What role does the priest play in Numbers 6:19, and why is it significant? Setting the scene • Numbers 6 records the Nazirite vow, a voluntary, time-bound commitment of exceptional devotion to the LORD. • At the vow’s conclusion, a series of sacrifices bring the Nazirite back into ordinary life (Numbers 6:13-20). • Verse 19 spotlights the priest’s active involvement right at the climactic moment. The text of Numbers 6:19 “And the priest is to take the boiled shoulder of the ram, one unleavened cake from the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and put them into the hands of the Nazirite after he has shaved off his consecrated hair.” What exactly does the priest do? 1. Takes specific portions of the fellowship (peace) offering: • the boiled shoulder of the ram • one unleavened cake • one unleavened wafer 2. Places these items into the Nazirite’s hands. 3. According to the next verse, he then waves them “as a wave offering before the LORD” (Numbers 6:20). 4. Keeps those portions as his own due (Leviticus 7:30-34), underscoring God’s provision for the priesthood. Why is this priestly action significant? • Mediator of completion – The vow began with personal dedication, but it cannot end without priestly mediation. The priest officially certifies that the Nazirite’s consecration is fulfilled (cf. Leviticus 8:22-29 for a similar mediating role). • Transfer of ownership – By placing the meat and bread into the Nazirite’s hands and then waving them to God, the priest dramatizes a hand-off: what was just offered by the worshiper now belongs wholly to the LORD (Exodus 29:24-25). • Symbol of restored fellowship – The peace offering portions signal shared communion between God, priest, and worshiper (Leviticus 7:11-15). The priest’s participation confirms that fellowship is re-established after the intense Nazirite separation. • Provision for God’s servants – Receiving the waved shoulder and bread visibly sustains the priesthood, illustrating the principle that “those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings” (1 Corinthians 9:13). • Foreshadowing the ultimate High Priest – The priest’s indispensable role anticipates Jesus Christ, “a high priest of the good things to come” (Hebrews 9:11-12). He alone mediates the completion of our devotion and ushers us into lasting fellowship with God. Related Scriptures highlighting priestly mediation • Numbers 6:20 – “The priest shall wave them as a wave offering before the LORD…” • Leviticus 7:34 – “For I have taken the breast that was waved and the shoulder that was presented… and given them to the priests.” • Hebrews 7:23-25 – “Because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood… He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him.” • 1 Peter 2:9 – In Christ, believers become “a royal priesthood,” invited to carry forward lives of consecration under our perfect High Priest. Takeaway for today The priest in Numbers 6:19 serves as God’s appointed mediator, certifying the Nazirite’s vow, transferring the offering to God, and receiving a share as God’s servant. His role underscores the necessity of divinely ordained mediation—a truth ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, who perfectly completes and presents our dedication before the Father. |
    |