Misha Goetz - Aaronic Benediction Lyrics
Lyrics
English Verse
May the Lord, May the Lord bless and keep you
May his grace and his face shine upon you
May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you
And give you peace, and give you peace.
(Repeat English Verse)
Hebrew Verse:
Y'varech'cha Adonai v'yishm'recha;
yaer panav alecha vichuneka;
yisa Adonai panav alecha
v'yasem l'cha shalom.v'yaseml'cha shalom
Bridge
This is the way
You shall be blessed
From day to day
He'll be your rest
English Verse:
May the Lord,May the Lord bless and keep you
May his grace and his face shine upon you
May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you
And give you peace, and give you peace.
And give you peace, And give you peace.
Video
Aaronic Benediction | The Blessing in HEBREW and English - Misha Goetz (featuring Marty Goetz)
Meaning & Inspiration
Misha Goetz's "Aaronic Benediction," released in 2013 as part of the album *Weight of Glory*, offers a profound and beautifully rendered musical interpretation of one of Scripture's most ancient and cherished blessings. The core of the song is drawn directly from Numbers 6:24-26, the priestly blessing traditionally invoked by the sons of Aaron. This timeless passage, often referred to as the Aaronic Benediction, is a powerful declaration of divine favor and protection, and Goetz’s rendition serves as a deeply resonant conduit for its message. The song’s narrative, if we can call it that, is entirely embedded within this scriptural text, emphasizing a singular, unwavering focus on the triune nature of God’s benevolent action towards His people. The Hebrew verses, sung alongside the English translation, add a layer of authentic spiritual heritage, grounding the listener in the very language through which these promises were first revealed. The bridge, with its simple yet potent assertion that "This is the way / You shall be blessed / From day to day / He'll be your rest," acts as a gentle but firm reminder that this divine blessing is not a fleeting moment but an ongoing, steadfast assurance of God's presence and provision.
The power of "Aaronic Benediction" lies not in intricate musical complexity but in its steadfast commitment to conveying the profound theological truths of its source material. Goetz masterfully prioritizes the message, allowing the lyrical content to shine with an unadorned brilliance. The blessing spoken by Aaron is a multi-faceted declaration: "May the Lord bless and keep you." This initial phrase echoes the foundational promise found in Genesis 1:28, where God blessed Adam and Eve, commanding them to be fruitful and multiply, a blessing that implies not only procreation but also provision and preservation. The "keeping" aspect of this blessing directly correlates to promises of protection found throughout the Psalms, such as Psalm 121:3, "He will not let your foot slip— he will not slumber." Following this, the song invokes, "May his grace and his face shine upon you." The shining of God's face is a powerful metaphor for His favor and acceptance. In Psalm 4:6, people inquire, "Who can show us any good?" but David declares, "Let the light of your face shine on us, Lord." This is not merely a passive radiance but an active bestowal of favor, as seen in the covenantal language where God's presence is often depicted as a light, such as in Psalm 27:1, "The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear?" The final and perhaps most encompassing aspect of the benediction is, "May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." This lifting of the countenance signifies God looking favorably upon an individual, accepting them, and granting them His peace. This concept is profoundly expressed in Numbers 6:26 itself, where the Lord, through the priest, bestows peace, a peace that transcends mere absence of conflict, as articulated in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." The repetition of the English and Hebrew verses reinforces the enduring nature of these promises, ensuring that their weight and significance are fully absorbed by the listener. The song, in its entirety, functions as a sacred invocation, transforming the ancient words into a contemporary experience of divine affirmation and tranquil assurance, reminding us that God’s blessing is a tangible reality for those who seek Him.