Book Of Numbers 6:22-27: How to Position for God’s Favor. A study of “The Blessing.” Scripture teaches us to seek God’s face, humble ourselves, pray, and turn from sin to align with His blessing. Actual favor comes from pursuing Christ’s will, embracing His grace, and placing ourselves in His presence with thankful hearts. By doing this, we receive enduring peace, joy, and spiritual authority through the name of Jesus, as promised throughout the Word.
Book Of Numbers 6:22-27: How to Position for God’s Favor
Book Of Numbers 6:22-27: How to Position for God’s Favor
Audio
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Scriptures used in this lesson:
Numbers 6:22-27, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Proverbs 7:15, Philippians 2:12-13, Matthew 7:21-23, Hebrews 4:16, Psalms 80:7, Revelation 1:16, Colossians 3:15, Philippians 2:9, Exodus 3:15, Acts 2:6-8, Acts 2:37-38,
The Blessing of God: Introduction and Purpose
What we’ll be looking at tonight is the blessing of God. How many can use the blessing of God upon our lives? If you could use the blessing of God, respond to me, please. I think that we all could use a little blessing. Numbers chapter 6, verses 22 through 27.
Book Of Numbers 6:22-27: How to Position for God’s Favor
Numbers 6:22-27
22 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
23 Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them,
24 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
27 And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel, and I will bless them.
Does God Have to Bless Us? Understanding the Divine Choice
Does the Lord have to bless us? No, He doesn’t. Scripture says, “The Lord bless thee and keep thee,” but that doesn’t mean God is obligated to bless us. The truth is, He desires to bless us, and deep down we know that. Something within our spirit testifies that God wants to bring blessing into our lives. But we must understand—He is not required to do so.
Numbers 6:25
25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
Book Of Numbers 6:22-27: How to Position for God’s Favor
The passage also says, “The Lord make His face shine upon thee.” That idea reminds me of what we read in Ephesians. It says we are made to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. The wording shows that sometimes God has to cause us or make us do these things. Oftentimes, we want to go our own way, but He calls us to sit with Him. In the same way, when the blessing says, “The Lord make His face shine upon thee,” we must ask—does He have to? Or is it a gift of His grace?
Seeking God’s Face: The Power of Positioning
Throughout this blessing, we are entreating the Lord. We are asking Him to bless us and to cause His face to shine upon us. But this brings up an important question: if He makes His face shine upon us, then why are we also told in Scripture to seek His face? The two work together. We are invited to seek Him while at the same time asking Him to reveal Himself to us.
The shoebread table in the tabernacle gives us a picture of this. It was set “before the veil” in the holy place. The word before in Hebrew is the same as the word for face. So it has been called the “face table.” It was placed in front of the Lord, always in position before Him. That’s the critical point—if we want God’s face to shine upon us, we must find ourselves in position before Him. Just as the shoebread table stood in the presence of the Lord, so must we place ourselves before Him, ready to receive His blessing.
Book Of Numbers 6:22-27: How to Position for God’s Favor
If we want the Lord to shine His face upon us, we must put ourselves in a position for Him to do it. Think back to when Dwayne Swilley was here. Did the Lord’s presence shine upon us in that service? Yes, He did. But not everyone was there to experience it. The difference was simple—some were in a position to receive it, and some were not.
When we entreat the Lord to shine His face upon us, we must ask ourselves: Am I in a position so that He can? If you desire His presence, you must be where He is moving. You must come into the holy place, ready for Him to shine. If you are absent or unprepared, you will miss it, because His face will not shine where you refuse to be.
Remember, the Lord doesn’t have to bless us. There is a part we must play. We must be available and willing to receive. God is always good, even when the world is not. But if we want His blessing, we must align ourselves to receive it.
Scripture in 1 Chronicles 16:11 says, “Seek the Lord and His strength. Seek His face continually.” If I want His strength, then I must seek Him. If I am not seeking His face, I cannot expect His strength. That is the difference. Many people want God’s blessing but do not want to seek Him. Yet, throughout Scripture, we see this truth—positioning always matters.
Book Of Numbers 6:22-27: How to Position for God’s Favor
Moses is a perfect example. He turned aside to see the burning bush. If he had not, he would have missed an encounter with God’s presence. In the same way, if we want the Lord’s face to shine upon us, the first step is always ours. We must position ourselves to seek Him, to enter where He is, and to stand before His face.
