons, the representative priests of the covenant community.
The LORD bless thee and keep thee. The Aaronic blessing is the most concentrated summary of what it means to live before the face of God; three couplets, six divine acts, the name of the LORD three times.
יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם (yevarekh'kha YHWH ve-yishmerekha ya'er YHWH panav elekha vi-chunekka yissa YHWH panav elekha ve-yasem lekha shalom): 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: three couplets: blessing-keeping, face-shining-grace, face-lifting-peace; the divine name YHWH appears three times, one per couplet; panav (his face) appears twice, the face of God turned toward the person is the highest possible expression of divine favor; shalom at the end is the covenant wholeness that all the prior acts are aimed at producing
threads t1 · t2 · t5 · see Psalm 67:1 · 2 Corinthians 4:6 · Revelation 22:4

Numbers 5:28

Numbers 5-10 covers the regulations for camp purity, the Nazirite vow, the Aaronic blessing, the Levites' dedication, Passover instructions, and the departure from Sinai. The chapters are regulatory rather than narrative: the Mosaic administration being filled out in its full detail. The Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 is the exception, one of the most beautiful passages in the Torah. Three couplets. Six divine acts. The name YHWH three times. The progression is from outward protection (bless and keep) to relational nearness (face shining, grace) to complete inner wholeness (face lifted, shalom). The blessing moves from the exterior to the interior, from external provision to the peace that comes from knowing the face of God is turned toward you. The panim, the face, appears twice. The face of God shining toward someone is the image of the sun emerging from clouds, light falling on a face. The face of God lifted toward someone is the image of a person looking up to make direct eye contact: the opposite of looking away in displeasure. Both are expressions of divine favor so intimate they require the face-language rather than mere provision-language. Thread 1 is the blessing itself: the God who cannot stop reaching pronounces the blessing that names the character of his reaching, toward you, shining, gracious, peace-giving. Thread 2 is the corporate dimension: the blessing is pronounced over the whole congregation by Aaron and his sons, the representative priests of the covenant community.
The LORD bless thee and keep thee. The Aaronic blessing is the most concentrated summary of what it means to live before the face of God; three couplets, six divine acts, the name of the LORD three times.
יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם (yevarekh'kha YHWH ve-yishmerekha ya'er YHWH panav elekha vi-chunekka yissa YHWH panav elekha ve-yasem lekha shalom): 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: three couplets: blessing-keeping, face-shining-grace, face-lifting-peace; the divine name YHWH appears three times, one per couplet; panav (his face) appears twice, the face of God turned toward the person is the highest possible expression of divine favor; shalom at the end is the covenant wholeness that all the prior acts are aimed at producing
threads t1 · t2 · t5 · see Psalm 67:1 · 2 Corinthians 4:6 · Revelation 22:4

Numbers 5:29

Numbers 5-10 covers the regulations for camp purity, the Nazirite vow, the Aaronic blessing, the Levites' dedication, Passover instructions, and the departure from Sinai. The chapters are regulatory rather than narrative: the Mosaic administration being filled out in its full detail. The Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 is the exception, one of the most beautiful passages in the Torah. Three couplets. Six divine acts. The name YHWH three times. The progression is from outward protection (bless and keep) to relational nearness (face shining, grace) to complete inner wholeness (face lifted, shalom). The blessing moves from the exterior to the interior, from external provision to the peace that comes from knowing the face of God is turned toward you. The panim, the face, appears twice. The face of God shining toward someone is the image of the sun emerging from clouds, light falling on a face. The face of God lifted toward someone is the image of a person looking up to make direct eye contact: the opposite of looking away in displeasure. Both are expressions of divine favor so intimate they require the face-language rather than mere provision-language. Thread 1 is the blessing itself: the God who cannot stop reaching pronounces the blessing that names the character of his reaching, toward you, shining, gracious, peace-giving. Thread 2 is the corporate dimension: the blessing is pronounced over the whole congregation by Aaron and his sons, the representative priests of the covenant community.
The LORD bless thee and keep thee. The Aaronic blessing is the most concentrated summary of what it means to live before the face of God; three couplets, six divine acts, the name of the LORD three times.
יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם (yevarekh'kha YHWH ve-yishmerekha ya'er YHWH panav elekha vi-chunekka yissa YHWH panav elekha ve-yasem lekha shalom): 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: three couplets: blessing-keeping, face-shining-grace, face-lifting-peace; the divine name YHWH appears three times, one per couplet; panav (his face) appears twice, the face of God turned toward the person is the highest possible expression of divine favor; shalom at the end is the covenant wholeness that all the prior acts are aimed at producing
threads t1 · t2 · t5 · see Psalm 67:1 · 2 Corinthians 4:6 · Revelation 22:4

