Numbers 6:10

And on the eighth day he shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons, to the priest, to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation:

And on the eighth {H8066} day {H3117} he shall bring {H935} two {H8147} turtles {H8449}, or two {H8147} young {H1121} pigeons {H3123}, to the priest {H3548}, to the door {H6607} of the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}:

On the eighth day he is to bring two doves or two young pigeons to the cohen at the entrance to the tent of meeting.

On the eighth day he must bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons to the priest at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.

And on the eighth day he shall bring two turtle-doves, or two young pigeons, to the priest, to the door of the tent of meeting:

Numbers 6:10 describes a crucial step in the purification ritual for a Nazirite who has accidentally become defiled. This verse specifies the particular offerings required on the eighth day after defilement, enabling the Nazirite to resume their sacred vow of separation to the Lord.

Context of Numbers 6:10

This verse is found within the laws pertaining to the Nazirite vow, a unique commitment of dedication to God in ancient Israel. A Nazirite was set apart by abstaining from wine, not cutting their hair, and avoiding contact with any dead body. Numbers 6:9 explains that if a Nazirite was suddenly and unexpectedly defiled by touching a corpse, they would need to undergo a specific purification process. The "eighth day" mentioned in this verse is significant, marking the completion of the ritual cleansing before the Nazirite could present their prescribed offerings to the priest at the Tabernacle of the congregation (also known as the Tent of Meeting).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Holiness and Purity: The detailed purification requirements for the Nazirite underscore God's unwavering demand for holiness, especially from those who have consecrated themselves to Him. Even accidental defilement had to be ritually addressed.
  • Divine Provision and Mercy: The allowance of "two turtles, or two young pigeons" as an offering highlights God's gracious provision. These were common and affordable birds, often stipulated for purification offerings for the poor, as seen in other laws like those for childbirth (Leviticus 12:8). This demonstrates God's mercy and the accessibility of atonement for all people.
  • Restoration and Continuation: This passage provides a pathway for restoration. It shows that even when a dedicated person stumbles or is defiled through no fault of their own, there is a God-ordained process for cleansing and renewing their commitment, allowing them to continue their vow.
  • The Role of the Priest: The Nazirite brings the offering "to the priest," emphasizing the priest's vital role as an intermediary in Israelite worship and the administration of purification rituals.

Linguistic Insights

The specific mention of "turtles" (turtledoves) and "young pigeons" is important. These birds were readily available and less costly than other sacrificial animals. This detail is not merely practical; it signifies that God's purification and atonement laws were designed to be accessible to all members of Israelite society, regardless of their economic status.

Practical Application

While the literal Nazirite vow is part of the Old Covenant law, the principles embedded in this verse offer timeless spiritual lessons:

  • The Need for Cleansing: Just as accidental defilement required ritual purification, our spiritual defilement (sin) requires cleansing. The New Testament teaches that confession of our sins and the blood of Jesus Christ provide complete spiritual cleansing.
  • God Provides a Way Back: There is always a path to restoration and renewed dedication to God, even after we stumble or fall short. God's grace always provides a way for repentance and reconciliation.
  • God's Mercy is Accessible: The simplicity of the required offering for the Nazirite reflects God's desire for all to be able to approach Him and find cleansing, regardless of their material wealth or status.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Leviticus 1:14

    And if the burnt sacrifice for his offering to the LORD [be] of fowls, then he shall bring his offering of turtledoves, or of young pigeons.

  • Leviticus 15:14

    And on the eighth day he shall take to him two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, and come before the LORD unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and give them unto the priest:

  • Leviticus 15:29

    And on the eighth day she shall take unto her two turtles, or two young pigeons, and bring them unto the priest, to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

  • Leviticus 14:22

    And two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, such as he is able to get; and the one shall be a sin offering, and the other a burnt offering.

  • Leviticus 14:23

    And he shall bring them on the eighth day for his cleansing unto the priest, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, before the LORD.

  • Leviticus 14:31

    [Even] such as he is able to get, the one [for] a sin offering, and the other [for] a burnt offering, with the meat offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for him that is to be cleansed before the LORD.

  • Leviticus 5:7

    ¶ And if he be not able to bring a lamb, then he shall bring for his trespass, which he hath committed, two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, unto the LORD; one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering.
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