“The Lord bless you and keep you.”

With just seven words in Portuguese and only three in the original Hebrew, this phrase opens the oldest blessing in the Bible like a divine key slowly turning in the human heart. It is not a beautiful greeting nor a pious wish. It is a direct declaration from the Eternal, spoken through the priests yet originating in the will of G‑d. It is He who blesses. It is He who keeps. And that changes absolutely everything.

The original text begins with the sacred name of G‑d, YHWH—the Tetragrammaton that even the holiest lips would not pronounce in vain. When the text says, “Yevarechecha Adonai veyishmerecha”, it evokes something far deeper than an occasional blessing. The name YHWH appears here as the very agent of the action. The blessing is not requested, but decreed. It does not arise from accumulated merit or well-performed rituals. It flows from grace. This favour emanates from the Eternal Being Himself.

The Hebrew word for “to bless,” barach, shares its root with the verb “to kneel.” And this is no coincidence. The idea behind the divine blessing is that G‑d Himself, in His majesty, stoops down towards the human being. He does not bless us from afar, but draws near. The Infinite bows—not to diminish Himself, but to come close. Like a father bending down to his child’s height, G‑d stoops to touch us, to look us in the eye, to wrap us in His presence. This completely transforms our image of who He is. G‑d is not only the Almighty who reigns above, but the Father who approaches tenderly.

The gematria (numerical value) of the word Yevarechecha, “may He bless you,” is 257. In Hebrew symbolism, this number points to protective light. The word ner, meaning “light”, equals 250. Add the number seven, symbol of perfection and completeness, and we arrive at 257. The blessing, therefore, is not merely generosity. It is light with purpose. Light with direction. Light that stretches out over those walking in darkness who need more than luck. They need guidance. They need presence.

Yet blessing alone is not enough. It must be accompanied by keeping. That is why the phrase does not end with “bless you.” The Lord blesses you, yes, but He also keeps you. The Hebrew verb used here is shamar. Translated as “to keep” or “to guard,” it conveys far more than simply watching or monitoring. Shamar implies passionate care, active protection, loving vigilance. It is the same verb used in Genesis when Adam is placed in the garden to “keep and tend it.” It is also the verb associated with a shepherd watching over his flock through the night, alert to every sound, ready to act.

In ancient times, many palaces in the Middle East had a fortified inner room known as the treasury chamber. That is where the most precious things were kept—not only gold and jewels, but also strategically important people, such as heirs and protected guests. To be kept in that chamber was a sign of value, of honour—and paradoxically, of risk. For only what is truly valuable is guarded. And what is valuable inevitably attracts attention. That is why the same G‑d who blesses us also keeps us. Because blessings, as desirable as they are, expose us.

This is the part of the blessing we do not always perceive. When G‑d blesses you with gifts, talents, wisdom, beauty, resources or influence, these things stir up all sorts of reactions in those around you. Some will rejoice. Others will be unsettled. Some people will feel inspired. Others will grow envious. And envy may show itself in harsh words, veiled attitudes, sudden isolation or even spiritual attacks. Heavenly blessings—especially when visible—can spark both admiration and opposition. And that is why keeping is necessary.

G‑d keeps us because He knows what we do not. He sees what we cannot. While we rejoice over blessings received, He is already aware of the moves happening behind the scenes. While we celebrate a new relationship, He discerns intentions. While we give thanks for financial progress, He is already shielding our hearts from pride and our steps from hidden snares. G‑d’s keeping is like an invisible covering for those who walk among men but live under the gaze of Heaven.

And that is precisely why this blessing carries not only comfort but also responsibility. To be blessed is not a passive privilege—it is an active calling. The first time the word “bless” appears in the Bible in reference to a human being is in Genesis 12, when G‑d says to Abraham: “Be a blessing.” In other words, whoever receives the divine blessing becomes its bearer, responsible for sharing it, representing it, carrying it with integrity. The blessing G‑d gives us is not an end in itself, but a means through which others may also be reached. It is like a fragrance that surrounds us, yet spreads wherever we go. And perhaps for that very reason, it must be protected. For whoever carries light also becomes a target. The responsibility of being a blessing in the world is no small matter. It requires the constant keeping of the One who knows the inner workings of the human heart. The blessing positions us. The keeping preserves us. And both flow from the same source—the attentive and generous heart of G‑d.

In Jewish tradition, this keeping is also understood as spiritual protection. The Eternal places His Name upon the person and surrounds them with His presence. The name of G‑d functions like a royal seal, like a shield encircling the soul. And this has very practical implications. It means our posture before the blessings we receive must include gratitude, yes—but also vigilance. For the blessing is light, but the world is dense. Grace is gentle, but the atmosphere is not always favourable. We must not fear this, but understand it.

Yeshua, the Messiah, lived this reality fully. He was blessed, full of grace and truth, as John declares. But He was also persecuted, envied, rejected. He understood that carrying G‑d’s presence also meant facing earthly risk. And yet He continued to bless. In John 17, He prays for His disciples and says that He kept them in the Father’s Name. He Himself took responsibility for protecting those who received the blessing. And He continues to do so even now.

As we consider this first phrase of the priestly blessing, we are invited into a more mature understanding of faith. Life with G‑d is not only about receiving. It is also about being preserved. It is not only living with open hands, but with an attentive heart. Not only enjoying, but understanding the cost, the context, the dangers, and the responsibilities of being someone blessed.

Therefore, when we hear “The Lord bless you and keep you,” may our response be more than a reflexive “Amen.” May it be a conscious surrender. A confession of dependence. A commitment to live as one who carries something too valuable to be exposed without protection. For yes, G‑d still blesses. And yes, He still keeps. But we must walk under this blessing with humility, vigilance, and faith. After all, whoever is kept by G‑d does not walk by merit, but by mercy. And whoever lives under this keeping knows that no weapon formed against them shall prosper. Not by strength, nor by strategy, but because the Eternal has placed His hand upon them. That alone is the greatest blessing of all.

Adivalter Sfalsin

Related article: https://raizeshebraicas.com/2025/06/15/lifted-faces-open-eyes/

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