Numbers 6:20
and the priest shall wave them for a wave offering before the LORD. They are a holy portion for the priest, together with the breast that is waved and the thigh that is contributed. And after that the Nazirite may drink wine.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's easily missed here is that the moment the Nazirite can drink wine again isn't just arbitrary. It's tied to the completion of the sacred ritual, where specific portions are given to the priest as holy offerings, signifying that the Nazirite's separation is fully acknowledged and discharged before the Lord.
This verse concludes the instructions for the Nazirite vow, detailing the final steps of the sacrificial ritual after a period of dedicated separation to God. It explains how certain portions of the offering are designated for the priest and signifies the Nazirite's release from their vow, permitting them to resume normal life, including drinking wine, which they had abstained from during their consecration.
Ever wondered about the specific actions in ancient worship? This verse reveals a crucial detail about how the priest involved the Nazirite in the final steps of their vow.
The act of 'waving' was a significant part of Israelite offerings. For the Nazirite's vow completion, the priest would place his hands under the Nazirite's hands and wave the offering before the Lord.
Symbolism of the Wave Offering
Why were specific parts of the offering designated for the priest? This verse sheds light on the sacred role and sustenance of the Levitical priesthood.
The verse states that the waved portions, along with the wave breast and heave shoulder, were a "holy portion for the priest." This wasn't just a reward, but a divine provision for those set apart to serve God in the Tabernacle.
The Priest's Sacred Sustenance
Understand the original words
tenuphah · Hebrew Noun
A ritual act where the priest moves the offering back and forth before the Lord, symbolically presenting it to God and then receiving it back for service.
qodesh · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
That which is set apart or dedicated exclusively to God; it signifies the status of being pure, untainted, and belonging to the divine sphere.
This passage describes the specific actions of waving and heaving offerings, which provides context for how the priest would handle the Nazirite's offerings in Numbers 6:20.
Romans 12:1This New Testament passage speaks of presenting our bodies as a 'living sacrifice,' which echoes the concept of voluntary, consecrated service seen in the Nazirite vow, even though the ritualistic elements differ.
1 Corinthians 9:25Paul uses the metaphor of athletes training rigorously for a perishable crown, similar to how the Nazirite practiced self-discipline and abstinence, highlighting the dedication required for a higher calling.
Philippians 3:14This verse speaks of straining forward to what lies ahead, reflecting the Nazirite's focus and commitment to their vow, setting aside former liberties for a dedicated purpose.
pulpitNumbers 6:20: "And the priest shall wave them for a wave offering before the LORD: this is holy for the priest, with the wave breast and heave shoulder: and after that the Nazarite may drink wine."
Verse 20. - Shall wave them. By putting his hands under the hands of the Nazirite. On the symbolism of this see Leviticus 7. Drink wine. Perhaps at the sacrificial feast.
calvinNumbers 6:1-21: "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no razor come upon his head; until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth himself unto the Lord he shall be holy, and shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow.
Omnibus diebus voti separationis suae novacula non transibit super caput ejus, donec impleti fuerint dies quibus separabit se Jehovah, sanctus erit, crescere sinet cresariem capitis sui.
All the day…
What's easily missed here is that the moment the Nazirite can drink wine again isn't just arbitrary. It's tied to the completion of the sacred ritual, where specific portions are given to the priest as holy offerings, signifying that the Nazirite's separation is fully acknowledged and discharged before the Lord.
This verse concludes the instructions for the Nazirite vow, detailing the final steps of the sacrificial ritual after a period of dedicated separation to God. It explains how certain portions of the offering are designated for the priest and signifies the Nazirite's release from their vow, permitting them to resume normal life, including drinking wine, which they had abstained from during their consecration.
This verse concludes the instructions for the Nazirite vow, detailing the final steps of the sacrificial ritual after a period of dedicated separation to God. It explains how certain portions of the offering are designated for the priest and signifies the Nazirite's release from their vow, permitting them to resume normal life, including drinking wine, which they had abstained from during their consecration.
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After a period of strict dedication, what signifies the end of the Nazirite vow? This verse offers a simple, yet profound, symbol of release.
The most anticipated part for many Nazirites, after fulfilling their solemn vow, was the permission to "drink wine" again. This marked the end of their period of separation and a return to normal life.
Symbolism of Re-engagement
"and the priest shall wave them for a wave offering before the LORD. They are a holy portion for the priest, together with the breast that is waved and the thigh that is contributed. And after that the Nazirite may drink wine." — What's easily missed here is that the moment the Nazirite can drink wine again isn't just arbitrary. It's tied to the completion of the sacred ritual, where specific portions are given to the pries…
