Chapter 6:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Leviticus Deuteronomy
Numbers 6
Concise Complete
The law concerning the Nazarites. (1-21) The form of
blessing the people. (22-27)
Verses 1-21 The
word Nazarite signifies separation. Some were appointed of God, before their
birth, to be Nazarites all their days, as Samson and John the Baptist. But, in
general, it was a vow of separation from the world and devotedness to the
services of religion, for a limited time, and under certain rules, which any
person might make if they pleased. A Nazarite is spoken of as well known; but
his obligation is brought to a greater certainty than before. That the fancies
of superstitious men might not multiply the restraints endlessly, God gives them
rules. They must not drink wine or strong drink, nor eat grapes. Those who
separate themselves to God, must not gratify the desires of the body, but keep
it under. Let all Christians be very moderate in the use of wine and strong
drink; for if the love of these once gets the mastery of a man, he becomes an
easy prey to Satan. The Nazarites were to eat nothing that came of the vine;
this may teach the utmost care to avoid sin, and all that borders upon it, and
leads to it, or may be a temptation to us. They must not cut their hair. They
must neither poll their heads, nor shave their beards; this was the mark of
Samson being a Nazarite. This signified neglect of the body, and of the ease and
ornament of it. Those who separate themselves to God, must keep their
consciences pure from dead works, and not touch unclean things. All the days of
their separation they must be holy to the Lord. This was the meaning of those
outward observances, and without this they were of no account. No penalty or
sacrifice was appointed for those who wilfully broke their vow of being
Nazarites; they must answer another day for such profane trifling with the Lord
their God; but those were to be relieved who did not sin wilfully. There is
nothing in Scripture that bears the least resemblance to the religious orders of
the church of Rome, except these Nazarites. But mark the difference, or rather
how completely opposed! The religious of that church are forbidden to marry; but
no such restriction is laid upon the Nazarites. They are commanded to abstain
from meats; but the Nazarites might eat any food allowed other Israelites. They
are not generally forbidden wine, not even on their fasting days; but the
Nazarites might not have wine at any time. Their vow is lasting, even to the end
of their lives; the Nazarites' vow was only for a limited time, at their own
will; and in certain cases not unless allowed by husbands or parents. Such a
thorough difference there is between rules of man's invention and those directed
in Scripture, Let us not forget that the Lord Jesus is not only our Surety, but
also our example. For his sake we must renounce worldly pleasures, abstain from
fleshy lusts, be separate from sinners, make open profession of our faith,
moderate natural affections, be spiritually-minded, and devoted to God's
service, and desirous to be an example all around us.
Verses 22-27 The
priests were solemnly to bless the people in the name of the Lord. To be under
the almighty protection of God our Saviour; to enjoy his favour as the smile of
a loving Father, or as the cheering beams of the sun; while he mercifully
forgives our sins, supplies our wants, consoles the heart, and prepares us by
his grace for eternal glory; these things form the substance of this blessing,
and the sum total of all blessings. In so rich a list of mercies worldly joys
are not worthy to be mentioned. Here is a form of prayer. The name Jehovah is
three times repeated. The Jews think there is some mystery; and we know what it
is, the New Testament having explained it. There we are directed to expect the
blessing from the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of the Father, and
the communion of the
2
corinthiansyet they are not three Lords, but one Lord.
Chapter 6:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Leviticus Deuteronomy
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
1 Kings
2 Kings
1 Chronicles
2 Chronicles
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther
Job
Psalm
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Acts
Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Hebrews
James
1 Peter
2 Peter
1 John
2 John
3 John
Jude
Revelation
