Leviticus 9:22
And Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people, and blessed them, and came down from offering of the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and peace offerings.
Leviticus 9:22
In this climactic moment, Aaron blesses the people after offering the sin, burnt, and peace offerings, then Moses and Aaron enter the tabernacle and come out to bless the people as well. The communal blessing is a benediction, a formal bestowal of God’s favor on the assembly. The verse emphasizes cooperative leadership—the priests and the leaders act in concert to administer God’s presence and grace to the people. The timing—after the sacrifices—is crucial: the people’s sins are addressed, their relationship with God is reaffirmed, and peace is proclaimed.
Culturally, blessing was a core element of Israel’s worship life. It signified God’s favor as a tangible reality in the community.
This verse encapsulates the priestly mediation: God’s blessing flows through leadership to the people. It highlights the good order of worship—confession, atonement, sacrifice, and blessing culminate in God’s joined presence among the people. It also foreshadows the broader biblical pattern where God’s people enact blessing to others, a reflection of His own character as a God who blesses and calls His people to be blessings in the world.
Today, you can embody this pattern by blessing others—speaking words of encouragement, praying for coworkers, leading groups with a blessing over participants. In personal life, extend blessing to family and neighbors after times of challenge or conflict, acknowledging God’s grace in reconciliation. This verse invites leaders to steward their position with humility and care, recognizing that spiritual blessing follows disciplined, faithful service and mediating God’s presence to others.
Cross-References: Numbers 6:24-26; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Romans 15:33; Hebrews 13:20-21; Psalm 134:3