Numbers
chapter 6 deals with the Nazarite vow. The term “Nazarite” (more correctly,
Nazirite), signifies separated, or set apart. He is a person separated unto the
Lord (Numbers 6:2). He is devoted to the Lord during the time of his
Nazariteship. He is under a nazirite vow and which puts him under certain restrictions
to food and certain things which renders him unclean.
The
first restriction of the nazirite is to abstain from anything that has to do
with the fruit of the vine: “He shall separate himself from wine and
strong drink,” (Numbers 6:3). It is total abstinence; he is not even to
drink a little wine.
The
Christian is also a person who has been separated: “But know that the LORD
hath set apart him that is godly for himself” (Psalm 4:3). One commandment
given to Christians is we must separate ourselves from wine: “And be not
drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit,”
(Ephesians 5:18). All intoxication is prohibited in the Scriptures. The harmful
effects of wine are well known and I need not say more on it (Proverbs
23:31-35; 31:5).
The
abstention from fermented drink signified a life of holiness in contrast with
the world which lives in debauchery. The phrase used by Paul in Ephesians 5:18,
“wherein is excess,” means “riot.” The word occurs only in two other
places in the New Testament, where it is rendered “riot” (Titus 1:6; 1Peter
4:4). The “adjective” occurs once in Luke 15:13, where it is said the prodigal
son spent his money in “riotous” living. It describes a lifestyle that is eat,
drink and be merry.
Christians
are to live a holy life; a life of consecration to God (1 Peter 1:15). We are
not to live a life of riotous living (1 Peter 4:4). “But ye are a chosen
generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye
should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into
his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
The
second restriction of a Nazirite is not to cut his hair (Numbers 6:5). The
nazirite is let his hair grow, as the proof of his being consecrated to God,
and separated to His service: “because the consecration of his God is upon
his head” (Numbers 6:7). The long hair of a Nazirite denotes his subjection
to God. He honours God by keeping his hair long.
It
must first be said that men having long hair was not the norm in Biblical times
(1 Corinthians 11:14). The very fact that God commanded the Nazirite not to cut
his hair suggests that men in general cut their hair. The hair is still a
symbol of subjection and honour. The Christian man is to keep his hair short
when he approaches God while the Christian woman is to keep her hair long (1
Corinthians 11:14-15).
The
third restriction of a Nazirite is not to come into contact with death, even
for his nearest relations (Numbers 6:6-7). He must not attend the funeral of
any relation, not even of his father or mother.
Even
so the servants of God must not expose himself to the contagion of spiritual
death. We are commanded to be “dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God
through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:11). Spiritual death is far worse
than physical death. The Christians must know the things that lead to spiritual
damnation and avoid them (2 Timothy 2:22).
The
law of the Nazarite is full of instructions, because he is a type of the child
of God who is separated from evil, that he may be wholly surrendered and given
over to the divine service: “All the days of his separation he is holy unto
the LORD” (Numbers 6:8).
Let
us also honour God in our bodies and conduct: “That every one of you should
know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour” (1
Thessalonians 4:4).
Jimmy Lau
Psa
119:97 Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.
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