From September to May I am involved in an in-depth, structured Bible Study at BSF. Every year during the summer I like to find something easier and lighter to study. Seth was telling me recently that he had been so blessed lately by listening to hymns sung by a choir in a cathedral with a pipe organ. I have always loved the old hymns so I decided to pull out a book I’ve had for a while that talks about the stories behind the hymns ; who wrote them, why, and when each hymn was written. These stories make them even more meaningful. So I’ve been reading one a day, meditating on the words and listening to the hymn being sung and I, too, have been so blessed.
I wanted to share the very first one I read with you. The words of the hymn are taken right out of scripture, as is the case with so many of them. These ancient words were originally given to the Israelites around 1400B.C. when they were wandering in the desert. The Lord commanded the priests to bless the people with this three-fold blessing.
In 1979, during an excavation in Jerusalem, an ancient, tiny, silver scroll was found. After many years of painstaking work, they were able to open the scroll to reveal the words of this ancient blessing. The scroll was dated from the seventh century B.C. How cool is that?
The words have been set to music many times, the one I enjoyed listening to is by Peter Christian Lutkin in his classic called Benediction. Check it out on Youtube – it is truly beautiful.
D.L.Moody said about this blessing : ” Here is a benediction that can give all the time without being impoverished. Every heart may utter it, every letter may conclude with it, every day may begin with it, every night may be sanctified by it. Here is a blessing – keeping – shining – the uplifting upon our poor life of all heaven’s glad morning. It is the Lord Himself who gives us this bar of music from heaven’s infinite anthem.”
How amazing that these ancient words that have blessed so many for centuries, can still bless us today. Be blessed!
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.
The Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26