Aaron’s Prayer

The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace.
– Numbers 6:24-26

This prayer comes from the Lord himself. Moses was instructed to tell Aaron this prayer for the Israelites. Aaron being a decedent of Levi, was a high priest of the Israelites. The high priests were responsible for entering the tabernacle, making offerings to the Lord; among other responsibilities. Aaron was the first to be appointed as a high priest. This prayer is based around the Lord. Being blessed by God, we are shielded from the snares of the evil one. Blessings were a major part of the Old Testament, especially of the first-born son. Jacob stole the blessing from his twin Esau, who should have rightfully received it. Later, when Jacob decided to return home, he fought with an Angle of God for a blessing. Blessings bring favor and prosperity from God. The Lord knew that the Israelites would fall away from His glory, if not for His blessings.

To look upon the face of the Lord is to be in the presence of His glory. We should be so blessed! Moses witnessed the Lord’s glory on Mt. Sanai when he was given the 10 Commandments. Moses was told that no one can see God’s face and live. To pray to have the Lord’s face shine upon them does seem rather dangerous at first. When you look upon someone, you give them your attention; for better or worse. Typically, people don’t look upon others they don’t like for long. If something needs to be studied, or examined clearer a light is used, causing that lamp to shine on the object.

God is so focused on His people that His face shines upon them. Nothing is hidden from light. When God didn’t approve of the behavior of His people, He no longer showed them mercy or grace until they came back to Him. For those who found favor with God, they would be the recipient of His kindness. Hebrews 10:31 tells us that it is a “terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Indeed, the Lord’s wrath has no bounds; but neither does His kindness. What greater sign of His love could we ask for than having His own Son die for our sins?

Through Jesus’ sacrifice we can now rest peacefully knowing that Jesus bore all our sins. There is a peace that only God can provide. This prayer that comes from God also focuses on the importance of God. Without His presence, grace, kindness we would still be lost in our sins. God is merciful and kind; wanting all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). We all need the Lord in our lives. While the world may provide a type of peace of its own, true peace rests with God alone.