Numbers Chapter 6

Commentary

The Nazarite Vow

1And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 2Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate themselves unto the LORD: 3He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried. 4All the days of his separation shall he eat nothing that is made of the vine tree, from the kernels even to the husk.

5All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no rasor 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.

6All the days that he separateth himself unto the LORD he shall come at no dead body. 7He shall not make himself unclean for his father, or for his mother, for his brother, or for his sister, when they die: because the consecration of his God is upon his head. 8All the days of his separation he is holy unto the LORD.

9And if any man die very suddenly by him, and he hath defiled the head of his consecration; then he shall shave his head in the day of his cleansing, on the seventh day shall he shave it. 10And on the eighth day he shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons, to the priest, to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: 11And the priest shall offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, and make an atonement for him, for that he sinned by the dead, and shall hallow his head that same day. 12And he shall consecrate unto the LORD the days of his separation, and shall bring a lamb of the first year for a trespass offering: but the days that were before shall be lost, because his separation was defiled.

13And this is the law of the Nazarite, when the days of his separation are fulfilled: he shall be brought unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: 14And he shall offer his offering unto the LORD, one he lamb of the first year without blemish for a burnt offering, and one ewe lamb of the first year without blemish for a sin offering, and one ram without blemish for peace offerings, 15And a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, and wafers of unleavened bread anointed with oil, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings. 16And the priest shall bring them before the LORD, and shall offer his sin offering, and his burnt offering: 17And he shall offer the ram for a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD, with the basket of unleavened bread: the priest shall offer also his meat offering, and his drink offering. 18And the Nazarite shall shave the head of his separation at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall take the hair of the head of his separation, and put it in the fire which is under the sacrifice of the peace offerings. 19And the priest shall take the sodden shoulder of the ram, and one unleavened cake out of the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and shall put them upon the hands of the Nazarite, after the hair of his separation is shaven: 20And 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.

21This is the law of the Nazarite who hath vowed, and of his offering unto the LORD for his separation, beside that that his hand shall get: according to the vow which he vowed, so he must do after the law of his separation.

Aaron's Blessing

22And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 23Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them,

24The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:

25The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:

26The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

27And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

The Nazirite Vow
(Judges 13:1–25)

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 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 Yahweh, 3 he shall separate himself from wine and strong drink. He shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of fermented drink, neither shall he drink any juice of grapes, nor eat fresh grapes or dried. 4 All the days of his separation he shall eat nothing that is made of the grapevine, from the seeds even to the skins.

5 “‘All the days of his vow of separation no razor shall come on his head, until the days are fulfilled, in which he separates himself to Yahweh. He shall be holy. He shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow long.

6 “‘All the days that he separates himself to Yahweh he shall not go near a dead body. 7 He shall not make himself unclean for his father, or for his mother, for his brother, or for his sister, when they die; because his separation to God is on his head. 8 All the days of his separation he is holy to Yahweh.

9 “‘If any man dies very suddenly beside him, and he defiles the head of his separation; then he shall shave his head in the day of his cleansing. On the seventh day he shall shave it. 10 On the eighth day he shall bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons to the priest, to the door of the Tent of Meeting. 11 The priest shall offer one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, and make atonement for him, because he sinned by reason of the dead, and shall make his head holy that same day. 12 He shall separate to Yahweh the days of his separation, and shall bring a male lamb a year old for a trespass offering; but the former days shall be void, because his separation was defiled.

13 “‘This is the law of the Nazirite: when the days of his separation are fulfilled, he shall be brought to the door of the Tent of Meeting, 14 and he shall offer his offering to Yahweh, one male lamb a year old without blemish for a burnt offering, and one ewe lamb a year old without blemish for a sin offering, and one ram without blemish for peace offerings, 15 and a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and their meal offering, and their drink offerings. 16 The priest shall present them before Yahweh, and shall offer his sin offering, and his burnt offering. 17 He shall offer the ram for a sacrifice of peace offerings to Yahweh, with the basket of unleavened bread. The priest shall offer also its meal offering, and its drink offering. 18 The Nazirite shall shave the head of his separation at the door of the Tent of Meeting, and shall take the hair of the head of his separation, and put it on the fire which is under the sacrifice of peace offerings. 19 The priest shall take the boiled shoulder of the ram, and one unleavened cake out of the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and shall put them on the hands of the Nazirite, after he has shaved the head of his separation; 20 and the priest shall wave them for a wave offering before Yahweh. This is holy for the priest, together with the breast that is waved and the thigh that is offered. After that the Nazirite may drink wine.