2 Chronicles 7:14
14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Humility, Prayer, and Turning: Conditions for Restoration
This verse shows us the conditions God sets for His healing. Forgiveness and restoration are promised, but they come with clear instructions. We live in a wicked and perverse land today. The question is, what will it take to heal it? The answer is found in that scripture—seeking His face. It is not enough to simply say the prayer, “Lord, heal our land.” We must do more. We must humble ourselves, pray, and actively turn from sinful ways.
Book Of Numbers 6:22-27: How to Position for God’s Favor
The problem is that many people want the blessing but do not want the positioning. They pray with words, but they do not place themselves in obedience. God calls us to action. If we want Him to hear from heaven and bring healing, we must not only speak the prayer but also live it out by seeking His face and turning from sin.
Proverbs 7:15
15 Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.
Personal Responsibility in Pursuing God
Notice the action—came I forth. To meet God, there must be movement. There must be positioning. If we want to find Him, we also must come forth and seek His face. This shows us that there is a responsibility on our part.
Book Of Numbers 6:22-27: How to Position for God’s Favor
If we want the blessings of God in our lives, we must put ourselves in a position to receive them. It is not enough to repeat, “The Lord bless thee and keep thee. The Lord make His face shine upon thee.” God does want to bless us—all of us—but the condition is clear. If we desire His blessing, then we must place ourselves in His presence, like the shewbread table that was positioned before the Lord. When we position ourselves correctly, we will find Him.
Numbers 6:25
25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
The blessing continues with, “May the Lord be gracious unto thee.” What does grace mean?
Philippians 2:12-13
12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Book Of Numbers 6:22-27: How to Position for God’s Favor
Grace: God’s Work in Us to Do His Will
Philippians 2:12 gives us one of the strongest definitions of God’s grace in action. Grace is God’s work in our lives that enables us to walk in obedience to His will. This truth is vital. There is nothing more important than doing the will of God. Not our prayers, church membership, or any outward show. Without obedience to His will, everything else loses meaning.
Matthew 7:21-23
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
The Will of God, Obedience, and Salvation
Jesus confirmed this in Matthew 7:21-23. Many will say they prophesied, cast out devils, or performed miracles in His name. Yet He will say, “Depart from me, I never knew you,” because they did not do the will of the Father. This is a sobering reminder. God’s blessing and grace are real, but they are received through obedience. Doing His will is the ultimate proof of being truly positioned before Him.
Book Of Numbers 6:22-27: How to Position for God’s Favor
Philippians 2:12 tells us, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” This does not mean we earn salvation. Salvation is a gift. But once we are saved, we must live it out. We do not work out someone else’s salvation—only our own. And we do it with fear and trembling, recognizing the seriousness of eternity. Eternity will either be with Christ or with the devil in hell. That is why this is no light matter.
The next verse, Philippians 2:13, gives us one of the most explicit pictures of grace. “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” God’s grace is His work in us, giving both the desire and the ability to do His will. We are not saved by ourselves, but by grace. Ephesians 2:8-10 reminds us that salvation is a gift and that we are created in Christ Jesus for good works. Grace empowers us to live out those works.
This connects to Matthew 7:21-23. Jesus taught that not everyone who calls Him Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven. Many will point to their words or their works—prophecy, casting out devils, miracles. Yet He will say, “Depart from me, I never knew you.” Why? Because they did not do the will of the Father. The real key to eternity with Christ is doing the will of God.
Book Of Numbers 6:22-27: How to Position for God’s Favor
When Paul prayed, “May the Lord be gracious unto you,” it was not just a casual phrase. God’s grace is the most important thing we need. Grace is not the same as mercy. Grace gives us the strength and ability to carry out what God has called us to do. If we already had all the grace we needed, every task would already be complete. But since we still fall short, we must continually ask for more of His grace. We need His power to fulfill His will.
So the blessing remains: “May the Lord bless thee and keep thee. May the Lord make His face shine upon thee. May the Lord be gracious unto thee.” This is more than a prayer—it is a recognition that without His grace, we cannot obey, we cannot endure, and we cannot fulfill His call. With His grace, we can.
