Numbers 6:1-8 teaches about the Nazarite vow. Basically, it means to bind oneself (make a vow) to a period of separation and commitment to a consecrated (“nazar” = “Nazarite”) life. It was voluntary, and the period was up to the Nazarite. Three requirements: 1. Don’t drink wine nor anything from from the vine, not even grape skin (verses 1-4). That seems to mean very limited socializing. 2. During the period of the vow, he/she was not to cut their hair (verse 5). Since lengthy hair was a visible sign, perhaps this meant the Nazarite was to bear witness of his vow. Publicly, his consecrated life would be expected. 3. Contact with a corpse was sternly forbidden, even if it involved an immediate family member (verses 6-8). This means to avoid defilement. Violation of the requirements demanded a sin and a burnt offering, and period of the vow had to start all over again (verses 9-12). When the vow was finally completed, at least five more offerings were required (verses 13-15). How does the Nazarite‘s life compare with the Christian life? There is no real comparison. First, we have the filling of the Holy Spirit who enhances fellowship, not intoxication and alienation (Ephesians 5:18). Secondly, the Holy Spirit empowers us to bear witness to salvation by faith in Jesus (Acts 1:8), and third, the defilement of sin has been removed by “the sanctifying work” of the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 1:3). Our being in Christ surpasses the Nazarite vow. We sanctify ourselves (Rom. 12:1-2) and offer a “sacrifice of praise,” the “fruit of our lips” (Hebrews 13:15).
Blessings!
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