Numbers 6 Commentary: Nazirite Laws
We know Samson was a nazirite, hence his long hair. Samuel was also a Nazirite. 1 Samuel 1 verse 11. A Nazirite dedicated himself or herself to God by following strict rules defined in this chapter.
Holiness was the key line for the nazirite. It’s like the LORD provided a way for non-priests, male or female, to experience a closeness to God that only priests enjoyed.
Nazirite vows were serious! Being in the presence of the dead, even unintentionally canceled the deal, and one needed to restart!
When people are quick to explain sin, we do well to appreciate its nature and how the LORD treats it. Sin is always serious, regardless of whether you have caused it or not.
A mature saint must be saddened by sin because sin saddens his or her God. Never mind the cause.
By looking at details from this chapter, we can now understand more about the life and work of Samson who was a nazirite.
He is a mystical figure with his long hair thought to be the source of his strength. This chapter says no. His hair was simply a symbol of his dedication to God. His strength came from his special relationship with the Creator God as a Nazirite.
“…After that, the nazirite may drink wine. Verse 20. GNT.
After what? It’s after they are released from the vow or after their consecration is ended. A Christian who considers themselves consecrated full-time should not probably continue to take wine. There is simply no chance to relax holiness as the saint today is on a 24/7 consecration program. Keeping long hair isn’t a requirement anymore. You guess long hair served as a reminder to both self and others that one was on a 24/7 program with the LORD God.
The chapter closes with details on priestly blessings. It is a beautiful ending but raises questions about Israel’s spirituality. Why should blessings come from the priests? Isn’t Israel blessed already?
We expect the blessings to flow from Israel to the nations, but here we are with Israel in need of the blessing herself. Strange.
The LORD had envisioned the entire nation as a nation of priests. The failure of Israel to keep the special relationship with the LORD God has brought us here. Now a select few must bless the rest.
Nazirite laws are, therefore, another attempt to draw Israel back to the LORD God in separation from the normal life of an ordinary Israelite man. Here we see the door opened for women. It’s an important statement that women are also required to have the same standard of holiness as men.
The closing lines call the saint to practice the ‘Blessing Act’. It is our calling. See how the “priestly blessing” underlines the presence of God as Israel’s greatest blessing!
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