Grace Empowers Our Christian Walk
The grace of the Lord is God working in us. He gives both the will and the power to do His good pleasure. Grace not only enables us to act, but it also changes our desires. What we once wanted becomes unimportant. Our will begins to align with His will. Suddenly, doing what God wants becomes our life’s priority. Our entire way of living shifts toward His purposes.
Book Of Numbers 6:22-27: How to Position for God’s Favor
This is why the prayer, “May the Lord be gracious unto you,” carries such power. It is not just a blessing spoken in passing. It is asking God to reshape someone’s will and give them His strength to follow His plan. That is a prayer worth speaking over people again and again.
Grace is central to everything. It is how God rules His universe. It is the influence of His Spirit on human hearts. Grace is the way He directs and guides mankind. Grace is not just a doctrine—it is God’s active power working in us to fulfill His will.
Hebrews 4:16
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace.” Grace is pictured here as God’s throne. It is how He rules His universe and how He influences the hearts of people. When we approach this throne, we receive mercy and find grace to help in times of need. That is why grace is so essential. It is not abstract. It is practical. Grace gives strength right when it is most needed. So when the blessing says, “May the Lord be gracious unto thee,” it carries deep meaning.
Book Of Numbers 6:22-27: How to Position for God’s Favor
Nothing matters more than fulfilling the will of God. Salvation itself is tied to this truth. According to Scripture, the person truly experiencing salvation is the one walking in the will of the Father. Grace empowers us to do that. If grace is God’s gifting to fulfill His will, then salvation is lived out when we walk in obedience. Those who refuse His will hear the words, “Depart from Me, I never knew you.” Iniquity, at its core, is simply not doing the Father’s will. That is why asking, “God, be gracious unto me,” is not a trite phrase. It expresses our total dependence on His strength to accomplish His calling.
Numbers 6:26
26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
The Lord’s Countenance: Favor, Mood, and Presence
The blessing continues with, “May the Lord lift up His countenance upon thee.” The word countenance in verse 26 is the same word translated face in verse 25. Countenance refers to facial expressions, often revealing moods or feelings. In the same way, God’s countenance reflects His favor, His nearness, and His presence in our lives. Just as you can read someone’s feelings from their face, so this phrase points to the Lord’s visible favor toward His people.
Book Of Numbers 6:22-27: How to Position for God’s Favor
Facial expressions reveal moods and feelings. Those who know us well can read them instantly. If someone is sick, happy, sad, or laughing, you can see it in their face. The same is true when the blessing says, “May the Lord lift His countenance upon you.” It is like saying, “May the Lord smile upon you.” That thought alone is powerful. God’s smile represents His favor, and we would much rather experience His smile than His frown. Just as children long for their father’s smile, we long for God’s approval and pleasure.
Countenance points to attitude, mood, and inner feelings. Scripture gives many examples of this. Cain’s countenance fell when God accepted Abel’s offering but not his own. He sank into discouragement and anger because things did not go his way. People still do the same today. They compare themselves with others and ask, “Why is God doing this to me but not to them?” That mindset mirrors Cain’s response.
Another example is in Genesis 31:2. Jacob looked at Laban’s countenance and immediately knew his attitude had changed. Jacob’s flocks were increasing, and Laban no longer looked at him with the same favor. Just by his expression, Jacob could tell something was wrong. We experience this often, too. We can sense when someone is displeased with us simply by observing their countenance.
Book Of Numbers 6:22-27: How to Position for God’s Favor
Hannah was a woman with a sorrowful spirit. When she prayed, her countenance showed her sadness. But after she prayed and the Lord spoke to her heart, her countenance changed. Scripture says she was no longer sad. Her face revealed the work God had done inside her.
The Lord warned Samuel not to judge Saul by his countenance. Outward appearances can be deceiving. Someone may look proper, confident, or righteous, yet not be true in heart. God told Samuel not to be swayed by Saul’s height, stature, or appearance because He had already rejected him. This shows us that countenance can mislead.
We see the same today. Politicians often wear smiling countenances, but that does not mean God approves of them. Scripture also notes those with beautiful countenances. David was a handsome man. Abigail, who became his wife, was known for her striking beauty and character. Saul and David both had pleasing appearances. In these cases, countenance referred to facial expression or outward beauty, the way someone looked and carried themselves.
