Numbers 6

Numbers 6 belongs to the opening section of the book (chapters 1–10), which deals with the order and purity of Israel's camp before the people depart from the wilderness of Sinai. Following the purity regulations of Numbers 5, this chapter presents the law of the Nazirite, a person who voluntarily takes a vow of separation to God, and the priestly blessing.

Outline

• Verses 1–8 When a man or a woman takes a Nazirite vow, three requirements apply for the period of separation:
• The person must not consume wine, strong drink, or anything produced by the grapevine.
• No razor may come upon the person's head.
• The person must not go near a dead body, even that of a father, mother, brother, or sister.
• Verses 9–12 If someone dies suddenly beside the Nazirite and the Nazirite is thereby defiled, he or she shaves the head on the seventh day. On the eighth day, two doves are offered, one as a sin offering and one as a burnt offering, and a male lamb of the first year is offered as a trespass offering (a guilt offering making restitution for the offense). The days already completed are void, and the period of separation begins anew.
• Verses 13–21 When the period is completed, various offerings are presented at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation (the tent where God meets with his people): a burnt offering, a sin offering, and a peace offering, together with unleavened bread, a meat offering (grain offering), and a drink offering. The shaved hair is placed in the fire under the sacrifice of the peace offering. After the priest presents the wave offering, the Nazirite may again drink wine.
• Verses 22–27 The LORD gives Aaron and his sons a three-line blessing with which to bless Israel and promises, "I will bless them."

Key Verses

• Numbers 6:2 "When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow of a Nazarite." This verse shows that ordinary Israelites who were not priests, including women, could take a vow on their own initiative and so participate in a holy separation.
• Numbers 6:24–26 "The LORD bless thee, and keep thee." Known as the Aaronic Blessing, these words are widely used in Jewish and Christian worship.

People and Places

• Moses: Receives these regulations from the LORD and delivers them to the people.
• Aaron and his sons: The priests who bless Israel.
• The tabernacle of the congregation: The tabernacle in the wilderness. The offerings that conclude the vow are presented at its door.

Points for Reflection

• The vow in this chapter is undertaken voluntarily for a set period. By contrast, Samson was designated a Nazirite for life even before his birth (Judges 13:5).
• Samuel likewise never had a razor come upon his head, in keeping with the vow of his mother, Hannah (1 Samuel 1:11). However, the word "Nazirite" does not appear in that passage, so whether he should be regarded as a Nazirite is a matter of interpretation.
• There are also connections with the New Testament. It was foretold that John the Baptist would drink neither wine nor strong drink (Luke 1:15). Paul's cutting his hair because of a vow (Acts 18:18) and his purifying himself together with men who had taken a vow (Acts 21:23–26) are commonly read in connection with the Nazirite vow.
• Although "Nazirite" and "Nazarene" sound similar, they are different words.
• Some Christian interpreters read the threefold repetition of "the LORD" in the Aaronic Blessing as a hint of the Trinity, but the text itself does not say so directly.
• Small silver plaques dating from around the seventh to sixth century BC, found at Ketef Hinnom near Jerusalem, are known to bear an inscription similar to this blessing.
• The Nazirite regulations are sometimes cited in Korean church discussions of alcohol and tobacco. Others counter that these regulations applied only during the period of the vow, and that the text states the Nazirite may drink wine once the period has ended (verse 20).

In the Korean Church

• The closing benediction in Korean church worship is usually based on 2 Corinthians 13:13 (13:14 in the KJV). Some churches use Numbers 6:24–26 instead or in addition.
• The words of this blessing have been set to music in many choral works and praise songs, which are sung as part of the benediction, at wedding services, and on other occasions.
• This chapter is frequently cited as a representative biblical example in teaching and preaching on vows.