GOD'S NAZIRITE 1) As it was announced to the whole group to sanctify themselves, each member and each household presented a specific vow on behalf of the dedicators. The term "Nazirite" was specified to designate only those who pledged before God to dedicate their lives to Him. Some were dedicated while still in their mother's womb and others were just for the specific time. This is regarded as the original source of the doctrines of asceticism and monasticism. 2) The characteristics and obligations of the vow-giver [3-8]: Most of his "Separation Time" is spent in studying the "Laws," worshiping and serving others. Therefore he renounces the pleasures of life such as wine and spirits drinking, so as not to for- get God's commandments. (Prov. 31:5; Isa. 28:7), and the amazing thing, is that at the onset of God's calling (as a Nazirite), His very first undertaking was to transform the water into wine at the wedding. This gave the people a better understanding of the spiritual side of the "Nazirite" rather than to concentrate on His appearance. The vow-giver is obliged to give up the mundane glory so he shaves not his hair contrary to nature (1 Cor 11:4), he also renounces carnal affairs such as the mourning of the dead (Luke 9:60) in order to be capable of extensive love including his family. 3) His purification when touching the dead [9-12]: The correlation between sin and death has been established as death being the outcome, hence touching the dead was considered defilement even if the dead person was a saint or a prophet, and the dedicator was warned to be cautious. In the instance where he touches the dead accidentally he shall wait for 7 days and on the 8th day, he shall shave his head and offer 2 turtles or 2 young pigeous as a sin and burnt offerings, and he starts his "separation days" anew. However the previous time spent will be discarded. This is God's way of confirming to us His hatred for defilement, even if it happens unintentionally. Whenever we lack the will-power, we lose our previous diligent strife and we have to start all-over. 4) The completion of the dedicator's life [12-13]: A specific ritual is undertaken of presenting a burnt and a peace offerings, also the presentation of the affairs that portrays the various aspects of the Cross. Our consecration will never be complete without the Cross. He shall also give an unlimited offering to the extent of his capability because we must not put limitations to our love to God, but in contrast we must strive to give as much as possible to our Lord. His hair is shaven and thrown into the sacrificial fire of peace offering, so that he regains his pride (his hair) on the basis of partnership in the heavenly glory. He shall drink wine symbolizing the life of enjoyment to compensate for the troubles that we had to bear in this world. It also points to the wine of the Holy Spirit. In conclusion the completion of the vow separation is only achieved through the sacrificial offering of Christ and our interaction with it lovingly and diligently; besides our acceptance to partake of His divine glory through the work of the Holy Spirit. 5) He concluded his discourse by proclaiming the priests' blessings to the people clarifying that this blessing does not originate from them but from the Lord. They shall beseech Him 3 times (The gift of the Holy Trinity) Thus arrogance will not befall the dedicators or "Vow-separators".
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