Numbers 6:20 - and the priest shall wave them for a wave offering before Yahweh. This is holy for the priest, together with the breast that is waved and the thigh that is offered. After that the Nazirite may drink wine.
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What does "Numbers 6:20" mean?
This verse is part of the ritual that marks the end of a Nazirite vow. Let's break it down:
Context: The entire passage in Numbers 6 details the Nazirite vow. This vow involved abstaining from wine and strong drink, cutting hair, and contact with corpses for a specified period. This verse specifically describes what happens after that period is over, when the Nazirite is ready to be released from the vow.
"and the priest shall wave them for a wave offering before Yahweh.": This refers to specific parts of sacrificial animals (a ram, a lamb, and a basket of unleavened bread - described earlier in the chapter) brought by the Nazirite as offerings. The "wave offering" was a ritual where the priest moved the offering back and forth, symbolizing a dedication to God and an acknowledgement of His ownership. It was a visible presentation of the offering.
"This is holy for the priest, together with the breast that is waved and the thigh that is offered.": After the wave offering, certain parts of the sacrifice (specifically the breast and thigh) became the property of the priest. These were given to the priest as compensation for their service in performing the ritual. These parts were considered "holy," meaning they were set apart and could only be used by the priests for their sustenance.
"After that the Nazirite may drink wine.": This is the key element. The completion of the sacrificial offerings and the ritual performed by the priest signifies the end of the Nazirite's vow. The most prominent restriction of the vow was abstaining from wine. Therefore, after the ritual, the Nazirite was now free to resume drinking wine. This marked a return to normal life after a period of dedication.
In Summary
The verse outlines the final steps in releasing a Nazirite from their vow. It involves sacrificial offerings, a symbolic waving of certain portions, and the allocation of parts to the priest. This ritual signifies the end of the Nazirite's period of dedication and their return to regular life, symbolized by the permission to drink wine again.
Significance
End of a Period of Dedication: It marks a transition from a state of intensified religious devotion back to normal life.
Importance of Ritual: The ritual demonstrates that even transitions require proper ceremonies and procedures according to religious law.
Provision for the Priesthood: The allocation of parts of the sacrifice to the priest provided for their needs and emphasized their role in mediating between the people and God.
Symbolic Return to Freedom: The permission to drink wine symbolizes the regained freedom and release from the restrictions of the Nazirite vow.
The Nazirite vow itself serves as a powerful example of voluntarily setting oneself apart for a specific purpose. It highlights the potential to dedicate oneself intensely to God for a time, and then to return to the broader community.
Numbers 6:20 - and the priest shall wave them for a wave offering before Yahweh. This is holy for the priest, together with the breast that is waved and the thigh that is offered. After that the Nazirite may drink wine.
What does "Numbers 6:20" mean?
This verse is part of the ritual that marks the end of a Nazirite vow. Let's break it down:
Context: The entire passage in Numbers 6 details the Nazirite vow. This vow involved abstaining from wine and strong drink, cutting hair, and contact with corpses for a specified period. This verse specifically describes what happens after that period is over, when the Nazirite is ready to be released from the vow.
"and the priest shall wave them for a wave offering before Yahweh.": This refers to specific parts of sacrificial animals (a ram, a lamb, and a basket of unleavened bread - described earlier in the chapter) brought by the Nazirite as offerings. The "wave offering" was a ritual where the priest moved the offering back and forth, symbolizing a dedication to God and an acknowledgement of His ownership. It was a visible presentation of the offering.
"This is holy for the priest, together with the breast that is waved and the thigh that is offered.": After the wave offering, certain parts of the sacrifice (specifically the breast and thigh) became the property of the priest. These were given to the priest as compensation for their service in performing the ritual. These parts were considered "holy," meaning they were set apart and could only be used by the priests for their sustenance.
"After that the Nazirite may drink wine.": This is the key element. The completion of the sacrificial offerings and the ritual performed by the priest signifies the end of the Nazirite's vow. The most prominent restriction of the vow was abstaining from wine. Therefore, after the ritual, the Nazirite was now free to resume drinking wine. This marked a return to normal life after a period of dedication.
In Summary
The verse outlines the final steps in releasing a Nazirite from their vow. It involves sacrificial offerings, a symbolic waving of certain portions, and the allocation of parts to the priest. This ritual signifies the end of the Nazirite's period of dedication and their return to regular life, symbolized by the permission to drink wine again.
Significance
End of a Period of Dedication: It marks a transition from a state of intensified religious devotion back to normal life.
Importance of Ritual: The ritual demonstrates that even transitions require proper ceremonies and procedures according to religious law.
Provision for the Priesthood: The allocation of parts of the sacrifice to the priest provided for their needs and emphasized their role in mediating between the people and God.
Symbolic Return to Freedom: The permission to drink wine symbolizes the regained freedom and release from the restrictions of the Nazirite vow.
The Nazirite vow itself serves as a powerful example of voluntarily setting oneself apart for a specific purpose. It highlights the potential to dedicate oneself intensely to God for a time, and then to return to the broader community.