What is the Aaronic Blessing?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Aaronic Blessing was a poetic, memorable blessing that God gave to Aaron and his sons. The intention of it was to have a blessing to say over Israel to remind the people about how great their God is. Each line in this poem reminds them that God is the source of blessing, while also reminding them that being blessed by God requires obedience to Him. By thinking about this blessing, they would remember that God desired them to be like Him and that He was pleased to bless them and keep them and deal graciously with them. Through archaeological and historical records, we know that the Aaronic Blessing became a liturgical part of the priestly regular work. It continues to be used today among some Jews as well as incorporated into the worship services of various other religious faiths, including some Christian denominations.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The Aaronic Blessing is found in Numbers 6:24-26. It reads, “The LORD bless you, and keep you; the LORD make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace.” This blessing concludes the first section of Numbers, and God gave it as a blessing Aaron was to give for the people of Israel.
• The format of the blessing is poetic and intentionally easy to remember. Of primary importance is its focus on the LORD. The poem contains three lines, with each line starting by stating His name. Grammatically, His name doesn’t need to be repeated. However, through that repetition, God was helping the Israelites to keep Himself at the center of their thoughts (Numbers 6:27).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The Aaronic Blessing is not repeated in the New Testament. However, just as the Israelites were to “put on” Yahweh’s name, disciples in the New Testament are also to take God’s name to the ends of the earth (Matthew 28:19-20).
• Paul referred to his own ministry as one where Jesus called him “a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel” (Acts 9:15).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

While God did not command a particular use of the Aaronic Blessing, archaeological evidence shows that it quickly became a part of a regular, daily temple service. It has also been found engraved on amulets worn by early Jews, perhaps much like crosses are worn today. It is still recited at Jewish synagogues during many services, and many Jewish parents use it to bless their children on Friday evenings. Blessings based on this priestly prayer are also used in Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran liturgies. Many less liturgical Protestant congregations also occasionally speak the Aaronic Blessing. Reciting the Aaronic Blessing does not guarantee a particular benefit, but it provides a poetically clear way to remind us of who God is as the source of all good things (James 1:17).

Even when life is hard, it reminds believers of God’s promises to never leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5; c.f., Deuteronomy 31:6) and that He is actively keeping us from the evil one (Numbers 6:24; John 17:15). It also reminds us that God is gracious as evidenced by Jesus coming and saving us (John 3:16), giving us everything we need (Romans 8:32). Further, though God’s face is always on believers because He looks at Jesus’ obedience, this blessing also reminds us that He disciplines us when we sin (Hebrews 12:6), so we are quick to repent (1 John 1:9). Just as the Israelites looked to God for peace (Numbers 6:26), so we remember that He gives us a peace that “surpasses all comprehension,” which He provides to guard and keep us (Philippians 4:7). Finally, the Aaronic Blessing reminds us that God continually lifts His face on our behalf, working out all things for our good (Romans 8:28). In short, we can use this blessing given to the Israelites to remind us of how great God is towards those He has saved through His Son, Jesus. It should cause us to praise Him!

UNDERSTAND

• God gave the Aaronic Blessing to be spoken over Israel as a reminder of His protection, grace, and peace.
• The Aaronic Blessing emphasizes God's name and character, calling the people to live in a way that reflects Him and invites His favor.
• The Aaronic Blessing is a powerful reminder of God’s goodness for both ancient Israel and believers today.

REFLECT

• How does the Aaronic Blessing shape your view of God's presence and care in your daily life?
• How are you intentionally living in a way that reflects God's name and character to those around you?
• How do you respond when you don’t feel “blessed”—and how can the Aaronic Blessing help reframe those moments?

ENGAGE

• What does the repetition of God's name in the Aaronic Blessing teach us about the kind of relationship He desires with His people?
• How might regularly speaking or hearing the Aaronic Blessing in community shape the way we view God's grace and peace?
• Why is it important to understand that blessings like this are not magical formulas but reminders tied to obedience and relationship with God?