Numbers 6:16

The law gave instructions for restoring purity after unavoidable contact with a dead body. Contact with a dead body made a person ceremonially unclean (not fit for worship for a period of time). The person had to follow certain steps in order to be restored.

Special procedures and offerings also marked the end of a Nazirite vow. A Nazirite vow was a special promise to set oneself apart for God for a period of time. When the time ended, the person brought sacrifices and completed the required rituals.

The law also gives a strong warning about fulfilling the vow (6:21). A person who made such a promise had to complete it fully. God expected faithfulness in keeping vows made to him.

The voluntary vow of a Nazirite allowed men or women to separate themselves to the LORD. The Nazirite lifestyle varied throughout Hebrew history. People took vows seriously in ancient times as a way to show devotion or gratitude to God. This vow could be temporary or permanent. It involved avoiding alcoholic drinks, not cutting hair, and avoiding contact with corpses.

Nazirite restrictions allowed members of non-Levitical tribes to have a more demanding and highly respected relationship with God. The Nazirite vow is probably best known because of Samson (Judges 13–16). See also 1 Samuel 1:11; Jeremiah 35; Acts 18:18; 21:23–26; compare Luke 1:15.