Nazarites: Saints
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Topical Encyclopedia
The term "Nazarite" refers to individuals in the Bible who took a special vow of consecration to God, as outlined in Numbers 6:1-21. This vow, known as the Nazarite vow, was characterized by three primary prohibitions: abstaining from wine and other fermented drink, refraining from cutting one's hair, and avoiding contact with dead bodies. The purpose of these restrictions was to set the Nazarite apart for a period of special dedication to the Lord.

Biblical Foundation

The Nazarite vow is detailed in the Book of Numbers, where the Lord instructs Moses: "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: If a man or woman wants to make a special vow, a vow of dedication to the LORD as a Nazarite, they must abstain from wine and other fermented drink" (Numbers 6:2-3). This vow could be taken by both men and women, and it was typically for a specified period, although some individuals, like Samson and Samuel, were Nazarites for life.

Notable Nazarites

1. Samson: Perhaps the most famous Nazarite, Samson's life is chronicled in the Book of Judges. His extraordinary strength was linked to his Nazarite vow, particularly the uncut hair, as the angel of the Lord instructed his mother: "No razor shall come upon his head, for the boy shall be a Nazarite to God from the womb" (Judges 13:5). Despite his eventual downfall due to breaking his vow, Samson's life illustrates the power and responsibility associated with being a Nazarite.

2. Samuel: Although not explicitly called a Nazarite in the biblical text, Samuel is often considered one due to the vow made by his mother, Hannah, who promised: "I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever come over his head" (1 Samuel 1:11). Samuel's life of service as a prophet and judge over Israel reflects the dedication expected of a Nazarite.

3. John the Baptist: While the New Testament does not label John the Baptist as a Nazarite, his lifestyle and mission align with Nazarite principles. The angel Gabriel foretold his birth, saying, "He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb" (Luke 1:15). John's ascetic lifestyle and prophetic ministry echo the consecration of a Nazarite.

Spiritual Significance

The Nazarite vow symbolizes a profound commitment to holiness and separation unto God. It serves as a reminder of the call to live a life set apart for divine purposes. The external signs of the vow—such as uncut hair and abstinence from wine—were outward manifestations of an inward dedication to the Lord.

In the broader biblical narrative, Nazarites exemplify the call to holiness that is echoed throughout Scripture. The Apostle Peter, quoting Leviticus, writes, "Be holy, because I am holy" (1 Peter 1:16). The Nazarite vow, therefore, is a tangible expression of this call to holiness, serving as a model for believers to live lives consecrated to God.

Contemporary Reflection

While the specific Nazarite vow is not commonly practiced today, its principles continue to inspire Christians to pursue holiness and dedication to God. The vow's emphasis on separation from worldly influences and commitment to divine service resonates with the New Testament call for believers to be "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession" (1 Peter 2:9). Through the example of the Nazarites, Christians are encouraged to live lives that reflect their identity as saints, set apart for the glory of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
2 Corinthians 6:17
Why come out from among them, and be you separate, said the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

James 1:27
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How Saints May Help the Devil
... You the humble followers of Jesus, who washed his saints' feet ... O church of Christ,
thy Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, but now their ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/how saints may help the.htm

Article xxvii (xiii): of Monastic Vows.
... of saints, in which the fault is twofold, both that the saints are put ... Here they
present an objection derived from the Law concerning the Nazarites, Num.6, 2f. ...
/.../the apology of the augsburg confession/part 35 article xxvii xiii .htm

Other Proofs from the Same Chapter, that Jesus, who Preached at ...
... For we are they of whom it is written, "Her Nazarites were whiter than ... proclamation
of an unclean spirit, at whose command there was an abundance of saints. ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter viii other proofs from the.htm

Acts XXI
... or not the service which he had for Jerusalem would be accepted by the saints. ... at
least innocent; for they approved the course of the four Nazarites, and urged ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxi.htm

Another Foolish Erasure of Marcion's Exposed Certain Figurative ...
... apostle declares that to himself, "less than the least of all saints, was the ... of
the prophet), where the seducers of the consecrated (Nazarites) to drunkenness ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xviii another foolish erasure of.htm

A Sermon for the Time Present
... world are shared in by the saints, then is there reason enough for lamentation,
even as Jeremiah cried: "How is the gold become dim!" Her Nazarites, who were ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 33 1887/a sermon for the time.htm

Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
... all who should believe upon him; and the title of the saints who had ... family vested
with rule according to a perpetual covenant: the Nazarites, peculiarly set ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter vi covenanting provided for.htm

The Leafless Tree
... go through, and find that there are even in them some true Nazarites of the ... But there
have been a few such"great saints, then great backsliding sinners, and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the leafless tree.htm

Order and Argument in Prayer
... The ancient saints were wont, with Job, to order their cause before God; that is ...
He says, "Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 12 1866/order and argument in prayer.htm

Letter Lxxv. (AD 404. )
... 1904] the same also in which shines the glory that makes the saints rejoice in ... when
in Cenchrea, shave his head according to the law, as the Nazarites, who had ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter lxxv a d 404.htm

Resources
What was the source of Samson's strength? | GotQuestions.org

Did Jesus drink wine/alcohol? | GotQuestions.org

What should we learn from the account of Samson and Delilah? | GotQuestions.org

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