Chapter 6

Requirements of the Nazirite Vow.  Interesting that they were to abstain from alcohol of all kinds for the duration of the vow.  Also from eating grapes, either fresh or dried, or grape seeds, or anything from the grape vine.  Guess all of it is subject to fermentation.  But the instructions also make it clear that when the vow is over, the person can drink wine again.  There is no way to make the argument that alcohol in any form at any time is a sin.  It is the excess, the alcohol to the point of irresponsibility or diminished performance or incapacitation that is a sin.  Too much is a sin. 

Both men and women could take this vow.  No alcohol, and nothing from the grapevine could be touched.  No haircuts of any kind during the vow.  No going near a dead body, even a father or mother.  At the end of the time, the Nazirite brings a burnt, a sin, and a peace offering and the grain and drink offering that goes with it.  He/she shaves the head and the hair is burned under the peace offering.

2023 - So Samson's strength went when his hair was cut because he was a Nazirite from birth.  Cutting the hair ended the separation to God.  This ritual is what that was about.  For the duration of the Nazirite vow, the one who vowed is holy to the Lord.  Perhaps this is why Samson got away with so much.  He was holy, even though his character was questionable.

23 "Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them, 24 The LORD bless you and keep you; 25 the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. [Num 6:23-26 ESV]

One of the most memorized verses in the Bible.  The blessing Aaron was to use to bless the people.

This blessing came from God, to be repeated over the people of Israel by Aaron.  These are not Aaron's words.  This is what God wanted spoken, in order to put His name upon the people, and then He would bless them.  He blesses His name, and all that has His name.