The Nazirite Vow 1And the LORD said to Moses, 2“Speak to the Israelites and tell them that if a man or woman makes a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite,a to separate himself to the LORD, 3he is to abstain from wine and strong drink. He must not drink vinegar made from wine or strong drink, and he must not drink any grape juice or eat fresh grapes or raisins. 4All the days of his separation, he is not to eat anything that comes from the grapevine, not even the seeds or skins. 5For the entire period of his vow of separation, no razor shall touch his head. He must be holy until the time of his separation to the LORD is complete; he must let the hair of his head grow long. 6Throughout the days of his separation to the LORD, he must not go near a dead body. 7Even if his father or mother or brother or sister should die, he is not to defile himself, because the symbol of consecration to his God is upon his head. 8Throughout the time of his separation, he is holy to the LORD. 9If someone suddenly dies in his presence and defiles his consecrated head of hair, he must shave his head on the day of his cleansing—the seventh day. 10On the eighth day he must bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons to the priest at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. 11And the priest is to offer one as a sin offeringb and the other as a burnt offering to make atonement for him, because he has sinned by being in the presence of the dead body. On that day he must consecrate his head again. 12He must rededicate his time of separation to the LORD and bring a year-old male lamb as a guilt offering. But the preceding days shall not be counted, because his separation was defiled. 13Now this is the law of the Nazirite when his time of separation is complete: He must be brought to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, 14and he is to present an offering to the LORD of an unblemished year-old male lamb as a burnt offering, an unblemished year-old female lamb as a sin offering, and an unblemished ram as a peace offering— 15together with their grain offerings and drink offerings—and a basket of unleavened cakes made from fine flour mixed with oil and unleavened wafers coated with oil. 16The priest is to present all these before the LORD and make the sin offering and the burnt offering. 17He shall also offer the ram as a peace offering to the LORD, along with the basket of unleavened bread. And the priest is to offer the accompanying grain offering and drink offering. 18Then at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the Nazirite is to shave his consecrated head, take the hair, and put it on the fire under the peace offering. 19And the priest is to take the boiled shoulder from the ram, one unleavened cake from the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and put them into the hands of the Nazirite who has just shaved the hair of his consecration. 20The priest shall then wave them as a wave offering before the LORD. This is a holy portion for the priest, in addition to the breast of the wave offering and the thigh that was presented. After that, the Nazirite may drink wine. 21This is the law of the Nazirite who vows his offering to the LORD for his separation, in addition to whatever else he can afford; he must fulfill whatever vow he makes, according to the law of his separation.” Aaron’s Blessing 22Then the LORD said to Moses, 23“Tell Aaron and his sons: This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: 24‘May the LORD bless you 25may the LORD cause His face to shine upon you 26may the LORD lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ 27So they shall put My name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.” Footnotes: 2 a Nazirite means one separated or one consecrated. 11 b Or purification offering; here and throughout Numbers Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Numbers 6 Summary The Nazirite VowVerses 1–8 – The Nazirite Vow Set Apart Verses 9–12 – Handling Accidental Defilement Verses 13–21 – Completing the Vow and Offerings Verses 22–27 – The Priestly Blessing Numbers 6, a chapter in the Book of Numbers, serves as an intriguing study of ancient Israelite customs, particularly the Nazirite vow, which was a special pledge to abstain from certain activities as a symbol of devotion to God. It also concludes with the divine blessing given to Aaron and his sons to bless the Israelites. This chapter sheds light on the distinctive practices of the Israelite community at Mount Sinai and offers valuable insights into their deep commitment to holiness and ritual purity. Background of the Nazirite Institution • “Nazirite” comes from the Hebrew root nazar, “to separate, to dedicate.” • The practice predates Sinai (e.g., Samson – Judges 13, Samuel – 1 Samuel 1). • It is remarkable in allowing anyone—male or female, rich or poor—to step into a priest-like level of separation for a season. Key Components of the Vow 1. Abstaining from wine, strong drink, vinegar, grape juice, fresh grapes, or raisins (6:3-4). 2. Letting hair grow freely (6:5). 