What is a benediction? Where did it originate and why is it the most appropriate closing to this or any letter?
Perhaps you have heard a benediction or two, in Latin or another language, words sung closing a worship service.
“So they shall invoke My name on the sons of Israel, and I then will bless them.”
Numbers 6:22 NASB
Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel
Canticle of Zechariah
Benedictus also known as the Canticle of Zechariah, is one of the hymns for Maundy Thursday in Holy Week. It was sung by the Jewish priest Zechariah, father of St. John the Baptist, in thanks for the son bestowed upon him by God. source:
Definition: Benediction
From the earliest times the records bear testimony that pronouncing the benediction or giving the blessing was a common practice. In the temple service, this duty was assigned to the Aaronites and was made an impressive part of the service. The form of the benediction used is given in Nu 6:22-27. References to this practice may be found in Le 9:22; De 10:8; 2Ch 30:27. After a time, minute directions were given concerning it and careful preparation was made for this part of the service. source: International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia
The Priestly Blessing
“The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.” ’
The blessing of worship given by the one who stands between the congregation and the Lord. Go in peace.
Although an appropriate closing for a letter to be read to the congregation of a church, not all letters to the churches ended with such a benediction.
Other Closings of Letters to the Church
I have linked some benedictions of Paul above. Some letters such as James offer no benediction, while others close briefly.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ. – First Letter of Peter 4:14B
Some combine it with a closing caution and others offer just the exhortation.
Little children, guard yourselves from idols. – 1 John 5:21
While his last letter, the Revelation of Jesus Christ to John closes:
Ἡ χάρις τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ μετὰ πάντων ὑμῶν Ἀμήν
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Hebrews
Before we conclude Hebrews 13 which begins, ‘Let love of the brethren continue’ and ends with a benediction, let’s take a brief look at the focus of the author’s letter.
האגרת אל-העברים 1 Habrit Hakhadasha/Haderekh (HHH)
א לפני שנים רבות דיבר אלוהים אל אבותינו באמצעות הנביאים בדרכים שונות, וסיפר להם, שלב אחרי שלב, על תוכניותיו.
2 אך עתה, באחרית הימים, דיבר אלינו אלוהים באמצעות בנו, אשר בידו הפקיד את הכול ועל-ידו ברא את העולם ואת כל אשר בו.
God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.
Hebrews 1:1-2 NASB
The author of Hebrews’ point of scripture: God speaks to us in various ways. And now the Son, Jesus, heir and creator of the world, has spoken.
3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact expression of his nature, sustaining all things by his powerful word.
Hebrews 1:3 CSB
Jesus, the Son IS exactly, God’s own glory! Quite a statement. Because we are human, the Father became human in the flesh of the Son.
3: Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus, who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all His house.
Note that the Apostle is ‘one sent with orders’ and so was the Son to us. The writer refers to us as holy partakers of the heavenly calling. For this same calling Christ Jesus is our High Priest.
8:6 Jesus has now obtained a superior ministry, and to that degree he is the mediator of a better covenant, which has been established on better promises.
But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation.
Hebrews 9:11 NKJV
15 Therefore, he is the mediator of a new covenant… Jesus secured a promised eternal inheritance, because of His Perfect Sacrifice for our sins.
10:19 Therefore … enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh..
Persecuted believers in Rome and beyond
The persecution of Christians in Rome had likely already begun and these Hebrews likely faced severe social suffering, starvation, banishment and even death. So the writer of Hebrews encourages these prior to his closing.
Endure the race of faith and persecution for His sake. Continue to love each other and continually praise God.
17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account.
Pray also for me. This familiar theme of connection between leaders of the church separated from those they love. The author suggests that their prayer could lead him to be returned to them sooner. (Perhaps he is imprisoned or hiding elsewhere due to cautious fear for his life.)
Benediction of the letter of Hebrews
Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus—the great Shepherd of the sheep—through the blood of the everlasting covenant, equip you with everything good to do his will, working in us what is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Hebrews 13:20-21 CSB
God IS a God of peace, even when peace seems nowhere near.
Jesus, Shepherd of the church, was brought up from the dead; therefore we honor Him as Lord. Do His will. All glory to Christ Jesus! Amen.
This lesser shepherd of the church then encourages them with some additional timely good news of others they know. The author then closes:
13:25 ἡ χάρις μετὰ πάντων ὑμῶν
Grace be with you all.
For by His Blood we have grace and peace.
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