2023_06_26 Insight Post- Kim Feld

Our reading of 1 Samuel chapters 1 – 2 highlights another incidence of a Nazarite vow being enacted unusually. If you look back to Numbers 6, you will read that the Nazarite vow was voluntary, could be initiated by a man or woman, had specific requirements for abstinence, and was for a particular time. We have three instances in the Bible of the vow not being voluntarily initiated by the individual and being life-long: Samson, Samuel, and John the Baptist. All three assumed this vow from birth, being presented to God by their parents. The angel of the Lord appeared to Samson’s mother and John’s father, giving instructions for the vow for their sons. Samuel’s mother, Hannah, promised her son to God for His service and indicated he would maintain the restrictions of the vow.

The Hebrew word “nazir” means to be separated and consecrated. When taken voluntarily, the Nazarite vow provided a way for individuals to devote themselves entirely to God. Abstaining from products from the vine, not cutting or trimming hair, and not being in contact with anything dead were outward indications of separateness and devotion. As I have contemplated this, I’ve asked myself, “How am I exhibiting full devotion to God?”

While reading about the Nazarite vow, I found an article on the website Got Questions (2022). I resonated with the author’s New Testament connection to the Old Testament practice. In Romans 12, Paul tells of our need to be separate and devoted to God. Let’s take a look at verses 1-2 (NIV):

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

We are to be unlike the world. Through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit renewing our minds, we are to live so that others can see a difference in us. Just as it was possible to identify those fulfilling a Nazarite vow, it should be easy to identify us as followers of Christ by how we interact with and treat others. Although we are not to conform to the world, we are still to engage in it. How we care for and treat those around us, especially those we don’t know or are not like us, shows the world who we belong to. Think about the last 24 hours. Did your actions consistently show that you belong to Jesus? What about your thoughts? That one is an ouch for me and shows that I still have areas of my mind that need renewing. As you continue reading this week, pray that God will help you connect His word and your life. That is a prayer He would delight in answering.

Kim Feld
Executive Director of Education and Outreach

Reference: Got Questions (2022, January 4). What is the Nazirite/Nazarite vow? https://www.gotquestions.org/Nazirite-vow.html