Consecration and Blessing: The Nazarite and Priestly Blessing

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Numbers is a book of covenant journey and law, recording Israel's wilderness wanderings after their Exodus from Egypt. Prior chapters detailed the organization of the camp, laws, and God's guidance for the people. Numbers 6 introduces a voluntary vow of separation called the Nazarite vow, showing a personal commitment to holiness beyond the general covenant law. This vow reflects Israel's desire to dedicate themselves wholly to God amid a challenging wilderness context. The chapter closes with the priestly blessing, a vital link between God's holiness and His covenantal care for His people.

What You'll Learn

• The Nazarite vow outlines specific restrictions symbolizing complete dedication and holiness to God.
• Separation from wine, hair cutting, and contact with the dead emphasizes purity and consecration in Israel’s covenant life.
• The priestly blessing reveals God’s desire to protect, shine favor, and grant peace to His people.
• The detailed offerings at the vow’s completion highlight the seriousness and covenantal nature of Nazarite dedication.
• The vow’s defilement and cleansing process teach about holiness, sin, and restoration within the covenant community.
• God’s name being placed on Israel through the blessing signifies His personal relationship and ongoing presence with His people.

Holiness through consecration and God’s blessing sustains and protects His covenant people.

Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.

Numbers 6:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Numbers 6:2 Speak 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:

Numbers 6:3 He 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.

Numbers 6:4 All the days of his separation shall he eat nothing that is made of the vine tree, from the kernels even to the husk.

Numbers 6:5 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.

Numbers 6:6 All the days that he separateth himself unto the LORD he shall come at no dead body.

Numbers 6:7 He shall not make himself unclean for his father, or for his mother, for his brother, or for his sister, when they die: because the consecration of his God is upon his head.

Numbers 6:8 All the days of his separation he is holy unto the LORD.

Numbers 6:9 And 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.

Numbers 6:10 And 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:

Numbers 6:11 And 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.

Numbers 6:12 And 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.

Numbers 6:13 And 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:

Numbers 6:14 And 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,

Numbers 6:15 And 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.

Numbers 6:16 And the priest shall bring them before the LORD, and shall offer his sin offering, and his burnt offering:

Numbers 6:17 And 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.

Numbers 6:18 And 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.

Numbers 6:19 And 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:

Numbers 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.

Numbers 6:21 This 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.

Numbers 6:22 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Numbers 6:23 Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them,

Numbers 6:24 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:

Numbers 6:25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:

Numbers 6:26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

Numbers 6:27 And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.

Numbers 6:1

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Study: God’s direct communication to Moses underscores the divine authority behind the Nazarite vow instructions, emphasizing that these commands come from the LORD Himself, not human tradition. This sets the tone for the sacred nature of the vow and the seriousness with which Israel must approach it.

Numbers 6:2

Speak 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:

Study: The call to both men and women to take the Nazarite vow shows inclusivity in dedicating oneself to God. The vow is a voluntary act of separation, highlighting personal commitment to holiness and service to the LORD beyond the general covenant requirements.

Numbers 6:3

He 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.

Study: The prohibition against wine, strong drink, vinegar, and grapes symbolizes abstaining from worldly pleasures and influences. This restriction reflects the vow’s purpose to maintain purity and focus on God, as wine was common in social and religious life, making its avoidance a clear sign of separation.

Numbers 6:4

All the days of his separation shall he eat nothing that is made of the vine tree, from the kernels even to the husk.

Study: Extending the prohibition to all products of the vine, including kernels and husks, shows the thoroughness required in Nazarite separation. This detail prevents loopholes and emphasizes complete dedication, teaching that holiness involves careful obedience to God’s commands.

Numbers 6:5

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.

Study: Not allowing a razor to touch the Nazarite’s head symbolizes the visible mark of consecration and the vow’s duration. Letting the hair grow serves as a physical testimony of holiness and separation to God, reminding both the Nazarite and the community of the sacred commitment.

Numbers 6:6

All the days that he separateth himself unto the LORD he shall come at no dead body.

Study: Avoiding contact with dead bodies preserves ritual purity, as death was associated with uncleanness in Israel’s covenant law. This command highlights the vow’s emphasis on life and holiness, setting the Nazarite apart from common defilement and pointing to God’s sanctifying presence.

Numbers 6:7

He shall not make himself unclean for his father, or for his mother, for his brother, or for his sister, when they die: because the consecration of his God is upon his head.

Study: The Nazarite’s consecration takes precedence even over family mourning customs, showing the seriousness of the vow. This teaches that dedication to God sometimes requires difficult choices and prioritizing holiness above natural human ties.

Numbers 6:8

All the days of his separation he is holy unto the LORD.

Study: Reaffirming the Nazarite’s holiness throughout the vow period emphasizes continuous consecration. This constant state of being 'holy unto the LORD' reflects God’s desire for His people to live set apart lives, marked by obedience and devotion.

Numbers 6:9

And 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.

Study: If the Nazarite becomes defiled by sudden death, a prescribed cleansing process begins, showing God’s provision for restoration. This teaches that holiness is serious but also that God’s covenant includes mercy and ways to return to consecration after failure.

Numbers 6:10

And 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:

Study: Bringing two turtles or young pigeons to the priest for offerings connects the Nazarite’s cleansing with the sacrificial system. This ritual underscores the need for atonement and purification to restore the vow’s sanctity before God.