21 “‘This is the law of the Nazirite who vows, and of his offering to Yahweh for his separation, besides that which he is able to get. According to his vow which he vows, so he must do after the law of his separation.’”

Aaron’s Blessing

22 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 23 “Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘This is how you shall bless the children of Israel.’ You shall tell them,

24 ‘Yahweh bless you, and keep you.

25 Yahweh make his face to shine on you, and be gracious to you.

26 Yahweh lift up his face toward you, and give you peace.’

27 “So they shall put my name on the children of Israel; and I will bless them.”

The Nazirite Vow
(Judges 13:1–25)

1 And the LORD said to Moses, 2 “Speak to the Israelites and tell them that if a man or woman makes a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, a to separate himself to the LORD, 3 he is to abstain from wine and strong drink. He must not drink vinegar made from wine or strong drink, and he must not drink any grape juice or eat fresh grapes or raisins. 4 All the days of his separation, he is not to eat anything that comes from the grapevine, not even the seeds or skins.

5 For the entire period of his vow of separation, no razor shall pass over his head. He must be holy until the time of his separation to the LORD is complete; he must let the hair of his head grow long.

6 Throughout the days of his separation to the LORD, he must not go near a dead body. 7 Even if his father or mother or brother or sister should die, he is not to defile himself, because the crown of consecration to his God is upon his head. 8 Throughout the time of his separation, he is holy to the LORD.

9 If someone suddenly dies in his presence and defiles his consecrated head of hair, he must shave his head on the day of his cleansing—the seventh day. 10 On the eighth day he must bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons to the priest at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. 11 And the priest is to offer one as a sin offering b and the other as a burnt offering to make atonement for him, because he has sinned by being in the presence of the dead body. On that day he must consecrate his head again. 12 He must rededicate his time of separation to the LORD and bring a year-old male lamb as a guilt offering. But the preceding days shall not be counted, because his separation was defiled.

13 Now this is the law of the Nazirite when his time of separation is complete: He must be brought to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, 14 and he is to present an offering to the LORD of an unblemished year-old male lamb as a burnt offering, an unblemished year-old female lamb as a sin offering, and an unblemished ram as a peace offering— 15 together with their grain offerings and drink offerings—and a basket of unleavened cakes made from fine flour mixed with oil and unleavened wafers coated with oil.

16 The priest is to present all these before the LORD and make the sin offering and the burnt offering. 17 He shall also offer the ram as a peace offering to the LORD, along with the basket of unleavened bread. And the priest is to offer the accompanying grain offering and drink offering.

18 Then at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the Nazirite is to shave his consecrated head, take the hair, and put it on the fire under the peace offering. 19 And the priest is to take the boiled shoulder from the ram, one unleavened cake from the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and put them into the hands of the Nazirite who has just shaved the hair of his consecration. 20 The priest shall then wave them as a wave offering before the LORD. This is a holy portion for the priest, in addition to the breast of the wave offering and the thigh that was presented. After that, the Nazirite may drink wine.

21 This is the law of the Nazirite who vows his offering to the LORD for his separation, in addition to whatever else he can afford; he must fulfill whatever vow he makes, according to the law of his separation.”

Aaron’s Blessing

22 Then the LORD said to Moses, 23 “Tell Aaron and his sons: This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:

24 ‘May the LORD bless you

and keep you;

25 may the LORD cause His face to shine upon you

and be gracious to you;

26 may the LORD lift up His countenance toward you

and give you peace.’

27 So they shall put My name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”

 

Footnotes:

2 a Nazirite  means one separated  or one consecrated .
11 b Or purification offering ; here and throughout Numbers

The Nazarite Vow

1And Jehovah speaketh unto Moses, saying, 2'Speak unto the sons of Israel, and thou hast said unto them, When a man or woman doeth singularly, by vowing a vow of a Nazarite, to be separate to Jehovah; 3from wine and strong drink he doth keep separate; vinegar of wine, and vinegar of strong drink he doth not drink, and any juice of grapes he doth not drink, and grapes moist or dry he doth not eat; 4all days of his separation, of anything which is made of the wine-vine, from kernels even unto husk, he doth not eat.

5'All days of the vow of his separation a razor doth not pass over his head; till the fulness of the days which he doth separate to Jehovah he is holy; grown up hath the upper part of the hair of his head.

6'All days of his keeping separate to Jehovah, near a dead person he doth not go; 7for his father, or for his mother, for his brother, or for his sister -- he is not unclean for them at their death, for the separation of his God is on his head; 8all days of his separation he is holy to Jehovah.

