Numbers 6: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Numbers 6 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Yahweh instructs Moses to tell the children of Israel about the Nazirite vow for both men and women (vv. 1-2). Nazirites must abstain from wine and grape products during their separation (vv. 3-4). They shall not cut their hair and must avoid contact with dead bodies, maintaining holiness to Yahweh (vv. 5-8). If a Nazirites becomes defiled by sudden death, they must shave their head and offer sacrifices, with specific instructions for cleansing (vv. 9-12). After completing their vow, they are to bring offerings to the Tent of Meeting, including lambs, bread, and drink offerings (vv. 13-21). Finally, Yahweh tells Moses to instruct Aaron and his sons on how to bless the children of Israel, proclaiming peace and grace upon them (vv. 22-27).

Key verse

‘Yahweh bless you, and keep you. Yahweh make his face to shine on you, and be gracious to you. Yahweh lift up his face toward you, and give you peace.’
Numbers 6:24-26 (WEB)

Outline

Numbers 6:1–2 Introduction to the Nazirite Vow
Numbers 6:3–4 Dietary Restrictions for Nazirites
Numbers 6:5–8 Hair and Purity Regulations
Numbers 6:9–12 Consequences of Defilement
Numbers 6:13–21 Completion of the Vow
Numbers 6:22–27 The Aaronic Blessing

Discussion questions

In v4, what must the Nazirite abstain from regarding the grapevine?
What offerings are mentioned in vv. 14-15 that the Nazirite must bring?
The phrase 'he shall be holy' in v5: what does holiness entail for the Nazirite?
In v12, what does it mean for the former days to be 'void' for the Nazirite?
When have you set something aside for a period of time, as mentioned in v2?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Numbers 6: Philippians 4, Psalm 29, John 14.

Before next time: read Numbers 7.