Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When either a man or a woman makes a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the Lord,
Numbers 6:2
In Numbers chapter 6, we read about the Nazirite. A Nazirite is a person who has made a vow of separation to the Lord (Numbers 6:2). This requires the person not to eat anything that comes from the grapevine (Numbers 6:4). During this whole time, the person also can not cut their hair (Numbers 6:5) and a can not be in the presence of any dead body (Numbers 6:6).
When the period of separation is over, the hair of the Nazirite is cut and the Nazirite is to bring things for a burnt offering, sin offering, a fellowship offering, and a grain offering.
Now I don’t know how long a typical period of separation is, but below are some things of note:
- The person made a vow to God and God will hold that person to it until it is fulfilled. For example, if someone suddenly died in the Nazirite’s presence, the days of separation restart (Numbers 6:12) God takes vows to Him seriously (Ecclesiastes 5:4-7).
- The person has given up something that they normally do. In this case, it’s drinking and eating from the grapevine. This is a type of fasting. Fasting is giving up something that you like to do, whether it be food, or some other activity, for a period of time so you can spend more time with God.
- The hair was a dedication to God. That’s why they were not allowed to cut or trim it until the period of separation is complete. (Numbers 6:9, 6:18)
In today’s busy world, time is something that we never seem to have enough of. Sometimes, it’s because we waste it. We must fight the waste of time because it can eat into important things like reading the Bible, praying, or worshiping God. In Ephesians 5:15-17 it warns us to live wisely and make the most of every opportunity.
In some cases, it might be good to explicitly set aside a temporary period of time to God. Like the Nazirite, who separated themselves for a period of time. Maybe you decide to go on a weekend retreat. Maybe you decide to join a bible study. Maybe you decide to stop doing an activity for a few weeks (for example, no tv) and use that activity time to know God more. No matter what you decide to do, the point is to create a time of separation dedicated to the Lord so that you may be focused to know Him more.
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13