9'And when the dead dieth beside him in an instant, suddenly, and he hath defiled the head of his separation, then he hath shaved his head in the day of his cleansing; on the seventh day he doth shave it, 10and on the eighth day he bringeth in two turtle-doves or two young pigeons unto the priest, unto the opening of the tent of meeting, 11and the priest hath prepared one for a sin-offering, and one for a burnt-offering, and hath made atonement for him, because of that which he hath sinned by the body, and he hath hallowed his head on that day; 12and he hath separated to Jehovah the days of his separation, and he hath brought in a lamb, a son of a year, for a guilt-offering, and the former days are fallen, for his separation hath been defiled.

13And this is the law of the Nazarite; in the day of the fulness of the days of his separation doth one bring him in unto the opening of the tent of meeting, 14and he hath brought near his offering to Jehovah, one he-lamb, a son of a year, a perfect one, for a burnt-offering, and one she-lamb, a daughter of a year, a perfect one, for a sin-offering, and one ram, a perfect one, for peace-offerings, 15and a basket of unleavened things of flour, cakes mixed with oil, and thin cakes of unleavened things anointed with oil, and their present, and their libations. 16And the priest hath brought them near before Jehovah, and hath made his sin-offering and his burnt-offering; 17and the ram he maketh a sacrifice of peace-offerings to Jehovah, besides the basket of unleavened things; and the priest hath made its present and its libation. 18And the Nazarite hath shaved (at the opening of the tent of meeting) the head of his separation, and hath taken the hair of the head of his separation, and hath put it on the fire which is under the sacrifice of the peace-offerings. 19'And the priest hath taken the boiled shoulder from the ram, and one unleavened cake out of the basket, and one thin unleavened cake, and hath put on the palms of the Nazarite after his shaving his separation; 20and the priest hath waved them, a wave-offering before Jehovah; it is holy to the priest, besides the breast of the wave-offering, and besides the leg of the heave-offering; and afterwards doth the Nazarite drink wine.

21This is the law of the Nazarite, who voweth his offering to Jehovah for his separation, apart from that which his hand attaineth; according to his vow which he voweth so he doth by the law of his separation.'

Aaron's Blessing

22And Jehovah speaketh unto Moses, saying, 23'Speak unto Aaron, and unto his sons, saying, Thus ye do bless the sons of Israel, saying to them,

24'Jehovah bless thee and keep thee;

25'Jehovah cause His face to shine upon thee, and favour thee;

26'Jehovah lift up His countenance upon thee, and appoint for thee -- peace.

27'And they have put My name upon the sons of Israel, and I -- I do bless them.'

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Numbers 6?
2Introduction to Numbers 6
3Context of Numbers 6
4Ancient Key Word Study
5Compare & Contrast
6Numbers 6 Unique Insights
7Numbers 6 Connections to Yeshua
8Numbers 6 Scriptural Echoes
9Numbers 6 Devotional
10Did You Know?

What is the meaning of Numbers 6?

Introduction to Numbers 6

Numbers 6 stands as one of the most spiritually significant chapters in the Torah, presenting the divine regulations for the Nazirite vow and concluding with the renowned Aaronic Blessing. This chapter provides a fascinating glimpse into an extraordinary form of voluntary dedication to God in ancient Israel, while also giving us the words of one of the most powerful and enduring blessings in Scripture.

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The chapter carries profound significance as it demonstrates how ordinary Israelites could undertake extraordinary commitments to deepen their relationship with God, transcending the normal boundaries between the sacred and secular. It also establishes the precise wording for how the priests were to bless the people, words that continue to echo through synagogues and churches to this day.

Context of Numbers 6

This chapter appears within the broader context of Numbers 1-10, which details the organization and preparation of Israel for their journey through the wilderness. After establishing the duties of the Levites and the organization of the camp in previous chapters, Numbers 6 shifts focus to address two distinct but related matters of holiness: the voluntary Nazirite vow and the priestly blessing.

The placement of this chapter is significant, coming after the discussion of the Levitical priesthood but before the dedication of the Tabernacle. This positioning suggests that the path to extraordinary holiness was not limited to the hereditary priesthood – any Israelite, regardless of tribe or status, could undertake special consecration to God through the Nazirite vow. This democratization of holiness foreshadows the New Covenant reality where all believers are called to be a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9).

The chapter bridges the gap between the institutional holiness of the priesthood and the personal holiness available to all Israelites, demonstrating יהוה’s desire for His people to have opportunities for deeper dedication and spiritual growth.

