It’s time for a grammar lesson. (Did I just hear you groan?) One of the earliest lessons you learn in English or language arts classes is the difference between singular and plural. Singular is one. Plural is more than one.
The confusion comes when the singular and plural word can be the same. Like the word you. If your teacher scans the entire room and says, “You need to take out your books,” she means plural, everybody.
However, if you chose to ignore her command, she will look at you directly and say, “You need to take out your book.” She means you, singular—and you know she means it.
When God told Moses to bless the Israelites, he used grammar very carefully.
He knew that if it looked like Moses was talking to the whole crowd, they might not pay quite as close of attention. That’s why God told Moses to use the singular form of you. He wanted every single person in that crowd to know that God was looking into his or her eyes and speaking directly to that person.
“This is how you will bless the Israelites. Say to them: ‘The Lord will bless you and watch over you. The Lord will smile on you and be kind to you. The Lord will look on you with favor and give you peace’” (Numbers 6:23-26).
When you hear these words, you know the Lord is looking into your eyes and talking to you. He wants you to know that he blesses you. He watches over you! He smiles on you! He is kind to you! He looks on you! He gives peace to you!
Let me hear you say, “Amen!”
Chomp on this
Read the Bible passage out loud. Hear God saying these words directly to you.
