Numbers 6:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Numbers 6:20
20 And the priest shall wave them for a wave offering before the LORD: this is holy for the priest, with the wave breast and heave shoulder: and after that the Nazarite may drink wine.
Chapter Context
Numbers 6 is a mixed narrative and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of redemption, covenant, love. Written during Israel's wilderness period (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The wilderness journey occurred between Egypt's dominance and the Canaanite tribal systems.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-27: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Numbers and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Numbers 6:20
20 And the priest shall wave them for a wave offering before the LORD: this is holy for the priest, with the wave breast and heave shoulder: and after that the Nazarite may drink wine.
Analysis
The wave offering ritual, where the priest waved portions before the LORD, symbolized presenting offerings to God and receiving them back for priestly consumption. This represented fellowship between God and worshiper through the mediating priest. After this ceremony, the Nazirite was released to drink wine, demonstrating that the vow's restrictions were temporary, not permanent. This teaches that special seasons of consecration serve specific purposes but need not become permanent burdens. Christian liberty allows for temporary restrictions undertaken voluntarily for spiritual purposes.
Historical Context
The wave offering involved the priest placing hands under the worshiper's hands and moving the offering in a ceremonial motion, symbolizing presentation to God. Portions were then consumed by the priests, showing that God's servants were sustained by offerings brought by the people. The Nazirite's freedom to drink wine after the ceremony marked full restoration to normal life, having completed the vow faithfully. This prevented the vow from becoming a burden and showed its voluntary, temporary nature.
Reflection
- How does the temporary nature of the Nazirite vow challenge the idea that more restrictive lives are always more spiritual?
- What voluntary restrictions might you embrace for a season to deepen devotion to God, understanding they need not be permanent?
Word Studies
- Holy: קָדוֹשׁ (Qadosh) H6944 - Holy, set apart
Cross-References
- Sacrifice: Numbers 5:25
- Parallel theme: Ecclesiastes 9:7