Numbers 6:1-8

1 The Lord said to Moses,

2 "Tell the Israelites: 'If men or women want to promise to belong to the Lord in a special way, they will be called Nazirites.

3 During this time, they must not drink wine or beer, or vinegar made from wine or beer. They must not even drink grape juice or eat grapes or raisins.

4 While they are Nazirites, they must not eat anything that comes from the grapevine, even the seeds or the skin.

5 "'During the time they have promised to belong to the Lord, they must not cut their hair. They must be holy until this special time is over. They must let their hair grow long.

6 During their special time of belonging to the Lord, Nazirites must not go near a dead body.

7 Even if their own father, mother, brother, or sister dies, they must not touch them, or they will become unclean. They must still keep their promise to belong to God in a special way.

8 While they are Nazirites, they belong to the Lord in a special way.

Numbers 6:1-8 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO NUMBERS 6

In this chapter is given the law concerning Nazarites, Nu 6:1,2; which directs what they were to abstain from, from drinking wine, or any strong liquors, from shaving their heads, and defiling themselves with the dead, Nu 6:3-8; and in case of a defilement, directions are given what offerings a Nazarite should bring to be offered for him, Nu 6:9-12; and when the time of his Nazariteship was up, an account is given of what rites and ceremonies should then be performed, Nu 6:13-21; and the chapter is concluded with the form of blessing the children of Israel, to be used by Aaron and his sons, Nu 6:22-27.