Rambling Through Scripture

The end of Numbers chapter 6 are some of my favorite verses. What we have in these verses is the blessing that the LORD gave to Moses for Israel.   I like how these verses read in God's Word translation reads.  "The LORD said to Moses, "Tell Aaron and his sons, 'This is how you will bless the Israelites.  Say to them:  The LORD will bless you and watch over you.  The LORD will smile on you and be kind to you.  The LORD will look on you with favor and give you peace.'  "So whenever they use my name to bless the Israelites, I will bless them." Notice that it does not just say the LORD bless you it has the word will added in there.   This is important because it conveys the active voice of the words, bless, smile and look.   God’s blessings, smile and looking on the Israelites is ongoing.   It is not a onetime thing. The LORD will bless….   The LORD will smile….   The LORD will look…. Now one of the interesting points abou...

     In Numbers chapter 6 God addresses the taking of vows, specifically taking a vow as a Nazirite.    A Nazirite was an individual, man or woman, who chose to be set aside or dedicated to the LORD.   The Nazirite vow was a matter of choice not obligation by a specific tribe.   When one takes a vow to be a Nazirite they are to:      1.      Never drink wine, liquor, vinegar made from wine or liquor or any kind of grape juice.            a.  Never eat fresh grapes or raisins            b.   Never eat anything that comes from a grapevine not even grape seeds or skins      2.      No razor may touch their heads during the entire time that they are dedicated to the LORD as Nazirites (Their long hair was a sign of dedication to the Lord).    ...