digitally prepared for use at Gordon

In the Old Testament documents there are a number of references or allu-sions to the Aaronic blessing in Numbers 6:24-26. One can therefore conclude that the priestly blessing plays a significant role in Old Testament literature generally. However, echoes of this blessing are especially frequent in the book of Psalms.2 The obvious cross-references to Numbers 6:24-26 in the Psalter confirm the cultic setting of the words of the blessing as is clear from the formulation of the priestly task in Numbers 6. However, one should note an important difference between psalms that allude to Numbers 6:24-26 and the text of Numbers 6:24-26 itself. Numbers 6:22-27 clearly distinguishes between the words to be spoken by the priests (Num. 6:24-26) and the act of blessing itself, which is to be performed by Yahweh. Shortly after the blessing formula is given, the text adds in verse 273: “Thus they [i.e. the priests] will put my Name on the sons of Israel, LxerAWyi yneB;-lfa ymiw;-tx, UmWAv; but I am the one who will bless them. " :MkerEbAxE ynixEv