The Nazirite Vow - Part 1 - Introduction (Numbers 6)

 "The LORD said to Moses, "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'If a man or woman wants to make a special vow, a vow of separation to the LORD as a Nazirite, he must abstain from wine and other fermented drink...'" (Numbers 6:1-3 NIV)

It's interesting to see that making a Nazirite vow was open to both a man or a woman.  So much in Scripture points mostly to the men, therefore this stands out.  Coming apart for a period of time and for specific reason was to be for the LORD and there is no a monopoly on who could do this.

There are a few specifically mentioned people from both the Old and New Testaments who were Nazirites.  Some were from birth, being either designated by God or by another's vow.  Still others did so out of their own accord and for shorter or longer periods of time.  In such case it may have become customary to commit to the vow for 30 days as seen in Paul's case. 

Time length of the Nazirite vow was not a regulated factor in these short-term vows.  However, there were other regulations attached to this vow making, in general, that had to be adhered to across the board.

Drinking wine or other fermented drink and eating grapes, raisins or even the skins and seeds was forbidden.  The person could not cut their hair; no razor could touch them for the whole time period designated in their vow.  For the whole time period of separation he could not go near a dead body.  If they did, they would become unclean, nullifying the time spent so far and have to start all over again.

At the end of the vow time period the individual would need to go to the priest and he would present the person before the LORD.  Certain sin and burnt offerings were then made to Him and at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting he or she would have their hair shaved off and the dedicated hair would be thrown into the fire as a fellowship offering.

Whatever offerings were made, they were reminded that these were "to the LORD".  It is of interest that they could make additional offerings, and here's the focus,

 "to whatever else he can afford" (Numbers 6:21).

This phrase puts me in mind of two New Testament phrases that read,

"they gave as much as they were able and even beyond their ability" (2 Corinthians 8:3)

and

"...give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion..."     (2 Corinthians 9:7).

These were given willingly and cheerfully out of a generous heart.  This comes, I believe, out a commitment to the Lord and of thanksgiving to Him for all He has done for us.

Backtrack with me to the purpose of making such a Nazirite vow.  The Israelites were to worship God whom they called Yahweh (YHWH).  The vow would help them to focus on serving Him by separating themselves from the world and even close kinship no matter who they were, making themselves holy unto YHWH (see Numbers 6:8).  This was consecration to God by vow for particular reason or purpose.

Being thus consecrated the vow-er could then spend more quality time with the LORD, learning from Him, enjoying His company, being more filled with His peace and dedicated to serving God more fully.  Many of us likely think of our daily devotional times spent with the Lord is good for the day; at least I often do.  Being able to do this all day long if the vow-er was so inclined, would be awesome.  I like to think this way but of course most of us still need to go about our daily routines.  What's more, having commited to such a vow, removing distractions as much as possible so that quiet get-away times could actually be quiet, would be a boon and blessing to one's soul and spirit, I'd like to think.

Busy mothers would especially find quiet time a challenge so it would be good if fathers would arrange vow time for them.  Visa versa, the father being the head of the home and in the spiritual leadership role, it is imperative that he too, seriously consider and implement his own extended times of refreshing and fellowship with the Lord.

Whether from Old or New Testament times, the main idea is, when we belong to God either as the Israelites had (and still do), or through our faith in Jesus Christ, that we are conscious we are separated unto Him and live holy lives accordingly in order to honor and serve Him.

...to be continued...

                                                   ~ERC  February 2024~

Based on Numbers 6:1-21 NIV.

Sing, I Am Thine, O Lord, along with Cassie Thompson (or at least posted by her).

Note:  There are Parts 2-7 of this Nazirite Vow series upcoming.