Description:
AbstractThe expression (יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָNum 6,26) is unique in the Hebrew Bible and has not been fully explained yet. This article suggests that the preposition (אֶלNum 6,25.26) is the key to understanding, since it links Num 6,24-26 to Lev 9,22-24 (3 timesאֶל) as well as to the framing verses Num 6,22f.27 (3 timesאֶל). Semantical, redaction- and tradition-critical analyses prompt that the expressionיִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָwas created especially for the priestly blessing to evoke the imagination of being received before the divine king. The prepositionאֵלֶיךָin Num 6,25.26 emphasizes the relationship between God and the blessed individuals and alludes to the expressionוַיִּשָּׂא אַהֲרֹן אֶת־יָדוֹ אֶל־הָעָם וַיְבָרְכֵםin Lev 9,22: the priest’s gesture of blessing allows to perceive the presence of God. The liturgical formula was finally included into the Sinai pericope by a postpriestly redaction, along with the framing verses Num 6,22f.27.