Numbers 6:23

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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,

Complete Jewish Bible

"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,

Berean Standard Bible

“Tell Aaron and his sons: This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 6:23 serves as the divine prelude to the celebrated Priestly Blessing, often called the Aaronic Blessing. This foundational verse establishes the divine origin and priestly mediation of the blessing, underscoring that the subsequent words are not human wishes but a direct, God-ordained pronouncement intended to impart favor and well-being upon the children of Israel. It highlights God's initiative and benevolent desire to bless His covenant people through His appointed representatives.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately precedes the specific words of the Priestly Blessing found in Numbers 6:24-26. It concludes a section of the Book of Numbers that details various laws and regulations for the Israelites during their wilderness journey, including the laws concerning the Nazirite vow (Numbers 6:1-21) and the purification of the camp. The transition from specific cultic and purity laws to a general blessing for the entire nation underscores the comprehensive nature of God's care for His people—encompassing both their obedience to His commands and His active desire to bestow favor upon them. This verse acts as a crucial bridge, shifting from the specific duties and responsibilities of individuals and groups to the overarching divine intention for the entire community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Numbers chronicles Israel's journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt, a period marked by divine guidance, testing, and the establishment of the covenant relationship at Sinai. In this context, the priesthood, established through Aaron and his sons, played a pivotal role as mediators between God and the people. They were responsible for sacrifices, offerings, and teaching the law, but also for conveying God's presence and blessing. The instruction to "Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons" (Numbers 6:23) emphasizes their unique, divinely appointed authority and responsibility. Blessings were not mere good wishes in ancient Israel; they were potent declarations believed to carry the power of the one who pronounced them, particularly when spoken by a divinely commissioned authority. This specific blessing was to be a regular part of their liturgical duties, a tangible expression of God's ongoing covenant faithfulness to His people, echoing the promises made to Abraham that through him, all the families of the earth would be blessed (see [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Blessing")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Speak (Hebrew: דַּבֵּר, _dabber_):** This is an imperative verb, a direct command from God. It signifies authority and the necessity of immediate, precise action. It emphasizes that the blessing is not a suggestion or an option, but a divine mandate to be faithfully delivered by the priests. The use of this strong verb highlights the solemnity and weight of the instruction.
* **Bless (Hebrew: בָּרַךְ, _barak_):** In the context of God blessing humans, _barak_ means to impart favor, prosperity, well-being, and divine power. It is an active bestowal of good, not merely a wish. Here, it signifies God's proactive desire to pour out His goodness upon His people through the designated channel of the priesthood. When humans bless God, it is an act of praise and adoration, but when God blesses, it is an act of divine beneficence and empowerment.
* **On this wise (Hebrew: כֹּה, _koh_):** This adverb means "thus," "in this manner," or "according to this." It indicates that the following words (Numbers 6:24-26) are not to be altered or improvised. The blessing is to be recited precisely as God dictates, underscoring its divine origin, specific content, and inherent power. It removes any human discretion regarding the form or substance of the blessing, emphasizing its sacred and unchangeable nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons":** This phrase directly addresses the Levitical priesthood, specifically Aaron as the high priest and his descendants, who would serve as priests. It establishes their exclusive role as the divinely appointed conduits for this blessing. This highlights the concept of mediation, where God chooses specific individuals to represent Him and convey His will and favor to His people.
* **"saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel":** This clause emphasizes the precise nature of the instruction. The priests are not to invent their own blessings but are commanded to use the specific formula that follows. "On this wise" (כֹּה) underscores the divine origin and prescribed manner of the blessing, ensuring its authenticity and power. The recipients are clearly identified as "the children of Israel," signifying that the blessing is for the entire covenant community.
* **"saying unto them,":** This final phrase reinforces the direct, verbal nature of the blessing. It is to be spoken aloud to the people, not merely thought or written. The repetition of "saying" (אֱמֹר, _emor_, from אָמַר, _amar_) emphasizes the act of verbal proclamation, which in ancient Near Eastern thought carried inherent power and efficacy. It further highlights the public and communal aspect of this sacred declaration.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 6:23 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Divine Command**, expressed through the imperative "Speak" (דַּבֵּר). This immediately establishes God as the sovereign speaker and the source of the subsequent blessing, lending it ultimate authority and power. The verse also functions as an **Introduction** and a **Framing Device** for the Priestly Blessing that follows. It sets the stage, announcing the speaker (God), the recipients of the command (Aaron and his sons), the action to be performed (blessing), and the beneficiaries (the children of Israel). The repetition of "saying" (אֱמֹר) serves as a device of **Emphasis**, underscoring the verbal, declarative nature of the blessing and the precise manner in which it is to be delivered. This repetition reinforces the idea that the words themselves are divinely ordained and carry inherent power when spoken as commanded.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 6:23 is profoundly theological, revealing God's character as a benevolent and proactive Giver of blessing. It establishes that blessing is not merely a human aspiration but a divine initiative, flowing from God's covenant faithfulness and His desire for the well-being of His people. The verse underscores the importance of divinely appointed mediation, as God chooses His priests to be the channels through which His favor is conveyed. This highlights the principle that God often works through human instruments to accomplish His purposes on earth, demonstrating His willingness to partner with humanity. Ultimately, it speaks to God's enduring commitment to His covenant people, assuring them of His protection, grace, and peace.

