"Most are familiar with the beginning of the Aaronic blessing; "May the LORD bless you and keep you" (Numbers 6:24). We often read or say these words without really knowing what they mean. The words "bless" and "keep" are abstract words which we are familiar with in English. But, the ancient Hebrews were concrete thinkers who relate all things to concrete ideas.
The Hebrew word for "bless" is "barak" which literally means "to kneel". A berakah is a "blessing" but more literally, the bringing of a gift to another on a bended "knee". When we bless God or others, we are in essence, bringing a gift on bended "knee". A true king is one who serves his people, one who will humble himself and come to his people on a bended knee.
The Hebrew word for "keep" is "shamar" which literally means "to guard". A related word is "shamiyr" which means "thorn". When the shepherd was out in the wilderness with his flock, he would construct a corral of thorn bushes to protect the sheep from predators, a guarding over of the sheep."
1 comment:
Steph,
I found your post particularly interesting since I have just recently registererd a new charity for the mission work in which I am involved called Baraka International Ministries. It was for the very reasons which you mentioned that I chose the name. I offer training to pastors and church leaders in less developed areas of the world and I thought it was fitting that I was offering on bended knee the training which I have been fortunate enough to enjoy.
Blessings and shalom!
Dr. David G. Sloss in Ontario, Canada
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