Numbers 6:1-21 - The Temporary Vow Of The Nazarite Symbolical Of The Lifelong Vow Of The Christian

I. SELF - DENIAL ( Deuteronomy 26:3 , Deuteronomy 26:4 );

II. VISIBLE PROFESSION ( Deuteronomy 26:5 );

III. PERSONAL PURITY ( Deuteronomy 26:6-8 ).

I. The priests had, when "on duty," to exercise the self-denial required of the Nazarite (Le Deuteronomy 10:9 ). The kind of self-denial demanded is a significant testimony in favour of total abstinence (see Milton's words in ‘Samson Agonistes:' "Oh, madness, to think use of strongest wines," etc.). Self-denial, in a wider sense, at any rate, always required of us, because we are always "on duty" ( Matthew 10:38 ; Luke 9:23 : John 12:25 ).

II. The Nazarites' locks marked their separation. Our consecration must be marked not by tonsures or cowls, but by verbal avowals ( Romans 10:9 , Romans 10:10 ) and good works ( Matthew 5:16 ; Philippians 2:14-16 ), which shall excel those of men who make no profession to the supernatural life of the disciples of Christ (cf. Matthew 5:47 , Matthew 5:48 ).

III. We are "called to be saints ," personally pure and separated from the world and its dead works ( John 17:11-19 ; 2 Corinthians 6:17 ). Christ's claims on us are paramount ( Luke 9:59 , Luke 9:60 ) and perpetual ( Revelation 2:10 ). We cannot violate our pledges and go on as though our relations to Christ were unchanged, but must renew our vows ( Deuteronomy 26:12 ; Ezekiel 33:12 , Ezekiel 33:13 ). When the period of the vow ended, the restraints were removed, but the honour remained. So will it be with us at death ( John 12:26 , etc.).—P.