“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you,” (Numbers 6:24–25). For centuries, Christians have read these words and received them as a blessing. But have they deeply considered the meaning behind them? What does it mean for God’s face to shine upon his people?
Faces are often referred to as the window to the soul, displaying emotion and providing relational clarity between individuals. This theme of faces reverberates throughout Scripture, first appearing with Adam and Eve and notably surfacing in the Aaronic benediction in Numbers 6.
The Lord Bless You and Keep You explores this benediction to discover the important connection between a person’s face and the face of God—finding that through faces, God shines the light of the gospel upon his people and offers his grace, goodness, and blessing to those who believe in him.
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Examines a Common Biblical Passage: Explores the context, meaning, and purpose of the Aaronic benediction
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Perfect for Laypeople and Church Leaders Alike: Use this book to explore how the Aaronic benediction impacts worship in day-to-day life and within the church
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Interactive: Reflection questions provide an opportunity for discussion in small groups and meditation for individuals
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Offers Insight for Corporate Worship: Pastors and church leaders explore how the Aaronic benediction impacts corporate worship
208 pages.
Introduction
Chapter 1: The Prequel to the Aaronic Blessing: The Context
Chapter 2: The Meaning of Numbers 6:22–27: The Content of the Blessing
Chapter 3: The Aaronic Blessing in Light of the New Testament: The Christ of the Blessing
Chapter 4: The Aaronic Blessing and Me: The Consequences of the Blessing, Part 1 – Just Look at Yourself
Chapter 5: The Aaronic Blessing and Others: The Consequences of the Blessing, Part 2 – Seeing Others Face to Face
Chapter 6: The Aaronic Blessing and Worship: Participation and Pastoral Practice
Conclusion
Appendix: A Liturgy of God’s Gracious Gaze
“Deep in the Reformation worship tradition of both Luther and Calvin is the consistent use of the Aaronic blessing. So it is a delight and a privilege to read and recommend Michael Glodo’s book-length treatment of this beautiful and powerful portion of God’s word, deepening our understanding and renewing our use of our Reformed heritage.”
Bryan Chapell, Stated Clerk, Presbyterian Church in America
“This book infuses our shallow understanding of what it means to be blessed with scriptural insight and textual richness. It invites us to think more deeply about what is promised in the familiar words of the Aaronic blessing so that we hear them with fresh meaning and find ourselves receiving them with profound joy.”
Nancy Guthrie, Bible teacher; author, Even Better than Eden
“Michael Glodo’s The Lord Bless You and Keep You is a rich exposition of a beloved and important divine blessing. Glodo’s many years of teaching biblical studies and pastoral theology, as well as his own pastoral experience and instincts, really show up in this book. This exegetical, biblical-theological deep dive into the Aaronic blessing will edify you devotionally and equip you to understand the profundity of what it means for the Lord’s face to shine upon his people.”
Ligon Duncan, Chancellor and CEO, Reformed Theological Seminary