The vow to become a Nazirite is also called a special vow (Numbers 6:2). Yet, the vow mentioned here was probably a promise made to God when asking for a specific answer to prayer (see Genesis 28:20–22). During that time, some pagan religions sacrificed infants to their gods, but God prohibited this practice (Leviticus 18:21; 20:2–5; compare Genesis 22:12–13).
Therefore, to make special vow to the Lord meant providing service, not sacrificing a life. Whether an individual made this vow or by someone on their behalf, it required payment to the sanctuary, probably for the person's expenses during their service. See also Numbers 6:1–21; Judges 13:5, 7; 1 Samuel 1:11; Amos 2:11–12; Acts 18:18.