Book Of Numbers 6:22-27: How to Position for God’s Favor
When Scripture says, “May the Lord lift His countenance upon you,” it means may He look upon us with favor, with a smile, with approval. A lifted countenance represents joy and blessing. Ultimately, this points to Christ Himself. The glorified Christ has a lifted, shining countenance.
Psalms 80:7
7 O God {of} hosts, restore us And cause Your face to shine {upon us,} and we will be saved.
Psalm 80:7 tells us that when His face shines upon us, it is a sign of His favor and presence. That is the blessing we long for.
Revelation 1:16
16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
Revelation 1:16 gives us a picture of the glorified Christ. It says His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. Many times, people emphasize the fearful aspects of this vision—His feet like brass, the sword from His mouth, and His white hair. But there is more to see. The glorified Jesus also has a shining countenance. His face radiates joy, favor, and strength.
Book Of Numbers 6:22-27: How to Position for God’s Favor
This tells us something vital about Him. The glorified Christ is not frowning at His people. He is not filled with sadness or gloom. His shining face reflects joy, peace, and approval. The Kingdom of God is made of righteousness, peace, and joy. Jesus Himself is full of joy. His shining countenance shows that He is happy and that He reigns with victory.
Too often, we imagine Jesus only as a man of sorrows, burdened and solemn. But the Scriptures reveal Him in glory as radiant and smiling, with a face that shines like the sun. He is not defeated or beaten down—He is triumphant, joyful, and full of life. His shining countenance points us to His strength and His delight in His people.
So when we pray, “May the Lord lift up His countenance upon us. May it shine on us and give us peace,” we are asking to experience that same joy and favor. A shining countenance means God’s smile is upon us, bringing peace to our hearts. That blessing captures the very heart of His presence with His people.
Numbers 6:26
26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
Book Of Numbers 6:22-27: How to Position for God’s Favor
Peace: The Center of the Kingdom of God
Peace is at the center of the Kingdom of God. Romans 14:17 says, “For the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” Peace is not optional. It is a necessary part of Christian life. If I am walking in the Kingdom, then I carry righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. The Kingdom is not built on natural things. Even when life feels like chaos, the believer can still walk in righteousness, peace, and joy.
This is why peace and joy are so critical. If we leave our peace and lose our joy, then we stop walking in the Kingdom. In that moment, we step back into the Kingdom of Darkness. Peace is replaced with worry. Joy is replaced with sorrow. When that happens, the enemy has gained a small victory. But God’s Kingdom is defined by His righteousness and His peace.
Peace is one of the great doctrines of the Bible. It appears in more than 400 Scriptures. That shows its importance. Every Christian must treasure peace and guard it. When God lifts His countenance on us and gives us peace, He is placing us firmly in the heart of His Kingdom.
Book Of Numbers 6:22-27: How to Position for God’s Favor
Colossians 3:15
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Colossians 3:15 says, “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts.” Peace is not passive. It rules. It governs how we live, how we think, and how we walk in Christ. Paul tells us to be thankful for peace. Life may bring terrible troubles, but if you have peace in your heart, you truly have something to thank God for.
The Kingdom of God is made up of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. That is why we must guard our peace. If we lose it, the devil gains ground. Once he takes your peace, he will move after your righteousness. Without peace, you begin to act like the world, and step by step, you slip out of fellowship. But if you hold your peace and joy, you will continue walking rightly. You will keep living in the Kingdom, staying strong in the Spirit.
Book Of Numbers 6:22-27: How to Position for God’s Favor
Remember, we were delivered out of the power of darkness and translated into the Kingdom of the Son. But this did not end the work of the enemy. The devil never quits. He did not give up when you prayed the sinner’s prayer. He still tries to pull you back into his kingdom. The enemy does it by attacking your peace, stealing your joy, and tearing you away from righteousness.
Do not believe the shallow message that says you can pray one prayer and secure eternal salvation no matter how you live. That is deception. The Bible warns that names can be blotted out of the Book of Life (Revelation 3:5). Hebrews 6 warns that turning back after knowing the truth is worse than never knowing the truth. Colossians 1 tells us Christ will present us blameless if we continue. Jesus Himself said, “He that endures to the end shall be saved.”
