MPV Commentary

The Law of the Nazarite in His Separation.

2-8. When either man or woman vowed to become a Nazarite, they were dedicating themselves unreservedly to God's service. This vow was taken by those who felt an extraordinary sense of piety and wanted to elevate their spiritual lives. The Nazarites voluntarily renounced worldly occupations and pleasures, separating themselves from three things: wine and all its products, the use of a razor to cut their hair, and contact with dead bodies.

The reasons for these self-restrictions are clear. Wine consumption could lead to inflamed passions, intoxication, and a taste for luxurious indulgence. By not cutting their hair, Nazarites symbolized their commitment to purity, as uncut hair was considered a sign of uncleanness (Leviticus 14:8-9). The extraordinary length of their hair also served as a constant reminder of their vow and encouraged others to follow their example.

Moreover, contact with dead bodies disqualified them for divine service. To avoid this, Nazarites carefully avoided such situations, just like the high priest, who did not participate in funeral rites even for close relatives, prioritizing his duty to God over family obligations.

9-12. If a Nazarite died suddenly and their head became defiled during their consecration period, they were required to shave their head and make prescribed offerings to remove ceremonial defilement (Leviticus 15:13; Numbers 19:11). However, this accidental defilement invalidated the entire previous period of observance, and the Nazarite had to start anew. Even after completing the new period, a sin offering was still necessary at its close.

Sin inevitably mixes with our best efforts, making it essential for acceptance that we offer sacrifices to God (Hebrews 9:14). This principle applies even to the most holy performances.

13-20. When the days of their separation were fulfilled, Nazarites could cut their hair wherever they were (Acts 18:18), but they had to carefully keep and bring it to the sanctuary door. After presenting sin offerings and burnt offerings, the hair was placed under the vessel in which peace offerings were boiled. The priest then took a shoulder of the peace offering, a cake, and a wafer from the meat offering, put them on the Nazarite's hands, and had them wave these items before the Lord as an expression of thanksgiving, releasing them from their vow.