3. Avoiding all contact with the dead (6:6-7). These three limits address appetite, appearance, and association—core areas that often pull the heart away from God. Why Grapes and Not Only Wine? Grapes were everyday food in the ancient Near East. By banning even the seed or skin (6:4), the vow fenced the Nazirite off from ordinary pleasures and reminded everyone that the dedication was total. Hair as a Visible Crown “Because the hair of his dedication to God is on his head” (6:7). The uncut hair became a public banner of surrender—much like the high priest’s gold plate reading “Holy to the LORD” (Exodus 28:36-38). Paul later calls a woman’s long hair “a glory” (1 Corinthians 11:15), echoing the idea that hair can symbolize honor. Contact with Death Death is the stark opposite of the living God (Deuteronomy 30:19). Even priests were allowed to bury close kin (Leviticus 21:1-3), but Nazirites could not. Their stricter standard illustrated how intimacy with God heightens sensitivity to anything opposed to life. The Offerings at Completion • Burnt offering (total surrender). • Sin offering (cleansing). • Fellowship offering (communion). • Grain and drink offerings (thankfulness). By burning the hair beneath the fellowship sacrifice (6:18), the Nazirite tangibly handed every moment of the vow back to God in worship. Gender-Inclusive Holiness The equal invitation to “a man or a woman” (6:2) anticipates Galatians 3:28 where Paul proclaims equal standing “in Christ Jesus.” Holiness has never been limited by gender. Temporary vs. Life-Long Nazirites Most vows were temporary (the Mishnah suggests 30-day minimums), yet Samson (Judges 13:5), Samuel (1 Samuel 1:11), and John the Baptist (Luke 1:15) were lifelong. Their permanent status heightens the impact of their missions—deliverance, prophecy, and preparing the way for Messiah. Samson, Samuel, John the Baptist, and Paul • Samson’s strength was tied to his uncut hair (Judges 16:17). • Samuel served in the tabernacle from childhood (1 Samuel 2:18-26). • John abstained from wine and was filled with the Spirit (Luke 1:15). • Paul completed a vow and had his hair cut at Cenchreae (Acts 18:18) and later paid for others’ vows in Jerusalem (Acts 21:23-26), showing continuation of the practice into the New Testament era. Defilement and Restoration The “reset” after accidental defilement (6:9-12) teaches that lapses need not end devotion. God provides a path back, but the lost days underline the cost of impurity. Archaeological Insights • Dead Sea Scrolls (4Q251) mention Nazirites among purity regulations at Qumran. • The Mishnah tractate Nazir details vow lengths, hair offerings, and urban Jerusalem locations for shaving. • Ostraca from the Judean desert reference “NoZR” names, hinting that Nazirites were well-known. Though no physical piles of Nazirite hair have been unearthed, texts consistently place the ritual at the sanctuary, matching Numbers 6. The Aaronic Blessing in Israel’s Life “‘The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’” (Numbers 6:24-26) Three parallel lines, each beginning with the divine name, build from protection, to favor, to shalom—well-being in every dimension. Psalm 67 opens by echoing it; Jesus likely alludes to it when He blesses the disciples at His ascension (Luke 24:50-51). Structure of the Blessing • Six verbs: bless, keep, shine, be gracious, lift up, give peace. • First line: 3 Hebrew words; second: 5; third: 7—expanding grace expressed in expanding language. • God’s “name” placed on the people parallels Revelation 22:4 where His servants bear His name on their foreheads. Christological Connections • Jesus of Nazareth shares a root with “Nazirite.” While He drank wine, He embodied the deeper reality of perfect separation from sin (Hebrews 7:26). • At the Last Supper He vowed not to drink again “until that day” (Matthew 26:29), echoing a Nazirite-like restraint pointing toward the Kingdom feast. • His unbroken consecration fulfills the ideal behind every temporary vow. Application for Believers Today 1. Voluntary seasons of heightened devotion—fasting, retreat, designated service—remain biblical and fruitful. 2. Avoidance of legitimate pleasures for a time can clear space to hear God. 3. Visible markers (a bracelet, a commitment card, accountability) can remind both the believer and the community of the dedication. 4. The Aaronic Blessing is still prayed over congregations, couples, and children, anchoring them in God’s protective, gracious, and peace-giving care. Final Observations Numbers 6 balances voluntary zeal with sober responsibility. The chapter closes not with human commitment but with God’s blessing, showing that every act of separation finds its true power and completion in the LORD who “will bless them.” Connections to Additional Scriptures Romans 12:1-2This passage calls believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, echoing the principles of dedication and transformation found in the Nazirite vow. 1 Peter 1:15-16 Peter exhorts believers to be holy in all their conduct, reflecting the call to holiness seen in the Nazirite vow. John 17:17-19 Jesus prays for His disciples to be sanctified in truth, emphasizing the importance of being set apart for God's purposes. Teaching Points The Nature of the Nazirite VowNumbers 6:2-5 outlines the Nazirite vow as a voluntary act of dedication to the Lord, involving abstinence from wine, refraining from cutting one's hair, and avoiding contact with the dead. This vow symbolizes a life wholly devoted to God. Purpose of Separation The vow signifies a period of separation for spiritual purposes, emphasizing holiness and dedication. It serves as a reminder that believers are called to be set apart for God's work (Numbers 6:8). The Role of Sacrifice At the conclusion of the vow, specific sacrifices are required (Numbers 6:13-20). This underscores