The devil is still working, still seeking to pull you away. His path begins with taking your peace. Without peace, joy is lost. Without joy, righteousness is gone. That is how he tries to drag us back into darkness. This is why the blessing is so powerful: “May the Lord give thee peace.” What greater blessing could we pray over our lives?
Book Of Numbers 6:22-27: How to Position for God’s Favor
Numbers 6:27
27 And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel, and I will bless them.
In Numbers, after laying out the words of blessing—“The Lord bless thee and keep thee, the Lord make His face shine upon thee, be gracious unto thee, lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace”—the Lord explains its purpose. He says, “They shall put my name upon the children of Israel.” The “they” in this verse refers to the priests, the ministry. Their role was to declare God’s blessing and place His name upon the people.
Names of God: Old Covenant vs. New Covenant
Throughout this blessing, the name used for “Lord” is Jehovah. This is God’s covenant name. To say, “May Jehovah bless you and keep you,” is to invoke the faithful, covenant-keeping God over His people. This name carries profound meaning, tied directly to God’s relationship with His people.
Book Of Numbers 6:22-27: How to Position for God’s Favor
Jehovah reveals Himself in many covenant titles. He is Jehovah Jireh, our Provider. Jehovah Nissi, our Banner of victory. Jehovah Shalom, our Peace. Also, there is Jehovah Shammah, the Lord who is Present. Jehovah Tsidkenu, the Lord our Righteousness. Jehovah Matsu, our Stronghold. There is Jehovah Tsebaoth, the Lord of Hosts. Each title reflects a covenant promise of God’s character and care.
There are also eternal names of God—El Shaddai, God Almighty; Elohim, the Creator; Adonai, the Lord; the Holy One of Israel. Even in the New Testament, James 5:4 uses the name Lord Sabaoth, meaning the Lord of Armies. These names remind us that the God who blesses us is not abstract but fully revealed in His covenant promises and eternal power.
The Name of Jesus: Supreme in the New Covenant
From page 138 onward in your notes, the focus shifts to the difference between the Old Covenant names of God and the New Covenant name of Jesus. Many Christians sing and speak about the covenant names of Jehovah. Titles like Jehovah Jireh (the Provider), Jehovah Shammah (the Lord is present), or Jehovah Tsidkenu (the Lord our Righteousness) are well known. These names reveal God’s power in the Old Covenant. But as believers in the New Covenant, our focus has shifted. The New Covenant name is Jesus.
Book Of Numbers 6:22-27: How to Position for God’s Favor
This is why I have some difficulty in singing about Jehovah on Sunday and then rejecting Jehovah’s Witnesses on Saturday. Scriptures show that all provision and righteousness now come through Christ. Our needs are supplied through Christ Jesus. Our righteousness is in Christ Jesus. His promise is that He will never leave us or forsake us. These blessings are not through the Old Covenant names but are fulfilled in Jesus.
Philippians 2:9
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,
Some may say this is only a matter of semantics, but it is deeper. Philippians 2 declares that God has given Jesus a name above every name. Where? In heaven, on earth, and under the earth. Every name from the Old Covenant—Jehovah Jireh, Jehovah Shammah, Jehovah Tsidkenu—is beneath the name of Jesus. Paul stressed the greatness of this name because what we do and what we speak must be done in the name of the Lord Jesus.
The New Testament never tells us to pray or minister in the name of Jehovah. But it does command, “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Every prayer, every song, and every act of ministry flows through His name. Jehovah was the covenant name of the Old Testament. In the New Covenant, the Father reveals Himself through Christ. The name that matters most now is the name of Jesus.
Book Of Numbers 6:22-27: How to Position for God’s Favor
The angel told Mary in Matthew that the baby’s name would be Jesus, not Jehovah. “You shall call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins.” Salvation is in the name of Jesus. John 20:31 says that through His name we have life. In the New Covenant, everything is tied to Jesus. We are baptized in His name. Miracles are done in His name. Teaching and preaching are carried out in His name. The New Testament consistently points us to the name of Jesus.
