민수기 Chapter 6

Translation: ESV

1

And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

Key Message

God has opened a way for everyone to specially consecrate themselves to him; holiness is not the privilege of the priestly class alone.

▸Chapter 6 contains the Nazirite vow and the Aaronic blessing.

Chapter 6 contains the Nazirite vow and the Aaronic blessing. Both are related to complete dedication to God. The Nazirite vow is a voluntary vow to set oneself apart to God, and the Aaronic blessing is the channel through which God pours his blessing on the people through the priest.

2

"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,

Key Message

Regardless of gender, anyone may voluntarily set themselves apart to God; this consecration is pleasing to God.

▸A notable feature of the Nazirite vow is that both 'a man or a woman' may make it.

3

he shall separate himself from wine and strong drink. He shall drink no vinegar made from wine or strong drink and shall not drink any juice of grapes or eat grapes, fresh or dried.

Key Message

The Nazirite's abstinence expresses dedication to God through concrete actions of life; it is a confession that God is a greater joy than the pleasures of the world.

▸The first prohibition for the Nazirite is abstaining from everything produced from the grapevine.

5

All the days of his vow of separation, no razor shall touch his head. Until the time is completed for which he separates himself to the LORD, he shall be holy. He shall let the locks of hair of his head grow long.

Key Message

The Nazirite's long hair declares dedication to God in a visible way; our consecration is also expressed outwardly in our manner of life.

▸The second mark of the Nazirite is not cutting the hair.

24

The LORD bless you and keep you;

Key Message

God's blessing is not merely material prosperity but the experience of protection and presence in which God himself watches over us.

▸The Aaronic blessing (6:24-26) is the most beautiful and complete blessing in all of Scripture.

25

the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;

Key Message

That God looks upon us with a shining face — that is, God's gracious gaze upon us — is the greatest blessing of our lives.

▸The second verse of the blessing uses the image of 'the LORD's face shining.

26

the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Key Message

God's greatest gift is shalom — the wholeness and prosperity that comes from a complete relationship with God.

▸The final verse of the blessing reaches its climax with 'peace (shalom).

27

"So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them."

Key Message

Though the priest declares it, the source of blessing is God himself; all true ministry is carried out in the name and authority of God.

▸This verse confirms that the ultimate source of the blessing proclaimed by the priest is God himself.