* [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [Psalm 67:1-7](/psalm/67-1 "Psalm 67:1-7 - A Prayer for God's Blessing")
* [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed with Every Spiritual Blessing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 6:23 serves as a powerful reminder of God's unchanging desire to bless His people. It teaches us that true blessing originates from God alone and is often mediated through His appointed channels, whether ancient priests or, in the New Covenant, through the proclamation of His Word and the ministry of His people. For us today, this verse encourages us to actively seek God's blessing, trusting in His benevolent character. It also challenges us to consider how we, as believers, are called to be channels of God's blessing to others, speaking words of truth, grace, and encouragement. Just as the Aaronic blessing was a public declaration of God's favor, our lives and words should reflect His goodness, bringing hope and peace to a world in need.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the divine origin of the Priestly Blessing in Numbers 6:23 change your perception of its power and significance?**
* **In what ways do you believe God desires to bless His people today, and how might we position ourselves to receive these blessings?**
* **How can believers today, as a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), embody the spirit of this blessing by speaking words of truth, grace, and hope into the lives of others?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of God commanding Aaron and his sons specifically to deliver this blessing?**

Answer: The command to Aaron and his sons highlights their unique, divinely appointed role as priests in ancient Israel. They were the mediators between God and the people, responsible for leading worship, offering sacrifices, and conveying God's will. By entrusting them with this specific blessing, God underscored their authority and the sacredness of their office. It meant that the blessing was not merely a human wish but a divinely authorized declaration, carrying the weight of God's own intention and power. This also emphasized the structured and orderly nature of God's covenant relationship with Israel, where specific roles were assigned for the benefit of the entire community (see [Exodus 28:1](/exodus/28-1 "Exodus 28:1 - Appointment of Aaron and His Sons")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 6:23, by introducing the Priestly Blessing, foreshadows the ultimate source and mediator of all blessing in Jesus Christ. While Aaron and his sons were earthly priests, imperfect and mortal, Jesus is our eternal High Priest, "holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens" ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Christ's Perfect Priesthood")). The Aaronic blessing, though powerful, was a shadow of the perfect, comprehensive blessing that flows from Christ. He is not merely the one who pronounces blessing; He *is* the Blessing itself, the embodiment of God's grace, peace, and protection. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, believers are now "blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ")). The priestly mediation of Aaron pointed forward to Jesus, who, by His single, perfect sacrifice, forever secured access to God's presence and an unending flow of divine favor for all who believe ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Thus, the divine command to bless the children of Israel finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Christ, through whom God's desire to bless humanity is fully realized.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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

¶ 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.