YEAR 2, WEEK 12, Day 6, Saturday, 22 March 2025

https://esv.literalword.com/?q=Numbers+6

Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Saturday, 22 March 2025:

Remember Numbers 6 when you read about Samson in the future – he was intended to be a Nazarite.

Numbers 6:1-21 – And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When either a man or a woman makes a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the Lord, 3 he shall separate himself from wine and strong drink….

God calls certain people to a special commitment which demands extraordinary devotion and focus. Abstinence from strong drink ensured the person under vow would not lose self-control and unintentionally do something to break the vow, and it served as a constant reminder of the vow. Breaking the vow required atonement from God.

Numbers 6:24-27 — 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 shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them.

“Today we will look at perhaps the most famous blessing in the Bible — the Aaronic blessing found in Numbers 6:22–27. God’s people treasure these words for they have been used in worship under the old covenant as well as the new. Unfortunately, because these words are so familiar, it is easy to miss their theological depth.

Structurally, there is much that can be said of the Aaronic blessing in the original Hebrew. If we were to remove the three instances of “the Lord” (Yahweh) in the blessing, we would be left with twelve words in the original language, an intentional reference to the twelve tribes of Israel. Furthermore, this threefold repetition of the name Yahweh is not required; one usage of God’s name would have sufficed. But the Lord has His priests repeat His name to emphasize that He is the source of all goodness in life (James 1:17).

One of these good things is peace (Num. 6:26), which in Scripture refers to far more than just the cessation of conflict. It includes prosperity, children, security, land, happiness, health, and a host of other good things (Deut. 28:1–14). The emphasis on the Lord as the source of all these things, as noted above, is very powerful. Basically, God is saying, ‘My people, when you enjoy health, remember that My grace has given it to you. When you succeed, do not forget that I am its source. Recall that no good gift is possible without Me.’

Dr. R.C. Sproul turns to the Aaronic blessing as an expression of the hope that the Lord’s chosen will one day see His face (Essential Truths of the Christian Faith, p. 282). Our supreme longing is to experience the beatific vision — to see the Lord face-to-face as He shines His smile upon us (Num. 6:25). In like manner, John Calvin writes that ‘nothing is more desirable for the consummation of our happiness, than that we should behold the serene countenance of God.’

Matthew Henry comments on this passage, saying that ‘we may take the blessing to ourselves, as if our names were inserted.’ Think about it, the Lord our God, the Creator of all that is seen and unseen, seeks to bless His people. Everything good that comes your way comes from His hand, and one day, all in Christ will enjoy the splendor of His face. So, do not doubt that the Lord desires to bless you and tell others that His blessing is available to them in Christ.” (Ligonier Ministries)

Peace is a wholeness and completeness of life (not the absence of life challenges) which comes from closeness to God. “The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance [acceptance and favor] upon you and give you peace.” When we learn to fully appreciate how awesome and loving our God is, His presence in our lives and His undivided attentiveness, the reality of who we are as His beloved children, and the assurance of His eternal promises for us, we will be naturally filled with the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, humility, forgiveness, righteousness, truth, wisdom, contentment, and gratitude, mercy, hospitality, compassion, generosity, perseverance, obedience, reverence, hope, trust, holiness, meekness, and unity). Fruitfulness comes naturally from a branch connected to the Vine.

“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 22 March 2025: Today, seek the face of God above all else. It is from Him all good things flow, not from your efforts.