Youth STS Lesson 92 The Law of The Nazarite
Memory Verse: “This is the law of the Nazarite who hath vowed, and of his offering unto the Lord for his separation, beside that that his hand shall get: according to the vow which he vowed, so he must do after the law of his separation” (Numbers 6:21).
TEXT: Numbers 6:1-27
This study centers on the life of the Nazarites. The word “Nazarite” is derived from the Hebrew term “Nazir” which means “dedicated”, “consecrated” or “separated”. He is an Israelite who voluntarily consecrates himself and takes a vow of separation (for a designated time) for the purpose of a special service to the Lord. In the Bible, we have the cases of those who dedicated themselves to the Lord like Samuel (1 Samuel 1:11,28). Samson (Judges 13:4,5) the daughter of Jephthah (Judges 11:35,36) and John the Baptist (Luke 1:15). When God gave Moses the command concerning the vow of the Nazarite, He instructed him of the ceremony to be observed by the person taking the vow. He also gave the instructions to be observed and provision for pardon for the defiled Nazarite. In addition, the Lord commanded the priests to bless His people. Today, Jesus Christ is our High Priest. The coming of Jesus Christ has brought more and greater blessings to us since Jesus is the Creator of all things. He Is greater than any prophet or priest. Through Jesus Christ, we have redemption (Ephesians 1:7), righteousness (Romans 5:17), purity of heart (Ephesians 5:25-27), the power of the Holy Spirit for effective fruitful soul-winning and service (Luke 24:49). revival and renewal, victory over temptation (Hebrews 2:18), healing and health (1 Peter 2:24). knowledge and understanding (1 John 5:20). wisdom (James 1:5) grace for desirable needs (Hebrews 4:14-16), and fruitfulness in all areas (John 15:1- 5). In a nutshell, He came to give us abundant life which is greater than any other blessings today.
- CONSECRATION OF THE NAZARITE
Numbers 6:1,2,13,21: Judges 13:4,5,7; 1 Samuel 1:11,28; Luke 1:15; 2 Corinthians 6:17; 1 Peters 1:14-16; Romans 12:1,2
“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow of Nazarite, to separate themselves unto the LORD” (Numbers 6:1,2). An individual is expected by the Lord to voluntarily vow to be a Nazarite. The vow of the Nazarite is a call to total from defilement.
Question 1: What are the things a Nazarite is commanded to separate himself from?
The Nazarite is commanded by the Lord to keep away from:
(I) Wine and strong drink (verse 3)
(II) Shaving the hair of his head during the whole period of his vow (verse 5): and
(III) Avoiding contact with the dead (verse 6).
The law of the Nazarite is a ceremonial law related to the Old Testament dispensation. However, there are lessons we can draw from the consecration of the Nazarite.
Question 2: Are Christian youths expected to take strong drink?
Believing boys and girls are not expected to take strong or alcoholic drinks, it intoxicates, and is harmful to their body. It destabilizes the body system and causes great inconveniencies (Proverbs 23.29-35). On the other hand, they should not take non alcoholic drinks in excess. Non alcoholic drinks mostly contain high sugar and its accumulation in the blood system over time is harmful to health. “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18).
Question 3: Should youths leave their hair uncut because they want to be Nazarites?
Youths should not be deceived by some churches or people who tell them that they should take a Nazarite vow and as such are advised to leave their hair uncut, untidy and uncombed. Christ is the end of the law. He has shed His blood on the cross as sacrifice for sins and we are made perfect in Him. It is not Christianly to leave one’s hair uncut or untidy. It makes such a person look irresponsible. Christian youths are expected to be neat and presentable before God and man. Born again youths are called to a life of separation, consecration and holiness (2 Corinthians 6:17; 1 Peter l:15, 16). Purity comes before power, as the youths consecrate to be holy and keep themselves holy, they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost and power to serve the Lord in an effective manner. Just like God gave gifts to the Nazarites of old, so shall He do the same to Christian youths who consecrate themselves to Him.
- COMMITMENT AND CLEANSING OF THE NAZARITE
Numbers 6:3-21; Jeremiah 35:6-10; 1 Samuel 12:3; Judges 16:27-3 1; 1 John 1:7; 2:1
The Nazarite vow makes the person taking it to be under obligation to keep certain commandments. He is not expected to come near any dead body or drink wine. All these are to be observed by him throughout the period of being a Nazarite. Any single act of disobedience brings defilement upon the Nazarite and he has to offer sacrifice to God for cleansing. Even if he comes upon the dead by mistake, he still has to offer sacrifices for pardon (Numbers 6:9). Continuance in the vow of the Nazarite was the source of the power of Samson that made the gift of God in him to remain. The day he broke vow through a careless life; he lost the power of God and became like other men (Judges 16:17-21).
Question 4: Under what condition can Christian youths retain the power of God in them?
