Numbers 6:22-27
Chapter 6
22
Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
23
“Speak to Aaron and his sons and say to them: This is how you shall bless the people of Israel; you shall say:
24
May the Lord bless you and keep you!
25
May the Lord let his face
shine on you
and be gracious to you!
26
May the Lord
look kindly on you
and give you his peace!
27
In that way shall they put my name on the people of Israel, and I will bless them.”
Commentaries
Various Laws.
These two chapters focus on laws related to different aspects of people’s lives. The main purpose of these laws is to promote the highest form of worship, which naturally requires community purity. From the priestly school’s perspective (P), Israel is primarily a cultic community that supports God’s constant presence among them through purity in all their actions. As a result, the laws and rules for worship and personal behavior impact every part of life: physical appearance and health (5:1-4); social issues regarding property relations (5:5-10); family matters related to marriage (5:12-31); and finally, religious practices (6:1-21), including dedicating oneself to the Lord through a vow—the “Nazirite vow.”