The Lord bless you, and keep you: the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-25
This strange but poetic phrase, “lift up His countenance,” has several suggestions towards what it may mean. Indeed, it has also been translated as “turn His face toward you.” It shows favor and maybe even relationship and affection. The picture of Him lifting His face is striking – does He lift His gaze to look us in the eye? Or is He possibly affirming that yes, I see you?
In any case, the idea of God’s face is surely present and is closely tied to the idea of God “shining His face on you” that was present in the previous verse. When something is repeated there becomes a certainty about it. God’s favor was not wishful thinking on the Israelites' part, it was certain. Not because they asked twice, but because God declared it. This was a blessing that God initiated and commanded. And so He will fulfill it. The repeat is an assurance, a confirmation of what He wills to do and will accomplish.
It is amazing to me that God wants to bless us and intends to carry it out. Like an exuberant parent, He looks upon us with delight and searches ways to bestow favor. I rejoice that the God of the universe turned His face towards me and sees me. I pray He lifts up His countenance on you as well.