Numbers 6:11

And 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.

Study: The priest’s role in offering sin and burnt offerings for the Nazarite’s defilement highlights the mediating function of the priesthood. It points forward to Christ’s ultimate atonement and the ongoing need for holiness in God’s people.

Numbers 6:12

And 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.

Study: The loss of days before cleansing teaches that defilement interrupts the vow’s effectiveness, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness. The requirement to reconsecrate the remaining days shows God’s holiness demands complete dedication.

Numbers 6:13

And 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:

Study: Returning to the tabernacle’s door to complete the vow symbolizes reentry into full covenant fellowship. The tabernacle, God’s dwelling among His people, is the focal point for consecration and worship, reinforcing the vow’s sacred context.

Numbers 6:14

And 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,

Study: Offering lambs without blemish for burnt, sin, and peace offerings reflects the covenant’s sacrificial system and the need for purity in worship. These offerings symbolize atonement, dedication, and fellowship with God, integral to completing the Nazarite vow.

Numbers 6:15

And 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.

Study: The basket of unleavened bread and anointed cakes complements the animal offerings, representing the fullness of worship and thanksgiving. Leaven’s absence symbolizes purity, aligning with the Nazarite’s call to holiness.

Numbers 6:16

And the priest shall bring them before the LORD, and shall offer his sin offering, and his burnt offering:

Study: The priest’s role in offering the sin and burnt offerings demonstrates the necessity of mediation between the Nazarite and God. This act sanctifies the vow’s completion and restores the Nazarite’s covenant standing.

Numbers 6:17

And 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.

Study: Offering the ram for peace offerings and accompanying meal offerings signifies reconciliation and fellowship with God. This final act completes the vow, celebrating restored relationship and God’s acceptance.

Numbers 6:18

And 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.

Study: Shaving the Nazarite’s head at the tabernacle door and burning the hair under the peace offering symbolizes the end of separation and the dedication of the vow’s fruits to God. This ritual visually marks the vow’s fulfillment and God’s acceptance.

Numbers 6:19

And 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:

Study: The priest waving the ram’s shoulder and unleavened bread before the LORD represents presenting the offering as holy and accepted. This gesture signifies God’s approval and the covenant community’s participation in worship.

Numbers 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.

Study: After the vow’s completion, the Nazarite may drink wine again, symbolizing restored freedom and joy in God’s provision. This return to normal life highlights the vow’s temporary nature and the blessing of God’s grace.

Numbers 6:21

This 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.

Study: The law’s reiteration that the Nazarite must fulfill the vow according to the law emphasizes accountability and faithfulness. It teaches that vows to God are serious commitments requiring obedience and integrity.

Numbers 6:22

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Study: God’s command to Moses to instruct Aaron and his sons about blessing Israel shows the priesthood’s sacred role in mediating God’s favor. This transition connects the Nazarite vow’s holiness with the blessing that sustains the covenant people.

Numbers 6:23

Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them,

Study: The specific words given for the priestly blessing reveal God’s desire to bless, keep, and protect His people. This formula expresses God’s gracious character and covenant faithfulness toward Israel.

Numbers 6:24

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:

Study: The blessing to 'keep thee' reflects God’s protective care, assuring Israel of His ongoing watchfulness and preservation amid their journey and challenges.

Numbers 6:25

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

Study: God making His face shine upon His people symbolizes favor and acceptance, a powerful image of God’s gracious presence illuminating their lives and circumstances.

Numbers 6:26

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

Study: Lifting up His countenance and giving peace conveys God’s approval and the gift of shalom, encompassing wholeness, well-being, and covenant peace that sustains His people.

Numbers 6:27

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

Study: God placing His name upon Israel signifies His ownership, protection, and intimate relationship with His people, assuring them of His blessing and presence throughout their history.

Numbers 6 details the Nazarite vow, a voluntary dedication to God marked by abstaining from wine, avoiding haircuts, and shunning contact with the dead, symbolizing holiness and separation. The chapter also prescribes offerings and rituals for vow completion or defilement cleansing, underscoring covenant faithfulness. It concludes with the priestly blessing, a divine formula invoking God’s protection, favor, grace, and peace on Israel. Together, these instructions reveal God’s call for personal holiness and His desire to bless and sustain His covenant people.

Lord, help us to understand the depth of dedication You require and the holiness You call us to embrace. Teach us to consecrate our lives fully to You, trusting in Your protection and grace. May Your blessing rest upon us, shining Your face upon us and granting us Your peace. Strengthen us to live faithfully in Your covenant, reflecting Your holiness in all we do. Amen.

• Pray daily for God’s guidance in living a holy and consecrated life.
• Memorize Numbers 6:24-26 to remind yourself of God’s blessing and presence.
• Reflect on any personal vows or commitments you have made to God and renew your dedication.
• Attend a worship service or small group to experience God’s blessing through community prayer.
• Journal about areas where you need restoration and ask God for cleansing and strength.
• Practice abstaining from a worldly pleasure for a set time as a personal consecration.
• Share the meaning of the Nazarite vow and priestly blessing with a friend or family member.

Numbers 6 teaches the significance of voluntary consecration through the Nazarite vow and the power of God’s priestly blessing. It reveals God’s call to holiness, the seriousness of vows, and His gracious provision for restoration. The chapter concludes with a blessing that assures God’s protection, favor, and peace, encouraging believers to live set apart lives under His covenant care.

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