Fulfilling Vows

Today’s Scripture: Numbers 5-6

The two main chunks of this passage concern vows people take — whether it be marriage vows to one’s husband or vows of separation to God.

First, regarding the possibly unfaithful wife and her husband, it is likely that this scenario is set up for a woman who has been confronted and has pleaded her innocence, but is still suspected by her husband.  Second, the actions of the priest set up an opportunity for God to respond in the situation.  Rather than call her innocent or guilty with no possible proof in a legal matter where evidence is difficult to procure, the logical step for the Israelites is to leave it up to God to make the judgement call.  When the woman proclaims her innocence under oath before the priest, she is accepting that if she commits perjury, God will make it evident by means of physical problems associated with sterility.  She is staking her future as a child-bearing wife (which is a huge deal to the Israelites) on her innocence.  This seems appropriate, given that her sin (if she is indeed guilty) involved sexual acts, the means by which children are brought to bear.

Regarding the Nazirite vow, it must first be stated that a Nazirite was one who made a vow (temporary or permanent) to consecrate oneself to the Lord by abstaining from certain things.  The things mentioned here in this passage are grapes of any sort (whether fermented or not), the cutting of hair (does Samson come to mind?), and contact with a corpse.  Interestingly, all of these items mentioned have connotations of false worship that God wished to abolish among the Israelite community.  In the ancient Near East, grapes were associated with fertility and the worship of gods accordingly; the cutting of hair was associated with types of magic and sorcery; and corpses were associated with cults of the dead.  By abstaining from all of these things, the Nazirite was in essence publically swearing off these other worship practices and thereby proving alliance with Yahweh, the one true God. 

Finally, I feel compelled to mention the very end of this passage, simply for its beauty.  The Lord gives Moses a priestly blessing, to be said over the Israelite people.  Copies of this tiny chunk of Scripture have been found in ancient tabernacles dating back to the sixth and seventh centuries B.C., and are presently the oldest example of Scriptural text.

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace” (6:24-26).

Tomorrow’s Scripture: Numbers 7