The Nazarite vow, a special commitment made by individuals to separate themselves unto the LORD, is detailed in the Book of Numbers. This vow involves abstaining from wine and other products of the vine, refraining from cutting one's hair, and avoiding contact with the dead. Upon the completion of the vow, specific rituals and offerings are required, which must be conducted at the entrance of the Tabernacle, the sacred meeting place between God and His people.

Biblical Instructions for Completion of the Nazarite Vow

The completion of the Nazarite vow is a significant event, marking the fulfillment of a period of consecration. Numbers 6:13-20 provides detailed instructions for this process:

1. Presentation at the Tabernacle Door: The Nazarite is to be brought to the entrance of the Tabernacle. This location is significant as it symbolizes coming before the presence of God, acknowledging His role in sustaining the individual throughout the vow. Numbers 6:13 states, "Now this is the law of the Nazirite when the period of his consecration is complete. He is to be brought to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting."

2. Offerings: The Nazarite must present specific offerings to the LORD. These include a year-old male lamb without defect for a burnt offering, a year-old ewe lamb without defect for a sin offering, and a ram without defect for a peace offering. Additionally, a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mixed with oil, and wafers of unleavened bread spread with oil are to be offered, along with their corresponding grain and drink offerings (Numbers 6:14-15).

3. Shaving of the Head: The Nazarite must shave his consecrated head at the entrance of the Tabernacle. The hair, which has grown during the period of the vow, is to be taken and placed on the fire under the peace offering sacrifice. Numbers 6:18 explains, "Then the Nazirite is to shave his consecrated head at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, take the hair from his head, and put it on the fire under the peace offering."

4. Wave Offering: The priest is to take the boiled shoulder of the ram, one unleavened cake from the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and place them in the hands of the Nazarite after he has shaved his consecrated hair. These are then waved as a wave offering before the LORD. This act signifies the completion of the vow and the Nazarite's return to ordinary life, now blessed by God. Numbers 6:19-20 states, "The priest is to take the boiled shoulder from the ram, one unleavened cake from the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and put them in the hands of the Nazirite after he has shaved off his consecrated hair. The priest shall then wave them as a wave offering before the LORD; they are holy and belong to the priest, along with the breast of the wave offering and the thigh of the heave offering. After that, the Nazirite may drink wine."

Significance

The completion of the Nazarite vow at the Tabernacle door underscores the importance of public acknowledgment and divine approval in the life of a believer. It reflects a deep commitment to holiness and a desire to live a life set apart for God. The rituals performed at the Tabernacle serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the believer's dedication to Him. Through these acts, the Nazarite is reintegrated into the community, having fulfilled their vow with the LORD's blessing.Numbers 6:13
And this is the law of the Nazarite, when the days of his separation are fulfilled: he shall be brought to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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