Saying The Aaronic Blessing At My Son's Wedding

The Aaronic Blessing is a well-known benediction from the Bible, recorded in Numbers 6:23-27. It is a prayer that God will complete His work and make everything right, and it is also a promise. The blessing is structurally beautiful, with each line increasing in word count, forming a crescendo that reaches its climax with shalom, meaning peace. The Aaronic Blessing is commonly used in Judaism and is known as the Priestly Benediction, the Dukhanen, or the raising of the hands. It is also used in Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran liturgy, as well as in less liturgical Protestant services. The blessing is considered a performative act, bringing about the divine blessing through its very utterance, assuming the faith and covenantal faithfulness of those being blessed. So, not only is it appropriate to say the Aaronic Blessing at your son's wedding, but it is also a popular choice for this occasion.

The Aaronic Blessing's meaning and structure

The Aaronic Blessing is a blessing that Aaron and his sons were instructed to speak over the people of Israel, as recorded in Numbers 6:23–27. The blessing is as follows:

> "The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."

The Aaronic Blessing is commonly used in Judaism and is known as the Priestly Blessing, the Priestly Benediction (birkat kohanim), the Dukhanen, or the "raising of the hands." It is also used in Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran liturgy, as well as in less liturgical services of many Protestant congregations.

Structurally, the Aaronic Blessing in the original Hebrew consists of three instances of "the Lord" (Yahweh) and twelve other words, an intentional reference to the twelve tribes of Israel. The threefold repetition of Yahweh emphasises that He is the source of all goodness in life.

The blessing is made up of three lines, each increasing by two Hebrew words and five Hebrew letters, forming a crescendo that culminates in "peace" (Hebrew, shalom). The first line, "The Lord bless you and keep you," refers to God blessing His people with plenty, including prosperity, victory, and strength. The second line, "The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you," speaks of God's loving presence and His light shining upon His people, bringing blessing and deliverance. The final line, "The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace," emphasises God's smile of favour upon His children, offering a peace that surpasses understanding and signifies completion and wholeness.

The Aaronic Blessing in Christian services

The Aaronic Blessing is a priestly blessing for Old Testament believers. It is recorded in Numbers 6:23–27:

> "The Lord said to Moses, 'Tell Aaron and his sons, "This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: "The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."'"

The blessing is also repeated in different parts of the Bible, including Genesis 12:1-3, Psalms 67:1-2, and Jude.

The Aaronic Blessing is commonly used in Judaism and known as the Priestly Blessing, the Priestly Benediction (birkat kohanim), the Dukhanen, or the "raising of the hands." It is also used in Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran liturgy, as well as in less liturgical services of many Protestant congregations.

The blessing is often used during worship services, child dedications, funerals, and weddings. It is also appropriate for bedtime prayers, parting prayers, and prayers for patients in hospitals or nursing homes. The Aaronic Blessing can be used to bless one's children or grandchildren, and it can be prayed for strangers, turning an awkward moment into a sacred space.

The theological depth of the Aaronic Blessing lies in its emphasis on God as the source of all goodness in life. It is a reminder that God desires to bless His people and that He is the one who guards, watches over, and protects them. The blessing also foreshadows the coming of the Messiah, who will bring ultimate peace upon the people of God.

The Aaronic Blessing in Judaism

The Aaronic Blessing, also known as the Priestly Benediction, the Priestly Blessing, the Dukhanen, or the "raising of the hands," is a prayer that holds great significance in Judaism. The blessing is found in Numbers 6:23-27:

> "The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace."

This blessing, which is directed towards the people of Israel, is believed to have been spoken by Aaron and his sons, as instructed by God to Moses. The Aaronic Blessing is considered a gift from God, emphasising His role as the source of all blessings and goodness in life.

The structure of the blessing is noteworthy. If we remove the three mentions of "The Lord" (Yahweh), we are left with twelve words, symbolising the twelve tribes of Israel. Additionally, the repetition of God's name three times is intentional, highlighting His role as the source of all blessings.

The Aaronic Blessing has been used throughout history, even after the end of the Aaronic priesthood. It is recited by Kohanim, male descendants of Aaron aged 13 or older, during specific Jewish ceremonies and significant life events. The blessing is often recited during weddings, child dedications, and funerals, as well as at bedtime for children.

The blessing holds a deeper meaning when examined from an Ancient Hebrew linguistic and cultural perspective. For example, the word "bless" in Hebrew is "barakh," which means to kneel or show respect. This act of kneeling is representative of bringing a gift to another while kneeling out of respect.

The Aaronic Blessing, with its emphasis on God's favour, protection, and peace, continues to be a cherished tradition in Judaism, reminding believers of God's presence, care, and blessings in their lives.

The Aaronic Benediction

> "The Lord said to Moses, 'Tell Aaron and his sons, "This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: 'The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.'" So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them."

The emphasis of the blessing is upon God, and it is God who originates the blessing. The blessing itself emphasizes that it is the Lord who blesses the people and does for them what they cannot do for themselves. The blessing is a request for the Lord's specific protection, asking Him to "keep" the people, guarding or watching over them.

The Aaronic Blessing and its application today

The Aaronic Blessing is a powerful and profound expression of God's love and protection, with a rich history and significance in both Judaism and Christianity. The blessing, recorded in Numbers 6:23-27, was first spoken by Aaron and his sons over the people of Israel. Today, it continues to be used in religious ceremonies and personal prayers, offering comfort, hope, and a deeper understanding of God's blessings.

The Aaronic Blessing's Biblical Origins

The Aaronic Blessing, as instructed by God to Moses, is as follows: "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace" (Numbers 6:24-26). This blessing is a performative act, bringing about divine favour and happiness to those it is bestowed upon. The structure of the blessing is intentional, with three mentions of "the Lord" (or "Yahweh" in Hebrew), corresponding to the twelve tribes of Israel.

Application in Judaism and Christianity

Centuries later, the Aaronic Blessing remains an integral part of religious ceremonies and personal devotions. In Judaism, it is known as the Priestly Blessing or Birkat Kohanim, and is used in various forms within different groups. In Christian traditions, it is commonly used in Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran liturgy, as well as in less liturgical Protestant services.

Understanding God's Blessings

The Aaronic Blessing serves as a reminder of God's role as the source of all goodness and favour in life. It is a call to remember that God is the one who protects, guards, and keeps us secure. The blessing also highlights God's gracious and forgiving nature, as seen in the joy and glory of His presence among His people.

A Prayer for Peace

The blessing's reference to "peace" goes beyond the absence of conflict. It signifies shalom, a state of completeness, wholeness, and maturity. It is a prayer for God to complete His work of making all things right, a promise that believers can hold onto even in the face of persecution.

A Timeless Benediction

The Aaronic Blessing is a timeless expression of hope and faith. It is a reminder of God's promises and a call to trust in His provision and protection. Whether used in formal worship services or personal prayers, the Aaronic Blessing continues to touch lives and bring people closer to God, making it as relevant today as it was in biblical times.

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