The Nazirite vow, as outlined in Numbers 6:1-21, is a special commitment made by an individual to separate themselves unto the LORD. This vow involves abstaining from wine and other products derived from grapes, refraining from cutting one's hair, and avoiding contact with dead bodies. The completion of the Nazirite vow is a significant event, marking the fulfillment of the individual's period of consecration.

Biblical Instructions for Completion

Upon the completion of the Nazirite vow, specific rituals and offerings are required, as detailed in Numbers 6:13-20. The process begins with the Nazirite presenting themselves at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. The following offerings are then made:

1. Burnt Offering: A year-old male lamb without blemish is offered as a burnt offering to the LORD (Numbers 6:14).

2. Sin Offering: A year-old ewe lamb without blemish is presented as a sin offering (Numbers 6:14).

3. Peace Offering: A ram without blemish is offered as a peace offering, along with a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mixed with oil, and wafers of unleavened bread spread with oil (Numbers 6:14-15).

4. Grain and Drink Offerings: These accompany the peace offering, completing the sacrificial requirements (Numbers 6:15).

Shaving of the Head

A distinctive aspect of the completion ceremony is the shaving of the Nazirite's head. Numbers 6:18 states, "Then the Nazirite is to shave his consecrated head at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, take the hair from his head, and put it on the fire under the peace offering sacrifice." This act symbolizes the end of the Nazirite's period of separation and the offering of their dedication to God.

Priestly Involvement

The priest plays a crucial role in the completion of the Nazirite vow. He is responsible for presenting the offerings before the LORD and facilitating the ritual acts. Numbers 6:19-20 describes how the priest takes the boiled shoulder of the ram, one unleavened cake, and one unleavened wafer, placing them in the hands of the Nazirite after he has shaved his head. These are then waved as a wave offering before the LORD, signifying the Nazirite's completed vow and restored fellowship with the community.

Significance and Symbolism

The completion of the Nazirite vow is rich in symbolism, reflecting themes of dedication, purification, and renewal. The offerings and rituals underscore the Nazirite's devotion and the importance of holiness in their relationship with God. The act of shaving the head and offering the hair signifies the end of a period of special consecration and the return to ordinary life, now enriched by the spiritual growth and discipline gained during the vow.

New Testament Context

While the Nazirite vow is primarily an Old Testament practice, its principles of dedication and separation unto God resonate in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul, for instance, is believed to have taken a Nazirite vow, as suggested in Acts 18:18, where he cut his hair because of a vow he had taken. This indicates the continued relevance of the Nazirite vow's themes of consecration and commitment in the early Christian community.

The completion of the Nazirite vow serves as a profound reminder of the call to holiness and the transformative power of dedicating oneself wholly to the LORD.