Doing Something Extra for God. (Numbers 6:1-21)
Today’s episode introduces us to the concept of the Nazarite vow, a special dedication to the Lord. The word "Nazarite" doesn’t as you might think have anything to do with the town of Nazareth, it comes from the Hebrew word, Nazer, which means consecrated or devoting oneself, indicating a commitment to set oneself apart for God's service.
What's fascinating about the Nazarite vow is that it's voluntary and temporary. It's a deliberate choice to do something extraordinary for the Lord, often for a specific period. While there are instances in Jewish history of parents dedicating their children to be Nazarites, most often, it's an adult's voluntary act.
According to Jewish tradition, the vow could last up to 100 days, but typically, it lasted for 30 days. There were rare cases where individuals took lifelong Nazarite vows, like Samuel and Samson. However, the Bible doesn't specify the duration; we rely on Jewish tradition for those details.
But it’s given some importance in the bible but it is here in Numbers chapter 6 that the details of it are given, and that is what we will look at today.
Eelcome to TBPDP.
Today we are looking at numbers chapter 6 to find out what it will tell us about this thing called the Nazarite vow. This chapter will describes the nature of the Nazarite vow for us detailing three key commitments participants made to the Lord.
Then, it explains the rituals for ending the vow when the designated period was over. In fact these rituals were essential to complete and fulfil the vow properly.
So, let's begin with verse one, where we'll explore the nature of the Nazarite vow and the commitments involved.
1 The Lord said to Moses, 2 “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 Nazirite, 3 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. 4 As long as they remain under their Nazirite vow, they must not eat anything that comes from the grapevine, not even the seeds or skins.
(Numbers 6: 1-4)
So, the Nazarite vow's first requirement is abstaining from wine and anything produced by the grapevine. What's crucial to note here is the emphasis on separating oneself to the Lord, rather than just from wine or sensual enjoyment.
While some people over the years have tried to suggest reasons of why wine is prohibited, the text itself doesn't provide explicit reasons.
However, various interpretations suggest that abstaining from wine obviously symbolizes distancing oneself from sensual pleasure or even encouraging other to neglecting God's law, as wine use and celebrations could sometimes lead to pagan lifestyles.
In Israelite culture, wine was both celebrated during harvest as a blessing and cautioned against for its potential dangers, as seen in passages like, (Proverbs 23:31) which says, "Do not look on the wine when it is red”.
Reflecting on personal experiences, some religious traditions, in Northern Ireland, where I am originally from, associate abstinence from alcohol with Christian identity. In fact, my own father, brought up in the North West of Ireland in the Methodist tradition, never consumed alcohol in his entire life.
Myself, I made a decision to not drink anymore in alcohol anymore in 1999, this decision was mainly predicated on an awareness of how difficult is was to support people who where struggling with alcohol and drug addiction, when I myself felt it was Ok to drink. At that Time I was increcing involved in 1-1 pastoral support of several people in recovery, as well as volunteering at a soup kitche,
I also helped at a youth club at that time and felt the Lord said to me that nothing in my life should stand as an example that might lead a brother or sister to fall. (Thinking back)
I don't care if any other Christian drink, as long as it is in moderation, and I do believe that Christian should never get drunk.
Anyway he scriptural stance on wine consumption is nuanced and multifaceted here in Numbers. While the Bible doesn't explicitly prohibit drinking wine, it strongly advises against getting drunk. In John 2, Jesus famously turned water into wine, using the Greek word "oinos," the same term for wine used throughout the New Testament.
This indicates that wine itself isn't inherently sinful, but the Bible cautions against overindulgence.
Paul's admonition in Ephesians 5:18 specifically warns against drunkenness, using the Greek word "methysko," which denotes intoxication.
Therefore, the key biblical principle is moderation and self-control when it comes to alcohol consumption.
Regarding the Nazarite vow, one of its requirements is abstaining from wine and anything produced by the grapevine. Nazarites were individuals who consecrated themselves to the Lord for a specific period or, and in some rare cases, for their entire lives.
Their total abstinence from wine suggests that abstaining from alcohol can be a legitimate expression of devotion to God, it is for me but only in the sense I fell it gives me authenticity in the ministry areas God has called me into.
Ultimately, whether to abstain from alcohol entirely is a matter of personal conviction and conscience. While some may choose total abstinence as an expression of devotion or to avoid the potential pitfalls associated with alcohol, others may choose to drink in moderation, but whatever you choose friend always keep in mind the biblical admonition against drunkenness.
5 “‘During the entire period of their Nazirite 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.
6 “‘Throughout the period of their dedication to the Lord, the Nazirite must not go near a dead body. 7 Even if their own father or mother or brother or sister dies, they must not make themselves ceremonially unclean on account of them, because the symbol of their dedication to God is on their head. 8 Throughout the period of their dedication, they are consecrated to the Lord.
(Numbers 6 5-9)
The Nazarite vow also required complete abstinence from touching or going near a dead body. This was a significant restriction because, in Jewish culture, contact with a dead body made a person ceremonially unclean. By abstaining from contact with the dead, the Nazarite again demonstrated their consecration and dedication to the Lord.
