Num. 6:1–21 Nazirites were the most dedicated laypeople in the OT. Samson, Samuel, and John the Baptist were lifelong Nazirites, but usually a person vowed to become a Nazirite for a limited period of time.
Num. 6:7–12 Contact with death brought severe uncleanness. It had to be remedied by offering three sacrifices (sin, burnt, and guilt offerings; Lev. 1:14–16; 5:7–10; 14–16) and by starting the period of the Nazirite vow all over again: the previous period shall be void (Num. 6:12).
Num. 6:7 his separation to God is on his head. The word translated “separation” is also used of the high priest’s crown (Lev. 8:9). Both the priestly crown and the Nazirite’s uncut hair reminded other people of their dedication to God’s service.
Num. 6:13–20 When the period for which a Nazirite had dedicated himself ended, he had to bring various offerings. His unshaven head marked his dedication to God, and by burning the hair he symbolically gave himself to God. The shoulder of the ram is given to the priest, in addition to his usual share of the sacrifice (the breast and the thigh; see Lev. 7:31–34).
Num. 6:22–27 This famous blessing shows that God’s will is to bless every Israelite, not just the Nazirites. The priests offer God’s blessing to the people.
Num. 6:24–25 The Lord bless you. God blesses by giving good harvests, peace, children, and his own presence (Lev. 26:3–13). keep. That is, “guard” and “protect.” his face to shine upon you. A shining face indicates God’s favor on his people.
Num. 6:26 The “countenance” is the face or its expression. For God to lift up his countenance involves taking notice of his people and treating them with favor. Peace (Hebrew shalom) involves more than the English sense of “lack of war”; it means total well-being.
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The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, conservative Christian faith, which includes a firm belief in the inerrancy of Scripture. Since the text and audio content provided by BLB represent a range of evangelical traditions, all of the ideas and principles conveyed in the resource materials are not necessarily affirmed, in total, by this ministry.
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