Numbers Chapter 6 — The Nazirite Vow and Priestly Blessing
This chapter defines the regulations for individuals taking a Nazirite vow and concludes with the famous priestly blessing bestowed upon Israel.
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Notable Verses
Numbers 6:2
“Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them: ‘When either man or woman shall make a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the LORD...’”
This verse establishes that the Nazirite vow was a voluntary act of devotion available to both men and women.
Numbers 6:24-26
“The LORD bless you, and keep you. The LORD make his face to shine on you, and be gracious to you. The LORD lift up his face toward you, and give you peace.”
Known as the Aaronic Blessing, these verses are some of the most significant and frequently recited words of blessing in both Jewish and Christian traditions.
Chapter Summary
Numbers 6 details the specific requirements for the Nazirite vow, a voluntary commitment where an individual separates themselves to the Lord for a period of time. A Nazirite was required to abstain from all grape products, including wine and vinegar, leave their hair uncut, and avoid contact with dead bodies. If the vow was accidentally defiled by proximity to death, a purification ritual involving offerings and shaving the head was required. Upon the successful completion of the vow, the Nazirite presented burnt, sin, and peace offerings at the Tent of Meeting, followed by the shaving and burning of their hair. The chapter concludes with the Lord instructing Moses to have Aaron and his sons bless the people of Israel with a specific invocation of divine protection, grace, and peace, known as the Priestly Blessing.
Frequently Asked Questions
A person under a Nazirite vow had to abstain from any products of the grapevine (including wine, grapes, and seeds), refrain from cutting their hair, and avoid coming near a dead body, even that of a close family member.
If a Nazirite was defiled by a sudden death near them, they had to undergo a seven-day purification process, shave their head, and bring offerings of turtledoves or pigeons. The previous days of their vow were voided, and they had to start the period of separation over again.
The blessing was given by God to Aaron and his sons to use when blessing the Israelites. It was intended to place God's name upon the people, invoking His protection, grace, and peace, and serving as a reminder of His divine care for the nation.
Study Note
The Nazirite vow allowed any layperson to achieve a level of ritual holiness and separation to God that was normally reserved for the high priest.
Related Chapters
Judges 13
This chapter describes the birth of Samson, who was dedicated as a Nazirite from the womb.
Acts 21
This New Testament chapter mentions rituals related to the completion of a vow that reflect the laws found in Numbers 6.
Leviticus 21
This chapter outlines the holiness requirements for priests, which share similarities with the restrictions placed on Nazirites.
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