The emphasis on not touching the dead body applied to even close relatives like father, mother, brother, or sister and underscores the seriousness of the vow and the absolute dedication required of the Nazarite.
It emphasized that their consecration to the Lord took precedence over even family obligations even mourning rituals.
The requirement to avoid contact with dead bodies was a tangible way for the Nazarite to demonstrate their separation unto the Lord and their commitment to a holy lifestyle. It served as a visible reminder of their vow and their dedication to God's service.
9 “‘If someone dies suddenly in the Nazirite’s presence, thus defiling the hair that symbolizes their dedication, they must shave their head on the seventh day—the day of their cleansing. 10 Then on the eighth day they must bring two doves or two young pigeons to the priest at the entrance to the tent of meeting. 11 The priest is to offer one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering to make atonement for the Nazirite because they sinned by being in the presence of the dead body. That same day they are to consecrate their head again. 12 They must rededicate themselves to the Lord for the same period of dedication and must bring a year-old male lamb as a guilt offering. The previous days do not count, because they became defiled during their period of dedication.
(Number 6: 9-12)
Verse 9 onwards addresses the scenario where a Nazarite inadvertently comes into contact with a dead body, which would violate the terms of their vow. In such a situation, the Nazarite would become ceremonially unclean and would need to undergo additional purification processes to restore their purity.
The procedure outlined here involved shaving off the Nazarite's hair, signifying the end of their vow. This act symbolized the termination of their consecration and their return to a state of normalcy within the community.
Additionally, the Nazarite was required to offer certain sacrifices as part of the purification ritual, including a sin offering and a burnt offering.
It's important to note that while coming into contact with a dead body was considered a defilement, the Nazarite was not considered personally morally sinful or guilty for accidentally violating their vow in this manner. However, they were ceremonially uncleans so still were required to fulfil the prescribed purification rites to restore their ceremonial purity, and make the vow again
This provision underscores the seriousness of the Nazarite vow and the importance of maintaining purity and dedication to the Lord. Even in cases of unintentional defilement, the Nazarite was held to a high standard of holiness and required to take appropriate measures to rectify the situation.
The Nazarite vow outlined for us here indeed highlights the commitment of individuals to consecrate themselves to the Lord for a specified period. It's interesting to note how the vow involved not only abstaining from certain activities but also taking specific actions to maintain purity and dedication.
The provision for these additional requirements demonstrates the seriousness of the vow and the importance of maintaining purity.
Parallels are drawn here between this Old Testament practice and certain New Testament concepts about the idea of what happens when a Christian falls not sin and need to in a spiritual sense, "start over,".
While the New Testament presents a different framework for understanding repentance and restoration, the Nazarite vow serves as a spiritual template, a reminder of the importance of maintaining our dedication even in the face of unforeseen challenges or slip ups.
The verses I've read so far outlined the first of two main sections: the requirements of the Nazarite vow, but now we see the procedures for its conclusion.
13 “‘Now this is the law of the Nazirite when the period of their dedication is over. They are to be brought to the entrance to the tent of meeting. 14 There they are to present their offerings to the Lord: a year-old male lamb without defect for a burnt offering, a year-old ewe lamb without defect for a sin offering, a ram without defect for a fellowship offering, 15 together with their grain offerings and drink offerings, and a basket of bread made with the finest flour and without yeast—thick loaves with olive oil mixed in, and thin loaves brushed with olive oil. 16 “‘The priest is to present all these before the Lord and make the sin offering and the burnt offering. 17 He is to present the basket of unleavened bread and is to sacrifice the ram as a fellowship offering to the Lord, together with its grain offering and drink offering. 18 “‘Then at the entrance to the tent of meeting, the Nazirite must shave off the hair that symbolizes their dedication. They are to take the hair and put it in the fire that is under the sacrifice of the fellowship offering.
19 “‘After the Nazirite has shaved off the hair that symbolizes their dedication, the priest is to place in their hands a boiled shoulder of the ram, and one thick loaf and one thin loaf from the basket, both made without yeast. 20 The priest shall then wave these before the Lord as a wave offering; they are holy and belong to the priest, together with the breast that was waved and the thigh that was presented. After that, the Nazirite may drink wine.
21 “‘This is the law of the Nazirite who vows offerings to the Lord in accordance with their dedication, in addition to whatever else they can afford. They must fulfil the vows they have made, according to the law of the Nazirite.’”
(Numbers 6: 19-21)
Here, it lays out for us the protocol for when this period of separation ends. Remember the normal vow was for a period of between 30 and 100 days.
The individual who has fulfilled the vow presents offerings to the Lord, a male and a female lamb for burnt and sin offerings respectively, along with a ram for a peace offering.
Additionally, there's a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mixed with oil, unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and grain and drink offerings.
It's quite an extensive list actually, underscoring the significance and spiritual cost of this special service.