Numbers 5:30

Numbers 5-10 covers the regulations for camp purity, the Nazirite vow, the Aaronic blessing, the Levites' dedication, Passover instructions, and the departure from Sinai. The chapters are regulatory rather than narrative: the Mosaic administration being filled out in its full detail. The Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 is the exception, one of the most beautiful passages in the Torah. Three couplets. Six divine acts. The name YHWH three times. The progression is from outward protection (bless and keep) to relational nearness (face shining, grace) to complete inner wholeness (face lifted, shalom). The blessing moves from the exterior to the interior, from external provision to the peace that comes from knowing the face of God is turned toward you. The panim, the face, appears twice. The face of God shining toward someone is the image of the sun emerging from clouds, light falling on a face. The face of God lifted toward someone is the image of a person looking up to make direct eye contact: the opposite of looking away in displeasure. Both are expressions of divine favor so intimate they require the face-language rather than mere provision-language. Thread 1 is the blessing itself: the God who cannot stop reaching pronounces the blessing that names the character of his reaching, toward you, shining, gracious, peace-giving. Thread 2 is the corporate dimension: the blessing is pronounced over the whole congregation by Aaron and his sons, the representative priests of the covenant community.
The LORD bless thee and keep thee. The Aaronic blessing is the most concentrated summary of what it means to live before the face of God; three couplets, six divine acts, the name of the LORD three times.
יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם (yevarekh'kha YHWH ve-yishmerekha ya'er YHWH panav elekha vi-chunekka yissa YHWH panav elekha ve-yasem lekha shalom): 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: three couplets: blessing-keeping, face-shining-grace, face-lifting-peace; the divine name YHWH appears three times, one per couplet; panav (his face) appears twice, the face of God turned toward the person is the highest possible expression of divine favor; shalom at the end is the covenant wholeness that all the prior acts are aimed at producing
threads t1 · t2 · t5 · see Psalm 67:1 · 2 Corinthians 4:6 · Revelation 22:4

Numbers 5:31

Numbers 5-10 covers the regulations for camp purity, the Nazirite vow, the Aaronic blessing, the Levites' dedication, Passover instructions, and the departure from Sinai. The chapters are regulatory rather than narrative: the Mosaic administration being filled out in its full detail. The Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 is the exception, one of the most beautiful passages in the Torah. Three couplets. Six divine acts. The name YHWH three times. The progression is from outward protection (bless and keep) to relational nearness (face shining, grace) to complete inner wholeness (face lifted, shalom). The blessing moves from the exterior to the interior, from external provision to the peace that comes from knowing the face of God is turned toward you. The panim, the face, appears twice. The face of God shining toward someone is the image of the sun emerging from clouds, light falling on a face. The face of God lifted toward someone is the image of a person looking up to make direct eye contact: the opposite of looking away in displeasure. Both are expressions of divine favor so intimate they require the face-language rather than mere provision-language. Thread 1 is the blessing itself: the God who cannot stop reaching pronounces the blessing that names the character of his reaching, toward you, shining, gracious, peace-giving. Thread 2 is the corporate dimension: the blessing is pronounced over the whole congregation by Aaron and his sons, the representative priests of the covenant community.
The LORD bless thee and keep thee. The Aaronic blessing is the most concentrated summary of what it means to live before the face of God; three couplets, six divine acts, the name of the LORD three times.
יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם (yevarekh'kha YHWH ve-yishmerekha ya'er YHWH panav elekha vi-chunekka yissa YHWH panav elekha ve-yasem lekha shalom): 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: three couplets: blessing-keeping, face-shining-grace, face-lifting-peace; the divine name YHWH appears three times, one per couplet; panav (his face) appears twice, the face of God turned toward the person is the highest possible expression of divine favor; shalom at the end is the covenant wholeness that all the prior acts are aimed at producing
threads t1 · t2 · t5 · see Psalm 67:1 · 2 Corinthians 4:6 · Revelation 22:4
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