With Us in the Wilderness: A Study of the Book of NumbersSample

A Vow + A Blessing

Pause. Breathe. Pray.

Read Numbers 6.

The Nazirite vow was a serious promise and dedication to God that any layperson, male or female, could make. Most vows only lasted for a specific amount of time, but Scripture has examples of those whose vows lasted a lifetime. For instance, Samson, Samuel, and John the Baptist were lifelong Nazirites.

It makes sense that the guidelines for this vow are listed immediately after the cleansing of the camp. The Nazirite vow is a radical picture of Israel’s consecration and dedication to the Lord. Those taking the vow were to be separated from wine, wine vinegar, strong drink, and pretty much anything to do with grapes. They were to let their hair grow as a sign of their dedication.

Vows like the Nazirite vows are no longer necessary for the Christian, but we can still see vestiges of the practice today. Nuns and monks take vows to the Lord to dedicate their entire lives of service to Him. Their devotion is inspiring. Even the apostle Paul commended a set-apartlifestyle (1 Corinthians 7:1-7). Though not all are called to live set apart in these ways, all of Christ’s followers are called to live with integrity.

Sometimes our yeses and noes lie outside of our control. Other times, we fail to keep our promises. In that case, we can acknowledge and ask forgiveness for our failures. In both cases, we can rest in the integrity and faithfulness of God.

The Priestly Blessing

This section of laws and cleansing requirements closes with a poem of benediction. If you’ve spent any time in church, it is likely you have heard the Aaronic blessing.

Reread Numbers 6:24-26.

This blessing is probably one of the oldest poems in Scripture. The repetition of “the LORD” at the beginning of each line emphasizes the only possible source and sustenance for such blessing. In the Old Testament, bless has a very specific meaning. The Lord “blesses people by giving them children, property, land, good health, and his presence (Genesis 17:16; 22:17f; Leviticus 26:3-13; Deuteronomy 28:2-14).” The Lord “keeps” His people by guarding and protecting them. For God to “shine his face” on them is to liken Him to the favor and grace sunshine brings. A shining face is a smiling face. Lifting up His countenance means to take notice of a person and treat them specially. The peace that is mentioned here is the Hebrew word shalom. It isn’t just peace in wartime, but wholeness and well-being.

To close, read Ephesians 2:14-22 and ask the Lord to help you receive His blessing.

Only through Jesus are we able to truly have peace with God and others. He gives peace, made peace through His sacrifice on the cross, and continues to be our Peace.

Say a prayer of response to His blessing and peace.

For more of this study, including teaching videos by author Lauren Chandler, visit lifeway.com/withusinthewilderness.

Works Cited

1. Douglas K. Stuart, The New American Commentary: Exodus, Vol. 2 (Nashville: B&H Publishing Group, 2006), 113–114.

2. Strong’s H4057, Bible Hub, accessed April 6, 2020, https://biblehub.com/hebrew/4057.htm.

3.“Numbers: Note on 5:5-10,” ESV Study Bible (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

4. John Piper and Wayne Grudem, Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood: A Response to Evangelical Feminism (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1991, 2006), 126.