Michael W. Smith - The Lord Bless You and Keep You Lyrics
Lyrics
The Lord bless you and keep you,
The Lord lift His countenance upon you,
And give you peace, and give you peace,
The Lord make His face to shine upon you,
And be gracious unto you, be gracious,
The Lord be gracious, gracious unto you.
Amen
Video
The Blessing
Meaning & Inspiration
Michael W. Smith's rendition of "The Lord Bless You and Keep You" stands as a powerful musical interpretation of one of Scripture’s most profound declarations. While this ancient blessing has resonated through generations, its continued relevance is underscored by its presence and renewed attention in contemporary worship music, especially around the April 3, 2019, timeframe, reminding us of the enduring power of God's Word in musical form. Smith, with his characteristic anointing, brings this sacred text to life, crafting not just a song, but a potent prayer that invites individuals into a deeper experience of God's presence and peace.
At its core, this song is a direct musical setting of the Aaronic Blessing found in Numbers 6:24-26. This is not merely an artistic expression but a direct invocation of God's own words of blessing to His people. Moses was instructed to convey these specific words through Aaron and his sons, establishing them as a perpetual promise and declaration over Israel. Smith’s decision to elevate this specific Scripture into song ensures that its divine authority and comforting essence are preserved and magnified, offering a conduit for the divine to penetrate the everyday. The lyrical simplicity is deceptive, for it carries the weight of millennia of faith and the unwavering promise of God’s benevolent interaction with humanity.
The opening line, "The Lord bless you and keep you," immediately establishes the twin pillars of divine provision and protection. To be blessed by the Lord encompasses far more than material prosperity; it speaks to a holistic flourishing, a spiritual well-being, and an overarching sense of divine favor that touches every facet of life. This blessing is active, a showering of goodness and grace. Simultaneously, the command "and keep you" assures a steadfast divine guardianship. This is God as our watchful shepherd, preserving us from harm, upholding us through trials, and maintaining our very existence. It echoes promises found in Psalms like 121, where the Lord is described as our keeper, protecting us from all evil, preserving our going out and our coming in.
Continuing this profound invocation, the lyrics declare, "The Lord lift His countenance upon you, And give you peace." The imagery of God "lifting His countenance" speaks to a turning of His face toward us in favor and approval, signifying His delighted attention and affection. It is the assurance of His presence shining upon us, dispelling shadows and bringing clarity. The direct result of this divine gaze is the gift of "peace." This is not merely the absence of conflict, but the deep, all-encompassing *shalom* of God—a state of wholeness, completeness, and inner tranquility that transcends human understanding, as promised in Philippians 4:7. It is peace with God, peace from God, and an internal serenity even amidst external turmoil, a peace Christ Himself offers in John 14:27.
The blessing further expands, asserting, "The Lord make His face to shine upon you, And be gracious unto you, be gracious." The repetition of God making His face shine upon us reinforces the earlier concept of His favorable presence, underscoring the warmth and light of His divine nature illuminating our path. Following this, the profound request for God to "be gracious unto you" is emphasized by the repetition, highlighting the depth of this plea. Divine grace is God’s unmerited favor, His benevolent kindness extended to us not because we deserve it, but because of His loving character. It is the very foundation of our salvation and our daily sustenance, a constant wellspring of undeserved mercy and compassion that undergirds every aspect of our existence, as explored throughout the New Testament in books like Ephesians.
The concluding affirmation, "The Lord be gracious, gracious unto you. Amen," solidifies the entire blessing. The lingering echo of "gracious, gracious" underscores the boundless, overflowing nature of God's favor. It serves as a potent reminder that His grace is not fleeting but abundant and perpetual. The final "Amen" is not merely an ending but a declaration of faith, a heartfelt "so be it," affirming belief in the power and truth of these divine promises. It invites those who engage with the song to internalize and assent to the blessing, making it personal and potent. This song, therefore, functions as a beautiful, meditative prayer that allows individuals to internalize an ancient, profound blessing, reminding us of God's faithful presence, protection, and peace in our lives. It is a timeless testament to His unchanging nature and His enduring desire to pour out His goodness upon His people, making it an inspiring tool for spiritual reflection and encouragement.