Christian youths have been told many times that there is nothing like eternal security in Christ. Once any believing youth goes into sin, he is no longer a child of God. The power of God leaves him at that moment. King David knew the way God operates from his own personal experience so he warned his son, Solomon, not to sin against God (1 Chronicles 28:9). Christian youths should make constant effort to obey the word of God. It is the source of Christian power that brings blessings upon those that obey it. Consistent observance of God’s word secures one from evil and attack of the enemy (Numbers 23:19-21). Christ told the Jews that “…If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed” (John 8:31b). Like the Nazarite is committed to his separation from defilement for the period of his vow, in the same way, born again youths are called to total separation from the world: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life (1 John 2:15,16). They are called not to conform to this world: the fashion of the world, amusement of the world, music of the world, politics of the world, marriage of the world, etc. (1 John 2:17). God’s laws are meant to regulate our activities so that we can maintain our relationship with Him. God is Omniscient. He knows that an individual can fall by mistake, therefore, He made provision for cleansing for any Nazarite that defiles himself suddenly. These are the provisions of cleansing made by God:
(1) He shall shave his head in the day of his cleansing.
(2) He shall bring two turtle doves or two young pigeons to the priest to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. The priest shall offer one for sin offering and the other for a burnt offering, and make atonement for him.
(3) A lamb of the first year for a trespass offering. The lamb is for him to consecrate to the Lord the days of his separation and for a trespass offering, but the days that were before shall be lost. At the expiration of the vow of the Nazarite, he still has to offer sacrifice for sin and peace offering, his hair of consecration cut from his head; and other ceremonies observed (Numbers 6:13-20).
Question 5: What provision is made in the New Testament for atonement for the sinning youths?
In the New Testament, the only provision made for cleansing from sins is the blood of Jesus. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sins” (1 John 1:7).
- THE COMMAND TO BLESS GOD’S PEOPLE
Numbers 6:22.23; 23:19,20; Leviticus 9:22-24; 25:18-22; Psalm 42:8: Deuteronomy 28:1-13; Psalm 133:3
“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them” (Numbers 6:22,23). God Himself gave the command that Moses should tell the priests to bless His people, the children of Israel. The blessings of God’s people are sure. The devil and his agents cannot stop or reverse then. To become a source of blessing to others, Christian youths must be saved and maintain a right relationship with God, always. This will allow the flow of God’s blessings and power in their lives. Aaron and his sons were specifically appointed, anointed and approved by God to minister before Him (Numbers 3:10,3). The Lord Jesus Christ is our High Priest. He too was appointed, anointed and approved by the Father to bring His blessings upon the people (Acts 10:38; 2:22). In the New Testament, the gospel ministers have been given authority to minister in the Church of God (Mark 16:15- 20). The Gospel minister should pray earnestly to bring the fullness of God’s blessings to the people of God. “And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ” (Romans 15:29). In the same way, as school fellowship officers and Christian youths, we should keep our tongue and heart in the best spiritual state. This will afford us the privilege of being the channel of blessings to those we serve (Proverbs 18:21; 4:23). God is orderly. As He gave commandments in a systematic manner, so are His promises to His people. He said. “On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel…” The minister of God should carefully pronounce the blessings of God on the people according to the scriptural pattern.
Question 6: Mention five priestly benedictions as stated in Numbers 6:24-27
From verses 24-27, we can outline five major blessings that make up these priestly benedictions.
One, personal identity with the Lord – “The LORD bless thee, … And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them” (verses 24,27).
Two, protection from the Lord The LORD bless thee, and keep thee” (verse 24). Apart from the above, people like Jeremiah (Jeremiah 36:26). Daniel. Peter, Paul (2 Timothy 4:17.18) and a host of others enjoyed the protection of God. The Scripture says, With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation (Psalm 91:16). Three, the presence of the Lord –“the LORD make his face shine upon thee… (verse 25). The presence of the Lord gives confidence and direction in life.
Four, pardon from the Lord – “The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee (verse 25). The greatest blessing any youth can receive from the Lord is the forgiveness of his sins. Its benefits last till eternity.
Five, the peace of the Lord – “The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace” (verse 26). We need the peace of God in this troubled world. “Now the Lord of peace give you peace himself always by all means. The Lord be with you all” (2 Thessalonians 3:16). In verse 27, the priests were to put the name of the Lord upon the people and bless them. In the New Testament, the name of Jesus Is given to all believers in prayers. The Scripture says, “For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us” (2 Corinthians 1:20). However, we can apply the name of the Lord according to different situations facing us. Some of the names of God for different situations are:
(1) Jehovah -Jireh-the Lord will provide (Genesis 22:13,14).
(2) Jehovah-Rapha- the Lord that heals (Exodus 15:26).
(3) Jehovah-Nissi – the Lord our banner (Exodus 17:15).
(4) Jehovah-Shalom – the Lord our peace (Judges 6:24).
(5) Jehovah-Ra-ah – the Lord is my Shepherd (Psalm 23:1).
(6) Jehovah- Tsidkenu – the Lord our righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6).
(7) Jehovah-Shammah – the Lord is present (Ezekiel 48:35).
For any youth to enjoy these promises, such a youth must fulfil certain conditions.
One, he must be redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ.
Two, he must be ready to obey the words of Christ (Acts 5:32). Three, he must abide in Christ always (John 15:7).
Four, he must pray in faith (Mark 11:22,23). Five, he must claim, confess and apply the Promises of God. Jesus Christ, our High Priest, is on the right hand of the Father praying for us to enjoy all the promises of God. Paul the apostle, through the Spirit of God, declares the gospel benediction as “The grace of our Lord Jesus, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen” (2 Corinthians 13:14). Be part of God’s plan, purpose and promises by receiving Jesus today.