Ancient Key Word Study

  • נָזִיר (Nazir) – This term comes from the root meaning “to separate” or “to consecrate.” It denotes someone who has taken a special vow of dedication to God. The word carries connotations of a crown (נֵזֶר) worn by kings and priests, suggesting that the Nazirite was “crowned” with a special status of holiness.
  • נֶדֶר (Neder) – The Hebrew word for “vow” implies a voluntary commitment made to God. Unlike commanded obligations, the Nazirite vow represented a free-will expression of devotion, highlighting the beautiful interplay between divine invitation and human response.
  • קָדוֹשׁ (Kadosh) – Translated as “holy” or “set apart,” this word appears repeatedly in the chapter, emphasizing the Nazirite’s special status of consecration. The root meaning suggests something cut off or separated for divine purpose.
  • טָמֵא (Tamei) – This term for “unclean” or “impure” features prominently in the regulations, highlighting the careful boundaries the Nazirite had to maintain. It represents not moral impurity but ritual status that could affect one’s ability to approach the sacred.
  • בָּרַךְ (Barakh) – The root word for “bless” appears in the priestly blessing, carrying the idea of conferring power for success, prosperity, and well-being. It implies God’s active intervention for good in the lives of His people.
  • שָׁמַר (Shamar) – Used in “The LORD keep you,” this verb means more than simple protection. It carries the idea of watchful care, like a shepherd guarding his flock or a gardener tending his plants.
  • חֶסֶד (Chesed) – Though not explicitly used in the chapter, this concept of God’s covenant faithfulness underlies the entire institution of the Nazirite vow and the priestly blessing, representing God’s gracious enablement of deeper relationship with Him.
  • פָּנִים (Panim) – The word for “face” appears in the blessing “make His face shine upon you.” In Hebrew thought, the face represented presence and favor, making this a powerful metaphor for divine approval and intimate relationship.

Compare & Contrast

  • Numbers 6:2-3: The specification of “wine and strong drink” (יַיִן וְשֵׁכָר) uses two distinct terms rather than just one. This dual prohibition emphasizes complete abstention from all fermented beverages, not just grape products. The choice of שֵׁכָר (strong drink) specifically includes date wine and other fermented beverages common in ancient Near Eastern culture.
  • Numbers 6:5: The phrase “let the locks of hair grow long” uses יַּגדֵּל פֶּרַע, literally “let grow wild,” rather than simpler terms for hair growth. This specific terminology emphasizes the visible, untamed nature of the hair as a public testament to the vow.
  • Numbers 6:9: The phrase “defiles the head of his consecration” (וְטִמֵּא רֹאשׁ נִזְרוֹ) links the physical head with the spiritual status in a way that emphasizes their inseparability in the Nazirite vow.
  • Numbers 6:14: The requirement for three different types of offerings (burnt, sin, and peace) rather than just one emphasizes the comprehensive nature of both consecration and restoration.
  • Numbers 6:23: The instruction “you shall bless” (תְבָרֲכוּ) is in the plural, indicating this was a corporate priestly duty, not just an individual one.
  • Numbers 6:24-26: The famous blessing uses three pairs of verbs, creating a poetic structure that builds in intensity and intimacy: from protection to grace to peace.
  • Numbers 6:27: The phrase “put My name” (וְשָׂמוּ אֶת־שְׁמִי) uses terminology normally associated with physical placement, emphasizing the tangible nature of God’s blessing through the priests.
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Numbers 6 Unique Insights

One of the most fascinating aspects of this chapter is its preservation in archaeological findings. The discovery of two silver scrolls at Ketef Hinnom in Jerusalem, dating to the 7th century BCE, contained the text of the priestly blessing from Numbers 6:24-26, representing the oldest known biblical text in existence. This archaeological evidence not only confirms the antiquity of the blessing but also its central importance in ancient Israelite worship.

The Talmud provides intriguing insights into how the Nazirite vow was understood in Second Temple Judaism. It suggests that while the vow was respected, it was not necessarily encouraged for everyone. Rabbi Shimon the Righteous is quoted as saying he only once ate from a Nazirite’s offering when convinced of the person’s pure motives. This reflects a rabbinic concern that such vows should stem from genuine spiritual devotion rather than mere outward shows of piety.

The early church fathers, particularly Origen and Jerome, saw in the Nazirite vow a prefigurement of Christian asceticism and special dedication to God. They drew parallels between the Nazirite’s abstinence and the Christian call to be “in the world but not of it,” though they understood this in a spiritual rather than merely ritual sense.

