Nu 6: Nazarites and Blessing

       There are two subjects in Numbers 6: the Nazarite and the blessing.

       Nazarites were people who chose to make a particular holiness vow to God. It is voluntary and isn’t required to prove one’s faith. Why does anyone make a particular vow? Some do it for tradition, some of zeal, some even for appearances. Some feel it is right to do.

       Regardless of motivation, the Nazarite abstained from anything remotely related to grapes or alcohol. During the days of the Nazarite’s vow, s/he wouldn’t shave or trim her/himself. The Nazarite couldn’t go near a dead body, not even that of a close relative.

       “Nazarite” comes from ryzn naziyr, which means a consecrated one, devoted, or even untrimmed. (I love my Strong’s concordance and my Online Bible, or did you notice?)

       The only Nazarite I find by name in the Old Testament is Samson. Did he ever screw up on the Nazarite rules! You’ll find his story in Judges 13+.

       The second part of the chapter, verses 22-27, is the lovely blessing the priests are to use over the children of Israel.

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless [Krb barak] the children of Israel, saying unto them, The LORD bless [Krb barak] thee, and keep [rmv shamar] thee: The LORD make his face shine [rwa 'owr] upon thee, and be gracious [Nnx chanan] unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace [Mwlv shalowm]. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless [Krb barak] them.

       I recommend that you  get familiar with the word barak. It is used 330 times in the Old Testament. It is a root word and is related to such names as Baruch, Jeremiah’s faithful scribe.

       Shamar is another important word, used 468 times. “Face” and “countenance” are the same word, Mynp paniym.In these verses, the LORD’s face/countenance is mentioned twice. Two of the blessing’s six verbs involve the LORD’s face. One third of the blessing involves God shining upon the children of Israel and lifting His face upon them. I’m reminded of other places in the Bible where God looks at us (II Chronicles 16:9; I Peter 3:12).

       Here’s something exciting. “Give,” in “give thee peace,” is Mws suwm. This particular word means to put, place, set and appoint. I sense this version of peace is something meant to be established and permanent. That’s the kind of peace I want.      

       Exegetically, this blessing was for the children of Israel. Hermeneutically, I believe it still applies today for those who love God, whether Jew or Gentile. I love to hear it prayed over people. If you have no one to pray it over you, pray it over yourself. In closing, I’ll write it with blanks for you to fill in your name.

The LORD bless _____,

and keep _____:

The LORD make his face shine upon _____,

and be gracious unto _____:

The LORD lift up his countenance upon _____,

and give _____ peace.

Shalom!