Numbers 6: The Nazarite Vow and Priestly Blessing

 

Numbers 6: The Nazarite Vow and Priestly Blessing

Numbers 6 is a significant chapter in the Old Testament, outlining the Nazarite vow and the priestly blessing. It provides specific instructions for those who wish to dedicate themselves to the Lord through a special vow of separation. The chapter can be divided into two main sections:

1. The Nazarite Vow (Verses 1–21)

2. The Priestly Blessing (Verses 22–27)

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I. The Nazarite Vow (Numbers 6:1–21)

1. Introduction to the Nazarite Vow (Verses 1–2)

The chapter begins with God speaking to Moses, instructing him about the Nazarite vow:

“Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘If a man or woman wants to make a special vow, a vow of dedication to the LORD as a Nazarite,’” (Numbers 6:2, NIV).

• The Nazarite vow was a voluntary commitment made by an individual (either a man or a woman) to dedicate themselves to God.

• The word "Nazarite" comes from the Hebrew word nazir, meaning "to separate" or "to be consecrated."

• This vow was an act of devotion, demonstrating a person’s complete dedication to God for a specific time.

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2. Three Restrictions of the Nazarite Vow (Verses 3–8)

To maintain holiness, a Nazarite had to obey three main prohibitions:

A. Abstinence from Wine and Strong Drink (Verses 3–4)

“They must abstain from wine and other fermented drink and must not drink vinegar made from wine or other fermented drink. They must not drink grape juice or eat grapes or raisins.” (Numbers 6:3, NIV)

• The first restriction forbade the consumption of any grape products, including wine, vinegar, and fresh grapes.

• Wine was commonly associated with joy and celebration, but a Nazarite was to remain focused on spiritual matters.

• This requirement symbolized self-control and total dependence on God rather than earthly pleasures.

B. No Cutting of Hair (Verse 5)

“During the entire period of their Nazarite vow, no razor may be used on their head. They must be holy until the period of their dedication to the LORD is over; they must let their hair grow long.” (Numbers 6:5, NIV)

• The second restriction required a Nazarite to let their hair grow uncut during the vow.

• Long hair was a visible symbol of the vow and a reminder of their dedication.

• This signified submission to God and reflected the holiness of their separation.

C. Avoiding Contact with the Dead (Verses 6–7)

“Throughout the period of their dedication to the LORD, the Nazarite must not go near a dead body.” (Numbers 6:6, NIV)

• The third restriction prohibited a Nazarite from touching or going near a dead body, even if it was a close family member.

• Contact with the dead would make them ceremonially unclean, breaking their vow of separation.

Summary of the Restrictions (Verse 8)

“They must be holy until the period of their dedication to the LORD is over.”

• These rules emphasized that a Nazarite was set apart for God’s purposes.

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3. What Happens If the Nazarite Becomes Defiled? (Verses 9–12)

If a Nazarite accidentally comes into contact with a dead body, they must:

1. Shave their head on the seventh day of their purification (v. 9).

2. Bring two birds as a sin offering and burnt offering (v. 10).

3. Restart their vow from the beginning (v. 12).

This process showed that holiness could be interrupted and required atonement.

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4. Completing the Nazarite Vow (Verses 13–21)

When the vow period ends, the Nazarite must go to the tabernacle and offer:

1. A burnt offering (a lamb)

2. A sin offering (a ewe)

3. A fellowship offering (a ram with bread and drink offerings)

The hair is shaved and placed on the fire under the peace offering.

This ritual signifies the fulfillment of the vow and the person's return to regular life.

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II. The Priestly Blessing (Numbers 6:22–27)

The second part of Numbers 6 contains the priestly blessing, one of the most well-known passages in Scripture.

1. God’s Command to Bless (Verses 22–23)

“The LORD said to Moses, ‘Tell Aaron and his sons, This is how you are to bless the Israelites.’” (Numbers 6:22–23, NIV)

• The Aaronic blessing was a divine command, showing that blessings come directly from God.

• The priests (descendants of Aaron) were instructed to pronounce this blessing over Israel.

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2. The Three-Part Blessing (Verses 24–26)

A. The First Blessing: Protection (Verse 24)

“The LORD bless you and keep you.”

• This line asks for God’s favor and protection over His people.

• The word "bless" (Hebrew: barak) means to provide divine prosperity.

• "Keep" (Hebrew: shamar) means to guard, watch over, or preserve.

B. The Second Blessing: Divine Favor (Verse 25)

“The LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.”

• God's "face shining" represents His favor, joy, and presence.

• "Be gracious" refers to God’s undeserved mercy and kindness.

C. The Third Blessing: Peace (Verse 26)

“The LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

• God turning His face symbolizes divine attention and care.

• The Hebrew word for peace (shalom) means wholeness, completeness, and well-being.

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3. God’s Name on His People (Verse 27)

“So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.” (Numbers 6:27, NIV)

• By pronouncing this blessing, the priests placed God’s name upon Israel.

• This signified that Israel belonged to God, and He would bless them.

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III. Theological and Practical Lessons from Numbers 6

1. Dedication to God Requires Separation

• The Nazarite vow teaches that full devotion to God sometimes means giving up comforts and worldly pleasures.

2. External Signs of Devotion Matter

• The uncut hair and abstinence from wine were visible symbols of holiness.

3. Holiness Can Be Interrupted, but God Provides Restoration

• If a Nazarite was defiled, God provided a way to restore their commitment.

4. Blessings Come from God Alone

• The priestly blessing reminds us that God is the source of protection, grace, and peace.

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Conclusion

Numbers 6 is a powerful chapter that emphasizes consecration, obedience, and divine blessing. The Nazarite vow represents a special devotion to God, while the priestly blessing demonstrates His love and care for His people. These themes remain relevant today, as believers are called to live holy lives and seek God's blessing.