Definition: Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 6:23. It’s a really important passage about how to bless God's people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us how to bless Israel – the Israelites – as they are being taught by Aaron, who was a high priest in ancient times. It emphasizes that blessing isn't just about saying "good things." It’s about a specific kind of blessing that focuses on God's goodness and faithfulness. Let’s break it down word-by-word: “Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons” : This means the blessing must come from someone who is in authority – specifically, Aaron. It's a command given to him by those in charge of the people. “Saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel…” : This is the key part. "On this wise" means this way or in this manner . The verse is saying that the blessing should be expressed as a result of a specific action – a thoughtful and deliberate blessing. “Saying unto them” : This tells us that the blessing needs to be delivered to the Israelites, specifically to the people God has chosen. So, putting it all together: Aaron is instructing his sons (representing the entire Israelite community) to say a blessing – a way of expressing gratitude and reverence – while acknowledging God's goodness and faithfulness. It’s not just a casual "thank you" – it’s a special blessing that reflects on God’s perfect nature. What does this tell us about the Bible? This verse is significant because: It highlights the importance of blessings: It emphasizes that blessings are valued and important, not just for our own benefit but also for showing our gratitude to God. It's a structured blessing: The verse suggests that blessings should be a deliberate and thoughtful expression, not just a fleeting thought. It’s about faithfulness: The emphasis on "this wise" points towards a genuine understanding of God’s character and His goodness. In short, it’s telling us to express our gratitude to God in a way that reflects His amazing qualities. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that I can help you with? For example, would you like me to: Explain the historical context of this passage? Connect it to other biblical stories or themes?