In Numbers 6:24-26, the Lord instructs Moses to equip the high priest Aaron and his sons with words of blessing and benediction for the people of God. “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace”. This triune prayer assured the people that the blessings of God would follow those who bear His name. The Psalms pick up on this theme, including ours today. This priestly benediction is also alluded to in Psalm 80. Verses 3,7, and 19 of this psalm echo a chorus of blessing associated with the nation of Israel specifically as she is called out of Egypt (8) and planted as His people in their own land, having driven back the hostile and pagan nations. Whereas Ps 80 calls Israel out of Egypt to the promised land in the context of the shining face of God – Psalm 67 calls Egypt and all nations into the Kingdom of God! This expansion of expectations and reach of the blessings given to Israel is surprising, beautiful and encouraging! We must expand our worldview to contain all of God's purposes in redemptive blessing both now and for history future. The face of the Lord represents His favor, His delightful gifts of overflowing grace and glory, His fatherly heart and protective power, the full scope of His redemptive blessings visited upon a people purchased by sacrifice as His treasured possession...