Nazarite Vows (Numbers 6:1-21)

Nazarites were men or women who made a special commitment to dedicate themselves to God for a period of time. There were people who dedicated themselves (or were dedicated by their parents) for life, but the common practice was for a specific time. Samuel and Samson are examples of people dedicated by parents. In Acts, we see Paul participate in a Nazarite ceremony. This is not something done to earn favor from God, but more like an act of worship. It is an extra level of holiness and dedication.

To be a Nazarite, one had to abstain from grape products (alcohol is thought of here, but the vow includes any products of the grapes), not cut one’s hair, and avoid contact with the dead. (Samson is seen breaking each of these vows over the course of his story.)

This passage is included here because it goes along with the theme of maintaining a holy camp.