SUMMARY
Men or women could consecrate themselves in special service to the Lord for a period of time through this “Nazirite” vowA vow is a promise or an oath. God promised to be Israel's God, while in return the people vowed to be obedient to God's commandments. In the book of 1 Samuel Hannah, the mother of Samuel, vowed to dedicate the life of her son... More.
ANALYSIS
While all Israel was called upon to serve God, people could voluntarily “separate themselves to the LORD” in a special way through the Nazirite vow on a temporary or permanent basis. “Nazirite” comes from the Hebrew nazir, meaning to separate or consecrate.
The Nazirite vow was specifically open to women as well as men (although see Numbers 30:3-16 for limitations). After the description of the role of the Levites, the Nazirite becomes a sort of counter-priesthood, open to all, if they will obey special holiness requirements. Avoiding grapes and fermented drinks, avoiding death, and growing hair allow the Nazirite to become a witness in the camp, around their fellows, to God’s desire for the holiness of the whole camp.
Famous Nazirites include SamsonA judge noted for great physical strength. More (Judges 13:5), SamuelThe judge who anointed the first two kings of Israel. More (1 Samuel 1:11), and PaulThe Apostle Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, was the author of several New Testament letters and the founder of many Christian communities. More (Acts 18:18, 21:20-24).
