Numbers 6 Footnotes

6:1-2 In leading up to the directions for the dedication and purification of priests, the Lord gives instructions for the special Nazirite vow of the laity. Both males and females could enter into a prescribed period of special service dedicated to the Lord. As a kingdom of priests (Ex 19:6), Israel was to be God’s representatives to the nations—even if only Aaronic priests were permitted to conduct the rites of the sanctuary. The instructions do not specify the activities of the Nazirite, but the ritual restrictions highlight the aspect of purity and provide for rededication if one who has taken the vow should become unclean. In the ancient world, people performed vows to God (or the “gods”) out of a situation of need or distress. Such vows had specific conditions and stipulations and involved a special ritual at the beginning and end of the period of dedication. Samson was dedicated as a Nazirite for the purpose of delivering Israel from Philistine oppression (Jdg 13:3-5). The mothers of Samson and Samuel took Nazirite vows during their time of barrenness before the birth of their sons.

6:3-4 The Nazirite vow involved total restriction from the vineyard and any of its products, not simply fermented grape juice. Priests, too, were forbidden to consume wine during their time of ritual service, but the Nazirite vow was more restrictive. The cultivation of vineyards required a settled lifestyle that tended to lose the sense of total devotion to the Lord that characterized Israel’s nomadic life in the wilderness. Note the example of the Rechabites in Jr 35.

6:5-6 Those under the Nazirite vow were forbidden to use the razor on their heads and were permitted no contamination through contact with a dead body. The length of hair would be an outward symbol to others of the Nazirite dedication. To refrain from approaching the body of a dead relative would be a reminder to the Nazirite’s family and others of his or her total dedication to the Lord.