When Jesus gave the command in Matthew 28 to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, He was not speaking of three separate names. Scripture affirms that the fullness of the Godhead dwells in Christ. The name is Jesus. Acts 2:38, Acts 8:16, and Acts 19:5 confirm that baptism was carried out in the name of Jesus Christ. The apostles understood this truth and practiced it.
The New Testament also shows that miracles happened through the name of Jesus. In Acts 3:6 Peter said, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” Signs, wonders, and healings were manifested in His name. Evil spirits were cast out in Acts 16:18 in the name of Jesus. Paul taught that believers are sanctified, justified, and washed in His name (1 Corinthians 6:11). Thanksgiving is given in His name (Ephesians 5:20). And Philippians 2:10 declares that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow—in heaven, on earth, and under the earth.
Book Of Numbers 6:22-27: How to Position for God’s Favor
The authority of spiritual life and ministry is rooted in the name of Jesus. When the disciples saw others casting out demons using His name, Jesus did not deny the power of His name. The sons of Sceva, however, attempted to use His name without a true relationship. The demons recognized the authority of Jesus’ name but did not recognize them. This shows the real issue—it is not a ceremony or title, but the power in the name of Jesus Christ.
Mark 16:17–18 says that in His name believers will cast out devils, speak with new tongues, lay hands on the sick, and see them recover. Matthew 18:20 says that where believers gather in His name, He is present. Over and over, Scripture points to a single truth: everything we do in the New Covenant is done in the name of Jesus. The Father even sent the Holy Spirit in His name (John 14:26). Jesus is the mediator of the New Covenant. We come through Him, not through Jehovah.
Many people believe that Jehovah is the eternal name of God. But that is not true. Jehovah is not the eternal name of the Father. Scripture does not say that. Jehovah was the covenant name revealed in the Old Testament. It spoke of God’s promises and His relationship with Israel. But it was not presented as His eternal name.
Book Of Numbers 6:22-27: How to Position for God’s Favor
The New Covenant reveals something greater. The eternal name given for salvation, authority, and life is Jesus. It is through His name that we have forgiveness, power, and access to the Father. Jesus is the name above every name—in heaven, on earth, and under the earth.
Exodus 3:15
15 And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, the LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.
God Himself declared His eternal name. It is not Jehovah. It is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. That is His memorial name through all generations.
Jehovah was the covenant name revealed to Moses in the Old Testament. It was how God made Himself known within that covenant. But Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob did not know Him by that name. Jehovah was never presented as His eternal name. The New Testament reveals the greater name of Jesus, given for the New Covenant. By that name, we live under a better covenant with better promises.
Book Of Numbers 6:22-27: How to Position for God’s Favor
This connects directly to the blessing in Numbers. God said, “They shall put my name upon the children of Israel.” The question is, whose name do we carry today? In Acts 2, on the day of Pentecost, Peter preached the name of Jesus to the people. It was that name the apostles declared, baptized in, taught in, and performed miracles in.
So when the ministry prays a blessing over God’s people now, we must know whose name we invoke. Do we want the old covenant name of Jehovah, or the New Covenant name of Jesus? Whose name do we want placed upon us? Whose name do we want to sing about? For us today, the answer is clear. The blessing is fulfilled through the name of Jesus.
Acts 2:6-8
6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
Book Of Numbers 6:22-27: How to Position for God’s Favor
Pentecost and the Authority of Jesus’ Name
Acts 2 describes the day of Pentecost. The disciples had received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and cloven tongues of fire rested upon them. They came out into the streets, and the event drew a great crowd. People were amazed because everyone heard the disciples speaking in their own native languages. Though the disciples were Galileans, the visitors could each hear the message in the tongue of their homeland.
Scripture lists about sixteen different nations represented in the crowd. These were Jews who had traveled from all over the world to Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost. They were covenant people who already knew the name of Jehovah from the Old Testament. But this day was different. God was revealing the New Covenant name through the Spirit’s outpouring. Pentecost was not just about power. It was also about the name.
Then Peter stood up and preached. Though the crowd spoke many languages, he preached in one language, likely Greek, which they all understood. The miracle was not just in many tongues being spoken, but also in one clear message reaching every heart. His sermon marked the turning point. These Jews, already in the covenant of Jehovah, were now being called into the covenant of Jesus Christ.
