The Levites were uniquely set apart and devoted to God; they alone could serve as priests. But the opportunity to set oneself apart for devotion to God was still given to non-Levites both men and women. This was the purpose of the Nazirite vow. “Nazirite” comes from the Hebrew word meaning “to separate”. People could set aside a period of special dedication to God during which they would observe various symbolic prohibitions and practices that were like those of the priests (though stricter). This was an opportunity for people to reciprocate God’s dedication to them, by dedicating themselves to God. It was a way of connecting with the fulness of the blessing articulated here in 6:24-26. If you want to experience these blessings, you can. You don’t need to earn them, for Christ earned them for us. God gives himself to those who desire him. But he will not be depreciated by being relegated to a secondary desire. This blessing must either be everything to you, or it will be nothing. You must not be relatively desirous of what is ultimately desirable. It is those who hunger and thirst for righteousness who will be filled (Matthew 5:6). This is why God exhorts us to seek that we may find (Matthew 7:7). For desire is grown when it is exercised. We can learn from the Nazirite practice, about the benefit of special times of seeking God. How much do you need and want God? Are you prepared to set aside a period of time to dedicate yourself to seeking God? A spiritual retreat perhaps? These can be transformative times.
Pray that you may experience the blessing of Numbers 6:24-26.
Read Numbers 6.
