Numbers 6:21

and of his oblation namely his oblation. The word is loosely in apposition to -the law." The oblation formed the most important factor in the regulations. On the word tôrâh-law" see Chapman, Introd.Append, vi.

beside that which he is able to get i.e. beside what his means enable him to offer further. The law prescribes only the minimum offering. The Nazirite was free, and was probably encouraged, to vow something larger; and he must faithfully do -according to the vow which he voweth." The warning given at a later time in Ecclesiastes 5:4 f. shews that vows were not always paid.

Numbers 6:22-27

The Priestly Blessing

This fragment of priestly tradition has no connexion with what precedes or follows it. The simple and beautiful three-fold petition probably dates from a time anterior to P; but Numbers 6:22 f., Numbers 6:27 are a setting or framework in which P places it. The priestly function of blessing is recognised in Leviticus 9:22 f., Deuteronomy 10:8; Deuteronomy 21:5; 2 Chronicles 30:27; cf. Psalms 118:26, Sir 36:17; Sir 45:15; Sir 50:21. In the thrice repeated name -Jehovah" the writer did not, of course, contemplate the doctrine of the three Persons in the Godhead. But the words may nevertheless be regarded as an unconscious foreshadowing of the fuller Christian revelation. The form of the prayer is due to the parallelism which distinguishes Hebrew poetry. The words, which find an echo in Psalms 67:1, may be literally rendered:

Jehovah bless thee, and guard thee. Jehovah light up His face towards thee, and favour thee. Jehovah lift up His face towards thee, and appoint for thee welfare. 27. put my name upon This denotes that they are Jehovah's possession, and stand in the closest relationship with Him. Cf. Deuteronomy 28:10; Jeremiah 14:9.