This psalm begins with a familiar opening- it's the blessing of Aaron found in the book of Numbers (or at least, it's part of the blessing of Aaron found in the book of Numbers). This blessings was seen as a benediction, and in many churches is used as the benediction before people leave the sanctuary to get their coffee. Yet here, the blessing is an opening. This psalm seems to answer the question, "Why do we ask God to bless us?"
Clearly, the answer in this psalm is for the sake of the world. Blessing is not for our comfortable lives, nor is blessing to pull us out of a frustrating time. Blessing, in God's eyes, is always on behalf of others. It goes back to Abraham, who was blessed to be a blessing.
So who can we bless today? Who can we tell of God's salvation throughout the world today?
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