There are words that do more than describe; they create. Words that shape reality, open paths, illuminate the darkness. “Let there be light” is one such word. At the very beginning of all things, when the world was still a formless void, the first divine command recorded in history was not to build, nor to rule, but to illuminate: “And G-d said, Let there be light. And there was light” (Genesis 1:3).

This light was not merely physical. It precedes the sun and moon, which only appear days later. This light is the very reflection of the divine presence, the visible expression of His will and goodness. It is light that reveals, that gives life, that distinguishes. Life begins with light because all that lives must see to become. Without light, there is no form, no direction, no warmth. And it is this same light that, centuries later, we find reflected in one of the most profound and hope-filled verses of Scripture:

“The L-rd make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee” (Numbers 6:25).

It is a blessing. A short sentence. Yet within it pulses the heart of G-d Himself.

When Scripture speaks of the “face” of G-d, it refers to His manifest presence. The Hebrew term panim (פָּנִיו) is always in the plural, as though to suggest that the face of G-d carries many expressions: love, justice, tenderness, correction. More than mere appearance, panim conveys presence and attention. The face can shine or turn away. And when G-d causes His face to shine, the image is one of light. Not just any light. Personal light. Light that sees. Light that recognises. Light that warms. Light that reveals who we truly are.

The word used here for “make shine” is ya’er (יָאֵר), derived from the verb in the hiphil form, ‘owr (light). It is the same verb used in Genesis: let there be light. This verb denotes not merely illumination, but a manifestation of light and truth. It is as if G-d draws back the curtains of the soul and allows His glory to enter. Ya’er is the zenith of illumination—spiritual clarity, understanding that warms the spirit.

It is when you feel you are no longer alone. It is a light that dispels more than shadows: it dispels abandonment. It dispels fear. It dispels confusion. When G-d causes His face to shine upon you, it is as though creation begins anew within you. For where divine light enters, chaos retreats.

But the blessing does not end there. Following the light comes grace: “and be gracious unto thee”. In Hebrew, the word is chanan (וִיח׆וּנֶּךָּ). This is the hiphil form of the verb chanan, meaning “to bend down in order to grant”. The image here is vivid: G-d, in His majesty, stoops down—not out of necessity, but out of desire. It is active grace, not theoretical. A favour that flows from a heart that hears the human cry and chooses to act.

Together, the two expressions—to shine His face and to be gracious—form a theologically and existentially powerful sequence. Light reveals. Grace heals. Presence illuminates. Mercy transforms.

Historically, this verse was not merely liturgical poetry. Archaeologists have discovered fragments of this blessing inscribed on silver amulets from the 7th century BCE, buried for spiritual protection. For the ancients, this phrase was more than beautiful words. It was shield. It was refuge. It was hope against the darkness of the world.

And it still is.

We live in times when many experience the sensation of a hidden face. Moments when the heavens seem like bronze, where prayers echo with no reply. It is in such moments that this blessing becomes not just relevant, but vital. Because it reminds us that there is a G-d who sees. A G-d who shines. A G-d who stoops down.

But there is also a necessary contrast. Scripture warns that when humanity despises the knowledge of G-d, seeking instead to follow their own ways and pleasures without repentance, the face of G-d may be withdrawn. Romans 1:28 declares, “And even as they did not like to retain G-d in their knowledge, G-d gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.” When the light is rejected, only shadow remains. When the face is refused, the soul wanders without direction. It is not that G-d desires separation, but He honours the freedom He gave the creature. And where light is continually rejected, darkness takes root by choice.

To followers of Yeshua, this blessing becomes even more vivid. For we see in it not merely a promise, but a person. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory” (John 1:14). The light of Genesis, the shining face, the saving mercy, become visible in the life of Jesus. He is the face that shone upon lepers and the rejected, the gaze that lifted Peter from his failure, the radiance that pierced the empty tomb. He did not only say “let there be light”—He is the light manifest. He did not merely ask for grace—He is grace incarnate.

Therefore, when we turn to Him, we are not simply seeking light, we are encountering the very Author of light. And He looks at us, not with judgement, but with grace.

This blessing, then, is a declaration of identity. G-d not only wants us to live. He wants us to live in the light of His face. He wants us to know that we are seen, recognised, embraced. This changes everything. It changes how we pray. How we walk. How we face the shadows.

And if we look closely, we will see that this is also a calling. To be illuminated by the face of G-d is also to reflect that light to the world. Just as the moon shines because it reflects the sun, so too are we called to shine with the light we have received. “You are the light of the world,” said Yeshua. And that is not spiritual arrogance. It is vocation. Those who receive the shining face of G-d are called to live with their faces turned toward others. To bring light where there is darkness. Mercy where there is hardness. Presence where there is absence.

Practical Implications for Each of Us:

1. Visible and Intimate Presence: The blessing reminds us that G-d is not distant. His shining face is revelation, manifestation, emotional availability.
2. Gracious and Active Response: Chanan is not passive. He bends down. He seeks you. He answers the cry. His grace is both response and gift.
3. Real Divine Protection: Historically used as a spiritual amulet, this verse reminds us that to live under the presence of G-d is to live protected—not from every pain, but from that which corrodes the soul.
4. Call to Communion: The conscious recitation of this verse invites the humble posture of one who longs to be seen and touched by Elohim. It is surrender and expectation.

Every time this blessing is proclaimed, the world is reminded that G-d has not turned His face away. He still looks. He still shines. He still forgives. And He still stoops down.

Therefore, lift up your eyes. Seek the light. Feel the warmth of His face upon you. And receive what only He can give: the mercy that heals and the light that never fades.

Adivalter Sfalsin