the cost of commitment and the importance of offering our best to God. The Priestly Blessing Numbers 6:22-27 concludes with the priestly blessing, highlighting God's desire to bless and keep His people. This blessing is a powerful reminder of God's presence and favor upon those who dedicate themselves to Him. Practical Applications Personal DedicationConsider setting aside time for personal consecration and reflection, seeking ways to dedicate specific areas of your life to God. Holiness in Daily Life Reflect on how you can live a life that is set apart for God in your daily actions, choices, and relationships. Sacrificial Living Evaluate what sacrifices you might be called to make in order to deepen your relationship with God and serve His purposes more fully. Embrace God's Blessing Regularly pray the priestly blessing over yourself and others, inviting God's presence and favor into your life. People 1. The NaziriteThis is the individual who takes a special vow of separation to dedicate themselves to the Lord. The term "Nazirite" comes from the Hebrew word "nazir," meaning "consecrated" or "separated." The vow includes abstaining from wine and other fermented drinks, not cutting their hair, and avoiding contact with dead bodies to maintain ritual purity. 2. The Priest The priest plays a role in the completion of the Nazirite vow. When the period of the vow is fulfilled, the Nazirite is brought to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, where the priest facilitates the offering of sacrifices, including a burnt offering, a sin offering, and a peace offering, as well as a grain offering and drink offerings. 3. The Lord (YHWH) While not a person in the human sense, the Lord is central to the Nazirite vow as the one to whom the vow is dedicated. The vow is an act of devotion and separation unto the Lord, highlighting the relationship between the Nazirite and God. Places Numbers 6 in the Berean Standard Bible does not specifically mention any geographical places. Instead, it focuses on the Nazirite vow, which is a special vow of dedication to the Lord. The chapter outlines the requirements and rituals associated with this vow, including abstaining from wine, not cutting one's hair, and avoiding contact with dead bodies. Since there are no specific places mentioned in this chapter, a numbered list of places cannot be provided. If you have any other questions or need further information on a different topic, feel free to ask! Events 1. Introduction of the Nazirite Vow (Numbers 6:1-2)The LORD instructs Moses to speak to the Israelites about the Nazirite vow, which can be taken by either a man or a woman. The term "Nazirite" comes from the Hebrew root "nazir," meaning "to separate" or "to consecrate." 2. Abstinence from Wine and Strong Drink (Numbers 6:3-4) Those who take the Nazirite vow must abstain from wine, strong drink, vinegar made from wine, and any grape products, including fresh grapes and raisins. This abstinence symbolizes separation from worldly pleasures. 3. No Razor on the Head (Numbers 6:5) During the period of the vow, no razor shall touch the Nazirite's head. They must let their hair grow long, which serves as a visible sign of their consecration to God. 4. Avoidance of Contact with the Dead (Numbers 6:6-7) Nazirites must not go near a dead body, even if it is a close family member, to avoid becoming ceremonially unclean. This requirement emphasizes the purity and holiness expected of those who are consecrated. 5. Procedure for Defilement (Numbers 6:9-12) If a Nazirite becomes defiled by accidental contact with a dead body, they must shave their head on the seventh day of their cleansing and bring specific offerings to the priest on the eighth day to atone for the defilement and restart their vow. 6. Completion of the Nazirite Vow (Numbers 6:13-20) Upon completing the period of the vow, the Nazirite must present offerings at the Tent of Meeting, including a burnt offering, a sin offering, a peace offering, unleavened bread, and grain and drink offerings. The Nazirite then shaves their head at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, and the hair is placed on the fire under the peace offering. 7. The Priestly Blessing (Numbers 6:22-27) The chapter concludes with the LORD instructing Moses on how Aaron and his sons are to bless the Israelites. This blessing, often called the Aaronic Blessing, is a prayer for God's favor and peace upon His people. Topics 1. The Nazirite Vow (Numbers 6:1-8)This section outlines the requirements and commitments of the Nazirite vow, a special dedication to God. The vow includes abstaining from wine and other fermented drinks, avoiding contact with dead bodies, and not cutting one's hair. The Hebrew term "Nazir" (נָזִיר) means "consecrated" or "separated," indicating a life set apart for divine purposes. 2. Regulations for Ending the Nazirite Vow (Numbers 6:9-12) Instructions are given for what a Nazirite must do if they become ceremonially unclean by coming into contact with a dead body. This includes shaving the head and offering specific sacrifices to restore their vow. The process underscores the importance of purity and dedication in the Nazirite commitment. 