Numbers 6:1-2
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When either a man or a woman makes a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the LORD,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "And the LORD spoke to Moses" here isn't just a narrative connector; it signals that a new, distinct set of divine instructions is about to be revealed, setting apart the laws that follow from what came before. This particular phrasing emphasizes the direct, authoritative communication from God to His chosen messenger, marking the beginning of a new pathway of devotion for the people.
Immediately following the instructions for the ordeal of a wife suspected of infidelity, God now outlines the laws for a "Nazarite," a person who voluntarily takes a special vow of consecration to the Lord. This chapter details the specific restrictions and rituals associated with this temporary separation, highlighting a path of heightened holiness through abstinence and devotion. The chapter concludes with the beautiful Aaronic blessing that priests were to pronounce upon the people.
Every word from God carries divine weight. This verse is the immediate starting point for a significant set of instructions.
The simple phrase, 'And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,' isn't just a narrative connector; it's the thunderclap of divine authority. When God speaks, the universe listens, and His people are called to heed. This direct communication marks the beginning of a new revelation, detailing the life and requirements of a Nazarite. It emphasizes that these instructions, and indeed all of Scripture, originate from the Lord Himself, not from human wisdom or tradition. This sets the stage for understanding the profound commitment involved in such a vow.
What does it mean to be 'set apart'? The concept of the Nazarite vow dives deep into intentional consecration.
The term 'Nazarite' itself comes from a root word meaning 'to separate' or 'to dedicate.' This wasn't just about following rules; it was a voluntary act of setting oneself apart for God. As scholars note, this was a 'voluntary adoption' of special disciplines, often exceeding even priestly requirements. The motivations could vary, perhaps in thanksgiving for deliverance or a desire for a closer walk. This deliberate separation was a tangible expression of devotion, distinguishing the individual in a unique way, much like an 'ornament to the Church,' as one commentator put it.
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How does one transition from everyday life into a life of sacred devotion? The context of this verse hints at the immediate shift required.
This verse marks the beginning of the instructions for the Nazarite vow. Importantly, the commentaries suggest this law follows the legislation concerning a woman suspected of adultery. This placement isn't accidental. It implies that the path of the Nazarite – with its abstinence from wine, restrictions on mourning, and uncut hair – was a way to actively guard against sin and maintain purity, particularly in areas that could lead to suspicion or moral compromise. It represents a deliberate move away from ordinary life and its potential entanglements towards a life under God's unique gaze and service.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The personal name of the one true God of Israel, YHWH, revealing His covenantal character, faithfulness, and eternal self-existence. It is the name by which God makes Himself known to His people and initiates relationship.
neder · Hebrew Noun
A solemn, voluntary promise or oath made to God, often involving a commitment to perform a specific action or abstain from certain things as a sign of dedication or gratitude. It carries heavy weight, as breaking a vow made to God is considered a serious spiritual failure.
nazir · Hebrew Noun
Derived from the Hebrew root meaning 'to separate' or 'to consecrate,' a Nazirite is one who has set themselves apart for exclusive service or dedication to God. It involves specific lifestyle restrictions to symbolize an intensified state of holiness.
nazar · Hebrew Verb
The act of setting something or someone apart from common use for the purpose of being dedicated or reserved solely for God. It often involves abstinence or ritual purity to signify a total commitment to the Lord's service.
This passage describes the Rechabites, who voluntarily separated themselves from wine and lived a distinct lifestyle as a sign of obedience to their ancestor, illustrating a similar principle of chosen separation for obedience.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27Paul uses the imagery of an athlete training rigorously and denying himself for a prize, which parallels the self-discipline and dedication required by a Nazarite vow.
Amos 2:11-12This prophecy directly addresses the misuse of Nazarites, showing they were recognized figures in Israel, divinely raised up, and were expected to serve as a moral and spiritual influence.
Matthew 3:4John the Baptist's lifestyle, characterized by eating locusts and wild honey and wearing a camel's hair garment, reflects a form of ascetic separation that resonates with the Nazarite's outward signs of devotion.
gillNumbers 6:1: "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
And the Lord spake unto Moses,.... At the same time, or immediately after the law concerning the woman suspected of adultery was given; with which the following law concerning Nazarites may be thought to have a close connection, as some Jewish writers observe, women being concerned in it as well as men; and as wine leads to adultery, as Jarchi observes, abstinence from it, which the Nazarite's vow obliged to, and forbearance of trimming and…
pulpitNumbers 6:1: "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
verses 1-21 - Note. - The Hebrew Nazir has been written Nazarite in English under the mistaken impression that there is some connection between Nazir and Nazarene (Matthew 2:23). A very little reflection will show that "the Nazarene" not only was no Nazir, but that he even took pains to let it be seen that he was not. John the Baptist was the Nazir of the New Testament, and in all outward things the contrast was strongly marked between them…
The phrase "And the LORD spoke to Moses" here isn't just a narrative connector; it signals that a new, distinct set of divine instructions is about to be revealed, setting apart the laws that follow from what came before. This particular phrasing emphasizes the direct, authoritative communication from God to His chosen messenger, marking the beginning of a new pathway of devotion for the people.
Immediately following the instructions for the ordeal of a wife suspected of infidelity, God now outlines the laws for a "Nazarite," a person who voluntarily takes a special vow of consecration to the Lord. This chapter details the specific restrictions and rituals associated with this temporary separation, highlighting a path of heightened holiness through abstinence and devotion. The chapter concludes with the beautiful Aaronic blessing that priests were to pronounce upon the people.
Immediately following the instructions for the ordeal of a wife suspected of infidelity, God now outlines the laws for a "Nazarite," a person who voluntarily takes a special vow of consecration to the Lord. This chapter details the specific restrictions and rituals associated with this temporary separation, highlighting a path of heightened holiness through abstinence and devotion. The chapter concludes with the beautiful Aaronic blessing that priests were to pronounce upon the people.
"And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When either a man or a woman makes a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the LORD," — The phrase "And the LORD spoke to Moses" here isn't just a narrative connector; it signals that a new, distinct set of divine instructions is about to be revealed, setting apart the laws that follow…
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