Year 1, Week 16, Day 3 Bible Reading Observations

Year 1, Week 16, Day 3

I have a brief observation for today’s reading of Numbers 6.

Today’s reading presents the details of the Nazirite Vow, but concludes with a specific blessing that the priests were to speak to the Israelites on behalf of the LORD. Numbers 6 discusses a special vow of dedication to the LORD: “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When either a man or a woman makes a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the LORD” (Numbers 6:2). This Nazirite vow was a voluntary act of devotion that normally existed for a temporary period of time. Numbers 6 also states the content of a special blessing that Aaron and his sons were to speak: “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26).

What struck me in today’s reading is the LORD’s desire for His people to operate with an express focus upon Him. The LORD’s presence was to be known as the source of true blessing: “Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed…Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” (Psalm 34:5-8). Therefore, life was to be lived with a pursuit of honoring the LORD: “What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” (Psalm 34:12-14). Seeking the LORD as the true source of life coupled with intentional seasons of express consecration to the LORD informed Israel’s existence. 

The Nazirite vow was an opportunity for an Israelite to set themselves apart unto the LORD. While there are a few examples of people who were Nazirites from birth (Sampson, Samuel, and John the Baptist), most Nazirite vows were made for a period of time determined by the one making the vow and for the particular accomplishment purposed by the one making the vow. For however long and for whatever purpose, the one making the vow for to be set apart unto the LORD: “All the days of his separation he is holy to the LORD.” (Numbers 6:8). During that season of concentration, the one making the vow would remain separated from anything related to the vine (Numbers 6:3-4); let their hair grow (Numbers 6:5); and refrain from being around anything dead (Numbers 6:6-7). Sampson broke all of the requirements. 

While the New Covenant does not describe the Christian’s obligations in terms of a Nazirite vow, the language of being set part does carry over: “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God” (Romans 1:1). While the particulars of being set apart may differ from one follower of Christ to the next, the notion of being set apart, that is dedicated and devoted to the LORD should be understood as part of the normal Christian experience: “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21). Through Jesus, believers are brought into a special relationship with God: “But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him.” (Psalm 4:3).

The blessing that the LORD instructed Moses to give to Aaron and his sons, reflects the true heart of God toward His people. The moment the LORD made mankind, He blessed them: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them.” (Genesis 1:27-28a). In fact, a significant point to the priesthood as to carry out the work necessary for the purpose of speaking God’s blessing upon the people: “The LORD has remembered us; he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron; he will bless those who fear the LORD, both the small and the great.” (Psalm 115:12-13). The LORD blesses His people by His presence with the face of Christ: “For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6). The assurance of His protection is a blessing: “Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.” (John 17:11). The bounty of His provision is a blessing: “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence” (2 Peter 1:3). The promises of His Word are a blessing: “Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes.” (Psalm 119:35). 

As with the blessing that the LORD spoke to Abraham, it was not only to bless Abraham but also to use Abraham to be a blessing: “And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Genesis 12:2-3). God blesses His people. God’s blessed people are then called to be an instrument of blessing: “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, Selah that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations.” (Psalm 67:1-2).

What struck you in today’s reading? What questions were prompted from today’s reading?

Pastor Joe