Numbers 6:23Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

I would like to present an additional evidence. The revelations found in the New Testament, as I have frequently pointed out, were anticipated in the Old Testament. What does this entail? God instructs Moses with a command, stating, “Say unto Aaron and his sons, Thus shalt thou bless the children of Israel.” It's important to observe this. To prevent anyone from assuming that the act of blessing is arbitrary, God has included the phrase "thus." He desires that blessings should not be given according to personal discretion, but rather in accordance with the principles established in Scripture.

He enhances the way the priests pray, clearly articulating the significance of their words, which foreshadow the sufferings of Christ. He instructs, ‘Say unto Aaron and his sons, “So bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, The Lord bless thee, and keep thee; the Lord make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee; the Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. So shall they put My name upon the children of Israel, and I will bless them”’ (Num. 6:23-27). This command directs those who bear the priestly office to pronounce blessings upon the people.

The priest serves as the channel of divine blessing, following the tradition of the sacred mystery. In the initial establishment of the holy priesthood, the Lord instructed the priests to, "Bless the children of Israel" (Num. 6:23). Moreover, He commanded them, "Let them put my name upon the children of Israel, and I the Lord will bless them" (Num. 6:27). In the New Testament, Christ directed the Apostles, and their ministry successors throughout all ages, to teach and baptize, as well as to engage in hidden works, "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). Through this command, He endowed them with the authority to distribute His blessing and entrusted them with the power to teach it.