1. This is a fit refrain to the benediction of the High Priest in the name
of the Lord (Numbers 6:24–25). It begins with a cry for mercy. Forgiveness of
sin is always the first link in the chain of mercies experienced by us. Mercy
is a foundational attribute in our salvation. The best saints and the worst
sinners may unite in this petition. It is addressed to the God of mercy, by
those who feel their need of mercy, and it implies the death of all legal hopes
or claims of merit. Next, the church begs for a blessing: bless us—a
very comprehensive prayer. Our blessings are but words, but when God
blesses he enriches us indeed, for his blessings are gifts and deeds. But his
blessing alone is not all his people crave; they desire a personal
consciousness of his favor, and pray for a smile from his face. The three
petitions include all that we need here or hereafter.
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