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  • GiGi on Numbers 6 - 1 year ago
    Num. Chap. 6

    There are two sections to this chapter:

    -Regulations for those who take a Nazarite vow

    -The Aaronic Blessing

    As to the first, the Bible does not explain the origin of the Nazarite vow, but it seems to imply that it was already practiced in some way. These regulations codify the terms of such a vow.

    The one who takes the vow is not to drink wine/strong drink, or eat anything from the vines grapes.

    He was to let his hair grow long into locks and not trim or cut it as long as he is under the time-frame of the vow.

    He is not to come in contact with any dead thing, even if members of his family die.

    When the time frame for his vow comes to an end, he will go to the tent of meeting, have his hair cut, bring all of the specified animals for the burnt offering, sin offering, peace offering as designated in Leviticus Chapters 1-6. His cut hair is to be placed under all of the offerings and burned with these.

    The text does not say why someone would make such a vow. But it is probably to set himself apart for a time for the Lord.

    Samson was on who was Nazarite from birth. This vow and lifestyle afforded him exceptional strength from the Lord. He was also a judge over the Israelites. But even so, he was easily taken by foreign women (Philistines) and this weakness caused his demise, as he was seduced into telling the secret of his strength and when asleep, Delilah cut his hair and he became weak. His eyes were gouged out. But as his hair grew back, so the Lord returned to Samson great strength.

    Samuel also was dedicated for life with this vow. 1Sam.1:11

    The apostle Paul as several of his companion took a Nazarite vow also ( Acts 18) and they went to Jerusalem to the temple to fulfill the rites that were to be done at the conclusion of the time of the vow. We are not told why Paul and companions took this vow. But, if Samson's story is given as an example, it may have something to do with strengthening a person for the work God has ahead for the person.



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