"The Blessing"/"The Lord Bless You and Keep You"
God's blessing continues from one generation to another. In Numbers 6, God instructs Moses to tell Aaron and his sons to say this blessing to the children of Israel:
The Lord bless you and keep you,
Make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you.
The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.
The pastors of Cody Carnes and Kari Jobe of Elevation Worship asked if they could put these words to song. The result was the song, "The Blessing."
May His favor be upon you
And a thousand generations.
And your family and your children,
And their children, and their children.
By extension, the blessing is given to Gentiles after Christ's death and resurrection. God said to Moses in Exodus 33:14, "My Presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest." Kari wrote a moving bridge to the song:
May his presence go before you
And behind you and beside you
All around you and with you
He is with you, He is with you.
In the morning, in the evening
In your coming and your going
In your weeping and rejoicing.
He is for you. He is for you.
We also hear the words from Numbers 6 in a well-known choral arrangement by Peter C. Lutkin, entitled, "The Lord Bless You and Keep You." Peter was an American organist, choral conductor, and composer born in 1858. His parents had come from Denmark. Both songs emphasize the words with powerful and beautiful "Amens".