NUMBERS 6:24-26
While excavating a burial tomb near Jerusalem in 1979, Gabriel Barkay uncovered the oldest known copy of Old Testament scripture. The priestly blessing, recorded in Numbers 6:24-26, was discovered on two small silver scrolls. After twenty five years of careful research (2004), scholars confirmed that the scrolls were the oldest biblical text in existence, having been buried in 600 BC.
This was a discovery of utmost importance, not just because it dates back to the time of the first temple, but it contained the priestly blessing that God wanted spoken over His people.
Consider for a moment that the oldest existing piece of the Bible tells of God’s desire to bless. So wonderful!
While the silver scrolls were discovered more than 40 years ago, little information about the discovery has been available to the general public. In like manner, few persons do remember God’s promise to bless. No wonder many still live outside His will.
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn His face towards you and give you peace; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