In verse 16, we see that the priest is to perform the necessary sacrifices, including those for sin, burnt, and peace offerings, as well as offering the grain and drink offerings. These actions symbolize atonement for sins, complete surrender to the Lord, and are now needed to return to normal fellowship with Him.
Regarding the hair mentioned again in verse 18, the Nazarite shaves their consecrated hair at the door of the Tabernacle and burns it on the altar as part of the peace offering.
For Jewish men at that time this act likely represents giving to God the strength and vigour previously dedicated to His service.
Verse 19 describes the final steps of the ceremony, where the priest takes portions of a ram, an unleavened cake, and a wafer, and presents them as offerings before the Lord.
Once this ritual is complete, the Nazarite may resume drinking wine and other activities previously forbidden during the vow period.
In essence, the conclusion of the Nazarite vow involves a complex of a series of offerings and rituals, symbolizing the individual's return to regular life after a period of consecration to the Lord.
The conclusion is seen in verse 21 and underlined for us again.
The sum of this is simple, an Israelite could take a voluntary temporary bow of dedication or separation to the Lord that had real consequences on how they lived their live set apart from other for a period of time and after the vow was completed an elaborate ceremony at the conclusion of that time period was carried out.
Now before I close I want to make a couple of suggestions that I think might be an appropriate when approaching all this from a Newt Testament perspective.
The first thing to say is that we are not under the mosaic law.
Romans 6:14 tells us.
For sin shall no longer be your master because you are not under the law, but under grace.
(Romans 6: 14)
So does this perspective by Paul leave us lawless, no we're not into the law of Moses we're under the law of Christ and what is the law of Christ basically that you love one another matter of fact turn to Romans chapter 13 for a second.
Love fulfils the law.
8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not covet,’ and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ 10 Love does no harm to a neighbour. Therefore, love is the fulfilment of the law.
Now this list of commandments did you notice which ones missing keep the sabbath Day so if you say you're still under the law of Moses you would still need to go to church on but the New Testament scriptures teaches were not under the law of Moses were under the law of Christ.
We are not bound by the Mosaic law; We follow the law of Christ, which is love.
If you truly grasp this law of love, you naturally fulfil the Ten Commandments because of your genuine desire to do so, not because you're adhering to a set of rules.
Another point to note is that God didn't mandate taking any of the vows under the Mosaic law. Therefore, Paul's decision to do so on some occasions doesn't mean he was trying to keep the law.
So, why did Paul sometimes take a vow? Well, let's turn to 1 Corinthians chapter nine.
Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.
(I Cor 9: 19)
Here Paul explains that although he's free from the expectations of men, he willingly makes himself a servant to all in order to reach more people with the Gospel.
When he's with Jews, he adheres to Jewish customs to connect with them and lead them to Christ. Likewise, when he's among Gentiles, he doesn't concern himself with Jewish laws.
Essentially, Paul adapts to his audience, becoming like them to effectively share the message of salvation."
So, just to reiterate, we're not bound by the Mosaic law. God didn't require any of this, but Paul voluntarily sometime observed Jewish customs to reach out to the Jewish community and share the Gospel.
God didn't demand it. Paul did it to win souls for Christ. That's the key point. We have the freedom to make vows or commitments to God, something special or extra, just for Him. It's not mandatory, and there are no strict rules like with the Nazarite vow.
But there a hint of such voluntary dedication in the New Testament? Yes, indeed. In 1 Corinthians chapter 7, Paul addresses a church in a similar situation to the modern-day equivalent of town or cities or even nations mired in sin a degradation.
People in some places in Paul’s day argued for extreme freedom, even within marital relationships (Sound familiar).
Paul corrects this, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling marital obligations and vows within the Christian community by way of example to the wider community.
He even acknowledges the value of temporary abstention for the purpose of fasting and prayer. This resembles in some ways properties of the Nazarite vow, where individuals voluntarily separate themselves to the Lord for a time and then resume their normal activities.
Isn't that interesting? So, how might we do this today?" Is it just about prayer and fasting.
How about individuals who take their vacation time to embark on short-term missionary trips? This practice closely resembles the concept we've discussed, the idea of dedicating oneself to a special service for the Lord for a limited period.
Someone might choose to dedicate a week of their holidays to help with that. It's about setting aside time and resources for a specific purpose, just as the Nazarite vow required sacrifices of time and money.
Similarly, in my own experience, in 2016 I was appointed as a pastor to a church that could not afford to pay my salary, just meet my expenses. However, I only agreed to take the role If they funded me for two reading weeks twice a year to the tune of £250.00 to pay for accommodation for me to go away and immerse myself in studying a the Bible in preparation of the next six months preaching ministry.
I believe me doing that aligns with the principle of dedicating oneself to the Lord's work for a period.
I encourage you to consider doing something similar—maybe not for a week or a month, but even just a day. It doesn't have to be a grand gesture; it could be as simple as setting aside a day or two to spend your complete time in prayer and study, away from distractions.
The key is to devote yourself voluntarily and temporarily to a specific activity or period of spiritual growth as an offering to the Lord, even if it's something only you and He know about.