Today we continue sharing lyrics from one of our songs called
The Blessing, from our second EP titled “If My People...”
We have our own musical arrangement of the Aaronic Blessing in Numbers 6:24-26. Today, we continue to break down the blessing phrase by phrase. In order to bring it to life, we will refer to the Hebrew aspects of the blessing.
In the phrase, “The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,” the word “countenance” is translated from the Hebrew word "paniym." It’s the same word as “face” in the previous verse. “Lift up” comes from the Hebrew word "nasa." It has three main meanings: to lift up anything, to bear or carry (especially guilt for sin), and to take away (often of removing sin).
This phrase, “lift up His countenance upon you” involves God taking us into His presence to see His face. Though we can’t actually see God in His glory now as human beings, He’s offering the great blessing of coming into His presence. This carries even more meaning under the New Covenant now that Jesus’ actions in taking away our sins (which is one meaning of "nasa") have removed the separation between God and His people.
This phrase is a picture of a father smiling and taking pleasure in his child. When the Lord lifts His countenance upon us, it shows that He is looking on us for our good. God wants to bless us. He wants to protect us. He wants to make His face shine upon us and be gracious to us, and giving us peace. Here in the blessing, the most obvious meaning for this phrase is that God accepts us.
Know today that God is smiling upon you for the simple and yet profound fact that you are His beloved child.
Scripture:
How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! O LORD, they walk in the light of Your countenance. (Psalm 89:15)
Prayer:
Lord, we thank You that we can come into Your presence with boldness. It is the desire of our hearts that we bring a smile to Your face. We love You. Amen.
A beam of God's countenance is enough to fill the heart of a believer to overflowing. It is enough to light up the pale cheek of a dying saint with seraphic brightness, and make the heart of the lone widow sing for joy.
- Robert Murray McCheyne