3. Offerings for the Nazirite (Numbers 6:13-21) Detailed instructions are provided for the offerings a Nazirite must present at the completion of their vow. These include burnt offerings, sin offerings, and peace offerings, along with grain and drink offerings. The offerings symbolize the Nazirite's devotion and the fulfillment of their vow to God. 4. The Priestly Blessing (Numbers 6:22-27) This section contains the well-known Aaronic blessing, a prayer of protection, grace, and peace. The blessing is a divine promise of God's favor and presence with His people. The Hebrew roots of the blessing emphasize God's desire to "shine" His face upon His people, indicating His benevolent attention and care. Each topic reflects the broader themes of dedication, purity, and divine blessing, central to the spiritual life and community of Israel as described in the Book of Numbers. Themes 1. The Nazirite VowThe chapter begins with the introduction of the Nazirite vow, a special commitment to God that involves abstaining from wine, not cutting one's hair, and avoiding contact with dead bodies. This vow is a voluntary act of dedication and separation unto the Lord. The Hebrew root for "Nazirite" (נָזִיר, nazir) means "consecrated" or "separated." 2. Abstinence from Wine and Strong Drink Verses 3-4 emphasize the Nazirite's abstinence from wine, strong drink, and anything derived from the grapevine. This symbolizes purity and self-control, setting the individual apart for God's service. The Hebrew word for "wine" (יַיִן, yayin) and "strong drink" (שֵׁכָר, shekar) highlight the importance of avoiding intoxicants. 3. The Uncut Hair Verse 5 states that during the period of the vow, no razor shall touch the Nazirite's head, allowing their hair to grow long. This uncut hair serves as a visible sign of their holy separation to the Lord. The Hebrew term for "razor" (תַּעַר, ta'ar) underscores the commitment to maintaining this outward symbol of dedication. 4. Avoidance of Dead Bodies Verses 6-7 instruct the Nazirite to avoid contact with dead bodies, even those of close family members, to prevent ceremonial defilement. This theme highlights the importance of maintaining spiritual purity and separation from death, which is associated with sin and impurity in the Hebrew context. 5. Purification and Sacrifices Verses 9-12 describe the procedures for purification if a Nazirite becomes defiled by accidental contact with a dead body. This includes offerings and the shaving of the head, symbolizing a renewal of the vow. The Hebrew word for "sin offering" (חַטָּאת, chatat) and "burnt offering" (עוֹלָה, olah) reflect the need for atonement and dedication. 6. Completion of the Vow Verses 13-21 outline the rituals for completing the Nazirite vow, including offerings and the shaving of the head at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. This signifies the fulfillment of the vow and the Nazirite's return to normal life. The Hebrew term for "peace offering" (שֶׁלֶם, shelem) indicates thanksgiving and fellowship with God. 7. The Priestly Blessing Verses 22-27 conclude with the Priestly Blessing, a benediction pronounced by Aaron and his sons over the Israelites. This blessing invokes God's protection, grace, and peace. The Hebrew roots for "bless" (בָּרַךְ, barak), "keep" (שָׁמַר, shamar), and "peace" (שָׁלוֹם, shalom) emphasize divine favor and well-being. Answering Tough Questions 1. Numbers 6:2–3 — Why forbid all grape products without providing a clear historical or scientific rationale? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What does the Nazirite vow symbolize about personal commitments to God? 2. How can the principles underlying the Nazirite vow apply to modern practices of devotion and faith? 3. In what ways does the concept of ritual purity as depicted in Numbers 6 resonate with today's understanding of spiritual purity? 4. How might abstaining from "fruit of the vine" during the Nazirite vow relate to the concept of personal sacrifices in your life? 5. Why is avoiding contact with the dead a part of the Nazirite vow? How can this be interpreted symbolically? 6. If a Nazirite became defiled accidentally, they had to restart their vow. How can this be related to our efforts in maintaining personal standards of conduct? 7. Discuss the significance of the specific offerings made by a Nazirite after completing their vow. 8. Why was the shaving of the consecrated head necessary at the end of the Nazirite vow? 9. What do the blessings bestowed by Aaron and his sons mean to you personally? 10. How can the Aaronic blessing be used in modern Christian contexts? 11. How can the principles and laws in Numbers 6 guide us in maintaining our relationships with others? 12. What lessons on dedication and sacrifice does the Nazirite vow offer to a non-religious person? 13. How does Numbers 6 challenge your understanding of commitment and dedication to faith? 14. What practices today could be compared with the Nazirite vow in terms of their purpose and the dedication they require? 15. How do the regulations of the Nazirite vow reflect God's expectations of His people? 16. In today's world, how can one balance the idea of dedicating oneself entirely to God while living a normal life? 17. How can the Aaronic Blessing be a source of comfort in times of uncertainty? 18. If you were to design a modern version of the Nazirite vow, what would it look like? 19. How can we apply the principles of the Nazirite vow and the Aaronic Blessing to foster unity and peace in today's society? 20. Reflecting on Numbers 6, what steps can you take to dedicate yourself more fully to your own spiritual journey? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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