Single lesson
The Priestly Blessing
Numbers 6:22–27
In this lesson, children hear a blessing Yahweh gave for Aaron and his sons to speak over Israel. They will notice who gives the blessing, what the blessing asks for, and what Yahweh says he will do.
Before you teach
This passage begins with Yahweh speaking to Moses. Moses is told to speak to Aaron and his sons and teach them the words they are to say when blessing the children of Israel. The passage ends with Yahweh saying that his name will be put on the people and that he will bless them.
Students will be able to identify the three parts of the priestly blessing and explain that Yahweh gave these words so Aaron and his sons could bless the children of Israel.
Welcome: Hear who speaks the blessing
5 minBegin by telling the group that this blessing starts with Yahweh. Read Numbers 6:22-23 aloud and ask children to listen for the chain of speaking: Yahweh speaks to Moses, Moses is to speak to Aaron and his sons, and they are to bless the children of Israel. This shows the blessing comes from Yahweh, not from human ideas.
Numbers 6:22, Numbers 6:23
Read and explain: Three lines of blessing
8 minRead Numbers 6:24-26 slowly, one line at a time. Point out the repeated name Yahweh in each line. Notice the words bless and keep, gracious, and peace. Explain these as the words of the blessing itself. Children can clap once after each line to hear its three-part shape clearly.
Numbers 6:24, Numbers 6:25, Numbers 6:26
Discuss: What does the blessing ask for?
7 minTalk through each line in simple words. The first line asks for blessing and keeping. The second speaks about Yahweh shining his face and being gracious. The third speaks about Yahweh lifting up his face and giving peace. Keep the discussion close to the words of the passage and invite children to repeat the final word, peace.
Numbers 6:24, Numbers 6:25, Numbers 6:26
Make and respond: Blessing reminder card
7 minChildren choose one line or key word from the blessing and make a small reminder card. Encourage them to copy the words carefully and add simple symbols such as hands for keep, a shining sun for shine, or a calm heart for peace. As they work, remind them that Yahweh says, ‘I will bless them.’
Numbers 6:24, Numbers 6:25, Numbers 6:26, Numbers 6:27
Closing: God's name on his people
3 minFinish by reading Numbers 6:27. Explain that Yahweh says this blessing puts his name on the children of Israel, and he says, ‘I will bless them.’ Invite the class to listen to the full blessing once more in a respectful, calm voice, then review the three main parts together.
Numbers 6:27, Numbers 6:24, Numbers 6:25, Numbers 6:26
Questions to explore
Who gave the words of this blessing, and who was told to say them?
Look at the order in the passage: Yahweh speaks to Moses, Moses is to speak to Aaron and his sons, and they are to bless the children of Israel.
Numbers 6:22, Numbers 6:23
What three good gifts are spoken about across the blessing?
Read each line and listen for the key words: blessing and keeping, grace, and peace.
Numbers 6:24, Numbers 6:25, Numbers 6:26
What does Yahweh say will happen when this blessing is spoken over the children of Israel?
The last verse says Yahweh's name will be put on the people, and Yahweh says, ‘I will bless them.’
Numbers 6:27
Make, think or respond
Priestly Blessing Reminder Card
What you’ll need
- paper or card
- pencils or pens
- crayons or coloured pencils
- Bible
Try it together
- Read Numbers 6:24-26 aloud together.
- Ask each child to choose one line or one key word from the blessing to copy onto a small card.
- Invite them to decorate the card with a simple picture that matches the words, such as a shield for keep or peaceful colours for peace.
- Let children show their card and say which verse they chose.
- Place the cards somewhere visible to help the class remember the blessing.
This activity helps children notice the exact words of the blessing and remember that Yahweh gave these words for blessing the children of Israel.
Adapt for your group
- For younger children, give one short phrase to copy, such as ‘give you peace’, and let them answer questions by pointing to the verse being read.
- For older children, ask them to compare the three lines and explain which words are repeated and what Numbers 6:27 adds to the blessing.
An optional closing prayer
Proposed words: ‘Yahweh, thank you for these words of blessing. Please help us listen carefully to your word and remember that you are gracious and give peace.’
Read the Bible passage World English Bible Classic
Numbers 6
22 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,
23 “Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘This is how you shall bless the children of Israel.’ You shall tell them,
24 ‘Yahweh bless you, and keep you.
25 Yahweh make his face to shine on you, and be gracious to you.
26 Yahweh lift up his face toward you, and give you peace.’
27 “So they shall put my name on the children of Israel; and I will bless them.”
World English Bible Classic. Public domain.