What is the meaning of Numbers 6:11? And the priest is to offer one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering - The Nazirite who has unintentionally broken his vow (Numbers 6:9–10) brings two turtledoves or two young pigeons, echoing the provision for those who cannot afford larger animals (Leviticus 5:7). - The sin offering addresses guilt before God (Leviticus 4:27–31), while the burnt offering represents total surrender and renewed fellowship (Leviticus 1:3–9). - By prescribing both, the LORD shows that forgiveness and wholehearted devotion must travel together (Psalm 51:7, 19). to make atonement for him - Atonement covers sin and restores the worshiper to covenant favor (Leviticus 17:11; Hebrews 9:22). - The priest, God’s appointed mediator, performs the rites; but it is God who grants the cleansing (Isaiah 43:25). - The pattern anticipates the perfect High Priest who would offer Himself once for all (Hebrews 9:24–26). because he has sinned by being in the presence of the dead body - Contact with death brings ceremonial impurity (Numbers 19:11–13), symbolizing the curse sin has introduced into creation (Romans 5:12). - Even accidental defilement matters; holiness is not merely intentional obedience but complete separation unto God (Leviticus 22:3–4). - The Nazirite vow heightened this standard, reminding Israel that God’s people are called to a distinct life (1 Peter 1:15–16). On that day he must consecrate his head again - “Consecrate” means to set apart anew; the shaved head grows again as a visible sign of fresh devotion (Numbers 6:12). - Grace gives the worshiper a new start without lowering the standard (Lamentations 3:22–23; 1 John 1:9). - The pattern encourages believers today to restart immediately after failure, presenting themselves as “living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1) and cleansing themselves “from everything that can defile body and spirit” (2 Corinthians 7:1). summary Numbers 6:11 shows God’s unwavering holiness paired with His gracious provision. When the Nazirite vow is broken by accidental contact with death, two offerings restore fellowship: the sin offering securing forgiveness, the burnt offering re-establishing wholehearted devotion. Atonement is necessary because even unintended defilement is sin in God’s sight. Yet on the very same day, the worshiper may consecrate himself again, illustrating that God invites repentant people to begin afresh in purity and dedication. |
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