Ok, not much to unpack in this chapter. It is pretty straight forward. Who are the Nazirites? God outlines the guidelines for taking the vow of a Nazirite. Doing so, sets you apart from others and to the Lord in a special way, and as a result, requires you to abstain from drinking wine and other alcoholic drinks. You can’t even drink grape juice or eat grapes or raisins. It’s as though they are an elite group of holy people, and they have higher standards of living. God told Moses in Numbers 6:2, “If some of the people, either men or women, take the special vow of a Nazirite, setting themselves apart to the Lord in a special way, they must give up wine and other alcoholic drinks.” He continues in verse 5 and 6, “They must never cut their hair throughout the time of their vow, for they are holy and set apart to the Lord. That is why they must let their hair grow long (Who does that sound like? That’s right...Samson was a Nazirite). And they may not go near a dead body during the entire period of their vow to the Lord, even if their own father, mother, brother, or sister has died.”
Because their hair is a symbol for their separation to God, even if someone suddenly falls dead beside them, they must shave their heads. That action will cleanse them from being defiled. However, this defilement results in them renewing their vow, letting their hair grow again, and restarting the process. Verse 12 states, “The days of their vow that were completed before their defilement no longer count. They must rededicate themselves to the Lord for the full term of their vow….” Wow!
Now the question becomes….”How long is the vow?” It is not discussed in this chapter, so it sounds like a homework assignment. If anyone knows or finds out, please place a comment.
After the conclusion of their vow and separation as Nazirites, a ceremony is performed which includes sacrifices to the Lord, shaving their heads, and a gesture of offering to the Lord. The Nazirites may now drink wine again, followed by a special blessing from the priests to all the people of Israel, which is the prayer I place at the end of each Journaling God and Golf post.
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us separate ourselves, that we may be more like you and not the world around us. We love you!
“May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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