Numbers 6:23

Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them,

Speak {H1696} unto Aaron {H175} and unto his sons {H1121}, saying {H559}, On this wise {H3541} ye shall bless {H1288} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, saying {H559} unto them,

"Speak to Aharon and his sons, and tell them that this is how you are to bless the people of Isra'el: you are to say to them,

โ€œTell Aaron and his sons: This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:

Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel: ye shall say unto them,

Commentary

Numbers 6:23 serves as the divine introduction to one of the most cherished and enduring passages in the Old Testament: the Priestly Blessing, also known as the Aaronic Blessing. This verse sets the stage, indicating that the following words are not merely human wishes but a direct command from God to His appointed priests.

Context

This verse appears in the Book of Numbers, which chronicles the Israelites' journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. Following instructions regarding the Nazirite vow, God turns His attention to the vital role of the priesthood. The instruction to "Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons" highlights their unique position as mediators between God and the people of Israel. This blessing was a fundamental part of their liturgical duties, signifying God's active involvement in the lives of His covenant people and His desire to impart favor and well-being upon them.

Key Themes

  • Divine Mandate: The phrase "On this wise ye shall bless" emphasizes that the blessing was not of human invention but a direct, specific instruction from God Himself. It underscores God's initiative in extending grace and favor to His people.
  • Priestly Authority: God specifically entrusts Aaron and his descendants with the sacred duty of delivering this blessing. This highlights the unique authority and responsibility of the priesthood in ancient Israel, acting as God's representatives.
  • God's Desire to Bless: Even before the words of the blessing are spoken, this verse reveals God's benevolent character and His proactive desire to bless His children. It's a testament to His covenant faithfulness and lovingkindness.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "bless" is barak (ื‘ึธึผืจึทืšึฐ). While it can mean to kneel, in the context of God blessing humans, it signifies the imparting of favor, prosperity, and well-being. When humans bless God, it is an act of praise and adoration. Here, it is God, through His priests, actively bestowing good upon His people, not merely wishing it. The phrase "On this wise" (ื›ึผึนื”, koh) indicates a specific, prescribed manner, emphasizing the divine origin and precise nature of the blessing that follows.

Significance and Application

Numbers 6:23 is foundational because it introduces the powerful words of the Priestly Blessing in Numbers 6:24-26. It reminds us that God is a God who delights in blessing His people. For us today, it reinforces the enduring truth that God desires to impart peace, protection, and favor. While the Levitical priesthood has been fulfilled in Christ, the principle remains: God commissions His servants to speak words of truth and grace. This verse encourages us to seek God's blessing and to recognize His continuous desire to interact with humanity in a benevolent way, echoing the promise of plans for welfare and not for evil.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 21:5

    And the priests the sons of Levi shall come near; for them the LORD thy God hath chosen to minister unto him, and to bless in the name of the LORD; and by their word shall every controversy and every stroke be [tried]:

  • 1 Chronicles 23:13

    The sons of Amram; Aaron and Moses: and Aaron was separated, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons for ever, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister unto him, and to bless in his name for ever.

  • Hebrews 7:1

    ยถ For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;

  • Genesis 48:20

    And he blessed them that day, saying, In thee shall Israel bless, saying, God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh: and he set Ephraim before Manasseh.

  • 2 Corinthians 13:14

    The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, [be] with you all. Amen.

  • Genesis 14:19

    And he blessed him, and said, Blessed [be] Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:

  • Genesis 14:20

    And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
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