The chapter’s placement of the priestly blessing immediately after the Nazirite regulations suggests a profound theological point: whether through special vows or ordinary life, all of God’s people need His blessing. The juxtaposition implies that even the most dedicated need divine grace as much as anyone else.

Numbers 6 Connections to Yeshua

The Nazirite vow finds its ultimate fulfillment in Yeshua the Messiah, who was the perfectly consecrated one. Though He Himself was not technically a Nazirite (He drank wine and touched the dead), He embodied the spiritual reality to which the Nazirite vow pointed – complete dedication to God. His words “for their sake I consecrate myself” (John 17:19) echo the essence of the Nazirite dedication.

The priestly blessing of Numbers 6 finds its deepest realization in the Messiah, who is the very face of God shining upon humanity (2 Corinthians 4:6). He is the ultimate expression of God’s blessing, protection, grace, and peace. Through Him, we receive not just the words of blessing but their full reality – God’s presence dwelling with His people. The threefold structure of the blessing also hints at the Trinity, with each line particularly emphasizing one Person while involving all three.

Numbers 6 Scriptural Echoes

The concept of special consecration established in the Nazirite vow echoes throughout Scripture. Samson (Judges 13:5), Samuel (1 Samuel 1:11), and possibly John the Baptist (Luke 1:15) were lifelong Nazirites, demonstrating how God used this institution to set apart key figures in redemptive history.

The priestly blessing finds numerous echoes in both Old and New Testaments. Psalms frequently call for God’s face to shine upon His people (Psalm 67:1), and Paul often opens his letters with similar threefold blessings of grace and peace. The blessing’s promise of peace (שָׁלוֹם) anticipates the Messiah as Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

The themes of dedication and blessing in Numbers 6 resonate with the New Covenant call to be living sacrifices (Romans 12:1) and the promise that believers are blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).

Numbers 6 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to consider our own dedication to God. While we’re not under the Nazirite law, the principle of voluntary consecration remains vital. What areas of our lives might God be calling us to surrender more fully to Him? The Nazirite vow reminds us that sometimes going “above and beyond” in our devotion to God can lead to deeper spiritual growth and intimacy with Him.

The priestly blessing offers profound comfort and assurance for our daily walk with God. Each phrase builds upon the previous one, reminding us that God’s care is comprehensive – He protects us, shows us grace, and grants us His peace. When we feel overwhelmed or uncertain, we can remember that these words aren’t just beautiful poetry but divine promises backed by God’s character and power.

Consider meditating on each phrase of the blessing throughout your day: “The LORD bless you and keep you” as you begin your morning, “The LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you” during your daily activities, and “The LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace” as you end your day. Let these ancient words shape your understanding of God’s present care for you.

Did You Know?

  • The oldest biblical text ever discovered contains the priestly blessing from Numbers 6:24-26, found inscribed on silver scrolls dating to approximately 600 BCE at Ketef Hinnom near Jerusalem.
  • The word Nazirite (נָזִיר) shares the same root as the word for crown (נֵזֶר), suggesting that the uncut hair of the Nazirite served as a kind of crown, marking them as specially consecrated to God.
  • The threefold structure of the priestly blessing contains exactly 15 words in Hebrew, building in a pattern of 3, 5, and 7 words per line – possibly suggesting increasing intensity of blessing.
  • Ancient Jewish tradition held that the priests would pronounce the actual Divine Name (יהוה) during the blessing in the Temple, though this practice ceased after the Temple’s destruction.
  • The prohibition against grape products for Nazirites included not just wine but also vinegar, grape juice, raisins, and even grape seeds – emphasizing complete separation from anything related to the vine.
  • Archaeological evidence from ancient Israel shows that the priestly blessing was sometimes inscribed on jewelry and amulets, indicating its importance in daily life beyond formal worship settings.
  • The Nazirite vow was unique in the ancient Near East for being completely voluntary and available to both men and women, reflecting the egalitarian aspect of Israel’s approach to special religious dedication.
  • The requirement to bring a sin offering at the end of the Nazirite period puzzled many commentators, leading to various interpretations including the idea that it was for the “sin” of returning to a less consecrated state.
  • The Hebrew text of the priestly blessing contains exactly 24 consonants, possibly corresponding to the 24 courses of priests who served in the Temple.
  • Some Jewish traditions suggest that the upraised hands of the priests during the blessing formed the Hebrew letter ש (shin), representing one of God’s names (Shaddai).

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