What is the meaning of Numbers 6:5? For the entire period of his vow of separation - “For the entire period of his vow of separation” sets a defined timeframe. It is not a lifelong command for everyone, but a voluntary, solemn commitment made to God for a specific stretch of time (cf. Leviticus 27:2; Acts 21:23-24). - During that span, the Nazarite stepped out of ordinary life for a heightened focus on the LORD. Like Moses removing his sandals (Exodus 3:5) or Israel resting every Sabbath (Exodus 20:8-10), the vow created sacred space for undistracted devotion. no razor shall touch his head - This outward rule provided a constant, visible reminder of the inner dedication. Just as Israel’s tassels reminded them of God’s commands (Numbers 15:38-40), uncut hair reminded the Nazarite—and everyone who saw him—of a life set apart. - It required daily obedience. A razor is small and ordinary, yet abstaining from it turned everyday grooming into an act of worship (Romans 12:1). - Samson’s story shows the seriousness of this clause. When Delilah shaved his head, “his strength left him” (Judges 16:17-19), underlining that the power of the vow rested in obedience, not in the hair itself. He must be holy until the time of his separation to the LORD is complete - “Holy” (set apart) highlights purpose. The vow was not chiefly about hair, diet, or abstaining from the dead (Numbers 6:3-7); it was about belonging wholly to the LORD (Psalm 4:3). - Holiness had a finish line: “until…complete.” God honors commitments fulfilled as promised (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5; 2 Timothy 4:7). - This clause guards against legalism on one hand and laxity on the other. The Nazarite must neither break off early nor extend indefinitely to impress others (Matthew 6:1). he must let the hair of his head grow long - Long hair was both result and symbol. It accumulated day by day, visually counting the weeks of consecration. In that culture, such hair set the Nazarite apart from prevailing styles, much as John the Baptist’s garments marked him in his generation (Matthew 3:4). - At the vow’s completion, the hair was shaved and burned beneath the peace offering (Numbers 6:18), showing that even the sign of dedication ultimately belonged to God. - The apostle Paul may allude to this when honoring a man who vows to grow his hair, then cuts it in Cenchreae after completing a vow (Acts 18:18). summary Numbers 6:5 teaches that a Nazarite vow involved a clearly defined period of total consecration, visibly expressed by leaving the hair untouched. The uncut hair was a daily, public declaration that the person belonged wholly to the LORD until the vow’s completion. The verse invites believers today to consider outward and inward ways to live set apart, fulfilling every commitment to God with wholehearted obedience. |
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