Topical Bible: The Hair: God: Numbers

◄ The Hair: God: Numbers ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, hair often holds significant symbolic meaning, representing strength, consecration, and divine instruction. The Book of Numbers, part of the Pentateuch, provides specific insights into the role and significance of hair in relation to God's commandments and the Israelites' covenantal relationship with Him.

The Nazirite Vow

One of the most notable references to hair in the Book of Numbers is found in the Nazirite vow, a special vow of consecration to the Lord. Numbers 6:1-21 outlines the requirements and stipulations for those who take this vow. The Nazirite vow is a voluntary commitment to God, characterized by three main prohibitions: abstaining from wine and other fermented drinks, avoiding contact with dead bodies, and not cutting one's hair for the duration of the vow.

Numbers 6:5 states, "For the entire period of his vow of separation, no razor shall pass over his head. He must be holy until the time of his consecration to the LORD is complete; he must let the hair of his head grow long." The uncut hair serves as a visible sign of the individual's dedication and separation unto God. It symbolizes the person's willingness to forego personal grooming and societal norms to demonstrate their commitment to holiness and divine service.

Symbolism and Significance

The long hair of a Nazirite is a powerful symbol of their devotion and the sanctity of their vow. It represents a physical manifestation of their inner spiritual commitment. The growth of hair during the vow period signifies the growth of spiritual strength and dedication to God. The uncut hair becomes a public testimony of the Nazirite's faithfulness and obedience to God's commands.

The completion of the Nazirite vow involves a ceremonial shaving of the head at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, as described in Numbers 6:18 : "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." This act of shaving signifies the end of the vow and the fulfillment of the Nazirite's commitment. The hair, once a symbol of consecration, is offered to God as a sacrifice, marking the transition from a period of special dedication back to ordinary life.

Cultural and Theological Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, hair often held cultural and religious significance. For the Israelites, the Nazirite vow and the associated symbolism of hair underscored the importance of holiness and separation from worldly influences. The vow was a means of drawing closer to God, seeking His favor, and demonstrating a willingness to live according to His statutes.

The emphasis on hair in the Nazirite vow also reflects broader biblical themes of purity, obedience, and the visible expression of one's faith. It serves as a reminder of the Israelites' covenantal relationship with God and their call to be a holy nation set apart for His purposes.

Conclusion

The treatment of hair in the Book of Numbers, particularly in the context of the Nazirite vow, highlights the profound connection between physical symbols and spiritual realities in the biblical narrative. Through the growth and eventual offering of their hair, Nazirites embodied a deep commitment to God, serving as a testament to the enduring significance of consecration and devotion in the life of faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 10:30
But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"Knowledge Puffeth Up, but Love Edifieth. "
... knowledge of] Jesus Christ the Son of God, who was ... than that by subtle questions
and hair-splitting expressions ... to be found with still varying numbers, on this ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxvi knowledge puffeth up but.htm

The Eternity of God
... In the sacrifice of jealousy, Numbers 5:55, no oil ... he was clothed, signified his
majesty; his hair, like the ... The thought of God's eternity should make us have ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/3 the eternity of god.htm

Separation to God.
... The first twenty-one verses of Numbers 6.give us an account of ... that not merely while
his vow lasted was that hair to be recognised as GOD'S possession, but ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part i separation to god.htm

Book 4 Footnotes
... Greeks also, aswell as the Jews, sometimes consecrated the hair of their ... keep here
close to the text which says Numbers 23:20, 21, that God only permitted ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 4 footnotes.htm

Chapter xvii.
... when we have not the power of making one hair white or ... law (Leviticus 22:11), was
to be held sacred (Numbers 30:2), and to be made in God's name (Deuteronomy 6 ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter xvii.htm

These Things, My Brother Aurelius, Most Dear unto Me...
... The Apostle, I mean, not us: insomuch that they even let their hair grow long ... any
chooseth to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the Church of God. ...
/.../augustine/of the work of monks /section 38 these things my.htm

Notes
... manner in which the families assembled together, and in what numbers. ... His hair was
not in itself the source of his ... he had made to let it grow in God's honour. ...
/.../emmerich/the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/notes.htm

Strong Faith in a Faithful God
... for the grey hairs to appear here and there; but it is worse still for the hair
to appear to ... What numbers of books have been written against God of which ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/strong faith in a faithful.htm

The Northern Iron and the Steel
... yet the children have not come in great numbers, or because ... his purposes by so much
as the turning of a hair. God will have his way: None shall resist his will ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the northern iron and the.htm

Passages from Clement's Epistle to the Corinthians on Martyrdom.
... and sheep-skins, and folds of camels' hair, proclaiming the ... He subjoins the gnostic
mystery of the numbers seven and ... But the face of God is against those that ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xvii passages from clements epistle.htm