Numbers 6:1-27
Q.1. Why would a man or woman take a Nazarite vow? What was the point of the restrictions for someone under such a vow? – (Num.6:1-8)
It was possible that a person may neglect his responsibilities, by claiming to serve God (c.f. Mk.7:9-13). God laid down guidelines governing those who wanted to dedicate themselves in a special vow to the Lord. This was known as a Nazarite vow (Num.6:1-2). This voluntary act to the Lord would remove all the normal distractions from serving the Lord. The Nazarite would be set aside by abstaining from wine, growing long hair, and keeping away from any dead body (Num.6:3-7). God gave His approval and accepted the Nazarite – all the days of his separation he is holy to the Lord (Num.6:8). The chapter underscores the seriousness of making a solemn vow to the Lord. To break a vow required a special process of making atonement. Such voluntary dedication to the Lord may still be appropriate, such as abstaining from alcohol, in a day of excessive drinking which results in moral and health problems. Samson was called by God to be a Nazarite, even before his conception (c.f. Jdgs.13:5).
Q.2. How could someone atone for a breach of the rules governing the Nazarite vow? What changed at the conclusion of this time of dedication? Why? – (Num.6:9-21)
If a Nazarite violated the requirements, either by touching a dead body or by having his hair cut, then God provided a process to – make atonement for him concerning his sin (Num.6:11) … this included sacrifices under the supervision of a priest. At the conclusion of the time of living as a Nazarite, the hair was shaved and presented in dedication to the Lord, as well as – one male lamb a year old without defect for a burnt offering and one ewe-lamb a year old without defect for a sin offering and one ram without defect for a peace offering (Num.6:14). The special hairstyle and lifestyle that distinguished them as a Nazarite ceased, and they would then resume normal living. There was a cost involved in being a dedicated servant of the Lord – “This is the law of the Nazirite who vows his offering to the Lord according to his separation … (Num.6:21). Today God’s servants should be different ‘from the inside out’.
Q.3. Who was entitled to extend Aaron’s Benediction? What did this prayer say about the God of Israel? – (Num.6:22-27)
The Aaronic Blessing was reserved for all the priestly descendants of Aaron ((Num.6:23). However, it did not come from the priests of Israel but from the God of Israel (Num.6:22 & 27). It was a reminder of God’s desire to bless His people – to keep them, to look favourably upon them, to extend His grace to them, and to give them peace (Num.6:24-26). God called Israel into a covenant relationship to bless them. That blessing flowed to us as well, when God proved His love for sinners by sending His Son to Calvary’s cross (c.f. Eph1:2-3; 3:14-21; 6:23-24).