Feb 12: Numbers 5:23 – 7:59
The Nazarite vow is interesting. There really is no detail explaining why someone would take such a vow other than to spend time dedicated to God. Additionally, there is no information about how long the vow would last -- at least long enough to grow one’s hair out long(er). Commentaries suggest that people entered into vows during military actions, while the Jews were exiled from Israel (much later in our reading), or when requesting answer to certain prayers (for health as an example).
There are really only three requirements during the vow – don’t ingest any kind of grape, don’t cut your hair, and don’t go anywhere near a dead body. It’s suggested that the prohibition on grapes/wine ensures that the person will not be under the influence of any substance that might ‘possess his spirit’. Uncut hair apparently symbolized strength and life, and actually relates to not pruning vines during Sabbath years. Being in the presence of a dead body was serious in the daily life of the Israelites and caused them to be unclean. It apparently was the most significant part of a Nazarite vow since it immediately ended and nullified the vow.
We know that parents could make the vow on the part of their children (e.g. Samson and Samuel), or people could make the vow for themselves – both men and women. To end a vow was really expensive – a person had to bring sacrifices to the priest for sin, fellowship, grain, and drink offerings.
Have you ever set yourself aside for a time in dedication to the Lord? What sacrifices did you make during that time? It brings to mind the sacrifices of the Lenten season, which is Feb 22 – Apr 8 this year. Without having to shave your head or sacrifice animals, what vow might you make to the Lord during that time?
As you go through your day, I pray Numbers 6:24-26 over you!
TOMORROW’S TEXT: Numbers 7:60 – 10:10
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