Book Of Numbers 6:22-27: How to Position for God’s Favor
Acts 2:37-38
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
In Acts 2:37, the people were convicted by Peter’s preaching. They asked, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Peter responded, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ.” Notice the command. Repentance was the first step, followed by baptism in the name of Jesus Christ.
Repentance: Entering Into the New Covenant
The word repent comes from the Greek. It does not simply mean to change directions, but to change one’s thinking. It means to think differently. Peter was telling them, “You must change your mind.” They had to think differently about the covenant. It was no longer the covenant of Jehovah. It was now the covenant of Jesus Christ.
Book Of Numbers 6:22-27: How to Position for God’s Favor
This was a radical call. These Jews had walked in the covenant of Jehovah for generations. Now Peter declared there was another name. They needed to leave the old covenant behind and enter into the covenant of Jesus. That was the meaning of repentance here—think differently about God’s covenant and embrace the name of Jesus.
Throughout Scripture, this truth is emphasized. The name of Jesus is above every name—above Moses, above Jehovah, above every name in heaven, on earth, and beneath the earth. The Father has exalted Him and given Him supreme authority. That is why the apostles preached the name of Jesus with such boldness. It was not semantics. It was an essential truth.
This is why Paul confronted the Galatians. They wanted to return to the old covenant. It is why the author of Hebrews warned believers not to put down Jesus to go back to Jehovah. The danger was in abandoning the higher covenant for the lesser. The New Covenant name—Jesus—is above all.
Book Of Numbers 6:22-27: How to Position for God’s Favor
The Blessing Fulfilled: Placing the Name of Jesus
So when God said in Numbers, “They shall put my name upon the children of Israel, and I will bless them,” we now see the fulfillment. In the Old Covenant, it was Jehovah. But in the New Covenant, it is the name of Jesus placed upon His people. That name carries blessing, salvation, life, and eternal authority.
As we close, remember this truth: the blessing is in the name. God said, “I will put my name upon them and I will bless them.” The question is, whose name do you want spoken over your life—Jehovah or Jesus? For the past several minutes, the focus has been clear. The blessing is found in the name of Jesus. That is the only name I will ever put upon you.
Amazingly, many people speak about God yet never mention Jesus. Why is that? Part of it comes down to the relationship. When you know someone closely, you call them by name. You might call them by a title at times, but when there is a real relationship, you use their name. It is the same with Christ. He is Lord. He is God. But He told us His name—Jesus. That is the name we are to use in prayer, in worship, and blessing.
Book Of Numbers 6:22-27: How to Position for God’s Favor
This is why we end our prayers, “In Jesus’ name, Amen.” It is not just a habit or tradition. It is obedience to Scripture. Colossians 3:17 says, “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Everything we do as believers flows through His name. That name is repeated repeatedly in Scripture because it carries eternal importance.
If you struggle to speak His name, step out of that hesitation. Call upon Him personally. The angel told Mary, “You shall call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins.” He is God, He is Lord, but the name revealed for us to call upon is Jesus. That is the name above every name, the name that saves, and the name that blesses.
The name of Jesus has now been placed upon you. As Scripture says, “May the Lord bless thee and keep thee. May the Lord make His face shine upon thee and be gracious unto you. May the Lord give thee peace.” When His name is placed upon His people, He promises His blessing.
Book Of Numbers 6:22-27: How to Position for God’s Favor
Closing Prayer: Living in the Blessing of Jesus
Father, we lift our hands to You in closing. You have given Your Son a name above every name. At the name of Jesus, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord. This will happen in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. Every life that has ever lived or ever will live must bow before the name of Jesus, bringing glory to the Father.
Lord, we place that name upon your people now. You said that if we do, You would bless. So we bless, not with worldly gifts, but with Your spiritual blessings. Lord, shine Your face upon us. Be gracious to us. Fill us with Your peace. Let us live as a people who are truly blessed by Your presence.
Father, keep us from being entangled with the cares of this world or the deceitfulness of riches. Help us to understand that these blessings are not earthly treasures but spiritual realities. May we walk daily in Your grace, Your peace, and Your joy. May we know the true blessing of the Lord that comes from carrying the name of Jesus.
Book Of Numbers 6:22-27 – How to Receive Divine Graciousness
Book Of Numbers 6:22-27 – How to Receive Divine Graciousness
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