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Numbers 6:1-21 – The Nazarite

The Nazarites are devoted to the Lord during the time of their vow, and probably spend much of their time studying the law and instructing others. They are separate not only from others, but from what they themselves were before and after. Every Israelite is bound to love God with all his heart, but the Nazarites by their own actions bind themselves to do some things, as expressions of that love, which other Israelites are not bound to. Every true Christian is a spiritual Nazarite, separated by vow unto the Lord.

Nazarites are to be an example of self-control as all Christians should be, not just with wine but in all things. The long hair of the Nazarites shows their subjection to God, and their putting themselves under His dominion. The Nazarites must be devoted to God, employed for Him, and their minds intent upon Him; they must keep themselves pure in heart and life, and be in every thing holy and clean.

If a Nazarite unavoidably becomes unclean by the touch of a dead body, he is to bring an offering and make atonement and begin again. This teaches us that even accidental sins must be seriously repented of, and forgiveness must be sought every day. If a Christian turns away from God and sins, all the good he did before is useless. He must repent and begin again.

When the time of the Nazarites separation is over, he is to be free. So that no one thinks that God now owes him, he brings a burnt offering to God; for, when we have done our utmost for God, we have only been doing what we should have been doing all along. Even though he has fulfiled the vow of his separation, yet he must bring a sacrifice for sin; for there is sin in all we do, even our best works. A peace-offering, in thankfulness to God who has enabled him to fulfil his vow, is also offered

Question

  1. What kind of things does a Nazarite promise to do?
  2. Why must he offer offerings at the end of his vow?

Prayer Points

  1. Pray that you would serve God wholeheartedly.
  2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
  3. Pray for family matters.