Numbers 6:17

KJV

And he shall offer the ram [for] a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD, with the basket of unleavened bread: the priest shall offer also his meat offering, and his drink offering.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he shall offer {H6213} the ram {H352} for a sacrifice {H2077} of peace offerings {H8002} unto the LORD {H3068}, with the basket {H5536} of unleavened bread {H4682}: the priest {H3548} shall offer {H6213} also his meat offering {H4503}, and his drink offering {H5262}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and his ram as a sacrifice of peace offerings to ADONAI, with the basket of matzah. The cohen will also offer the grain offering and drink offering that go with the peace offering.

Berean Standard Bible

He shall also offer the ram as a peace offering to the LORD, along with the basket of unleavened bread. And the priest is to offer the accompanying grain offering and drink offering.

American Standard Version

and he shall offer the ram for a sacrifice of peace-offerings unto Jehovah, with the basket of unleavened bread: the priest shall offer also the meal-offering thereof, and the drink-offering thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 6:17 meticulously details the concluding sacrificial rites for a Nazirite upon the completion of their vow of separation to the LORD. This verse outlines the required offerings—a ram for a peace offering, a basket of unleavened bread, a grain offering, and a drink offering—all presented by the priest. It underscores the solemnity, structured nature, and communal aspect of ancient Israelite worship, emphasizing both the fulfillment of a sacred commitment and the restoration of full fellowship with God after a period of consecrated separation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 6:17 is precisely situated within the comprehensive instructions concerning the Nazirite vow, which spans [Numbers 6:1-21](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Nazirite Vow"). Specifically, it forms a crucial part of the section describing the offerings required when the days of the Nazirite's separation are fulfilled, a process initiated in [Numbers 6:13](/numbers/6-13 "Numbers 6:13 - Offerings for Nazirite Completion"). The preceding verses, [Numbers 6:14-16](/numbers/6-14-16 "Numbers 6:14-16 - Specific Nazirite Offerings"), enumerate the specific animals and items to be brought: a male lamb for a burnt offering, a ewe lamb for a sin offering, and the ram for the peace offering, alongside the unleavened bread, grain offering, and drink offering. This verse, therefore, completes the inventory of the Nazirite's final presentation, ensuring that all aspects of purification, dedication, and fellowship are meticulously addressed before the individual returns to normal life, thereby concluding their sacred commitment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Nazirite vow was a distinctive, voluntary commitment in ancient Israel, allowing both men and women to consecrate themselves to the LORD for a set period. This consecration was marked by specific abstentions, including wine, cutting hair, and contact with the dead, as thoroughly detailed in [Numbers 6:2-8](/numbers/6-2-8 "Numbers 6:2-8 - Rules of the Nazirite Vow"). The completion of this vow, as described in [Numbers 6:13-21](/numbers/6-13-21 "Numbers 6:13-21 - Conclusion of the Nazirite Vow"), was a public and highly ritualistic affair. It powerfully signified the successful adherence to the vow and the individual's re-entry into the full life of the community after a period of intense, dedicated separation. The offerings, particularly the peace offering (Hebrew: *shelamim*), were profoundly significant. Unlike sin or burnt offerings, which focused on atonement or complete dedication, the peace offering was characterized by fellowship, thanksgiving, and the establishment of "shalom" or wholeness. Parts were burned to the LORD, parts given to the priest, and the remainder was eaten by the worshiper and their family, symbolizing a shared meal with God and the restoration of a harmonious relationship.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 6:17 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes found throughout the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **holiness and separation**, as the Nazirite vow itself represents a heightened state of consecration to God. The meticulous instructions for the vow's completion underscore the **importance of fulfilling vows** made to the LORD, reflecting God's expectation of integrity and faithfulness from His people. The inclusion of various offerings—burnt, sin, peace, grain, and drink—highlights the **comprehensiveness of Israelite worship** and the different facets of humanity's relationship with God: atonement, complete dedication, fellowship, and thanksgiving. Furthermore, the indispensable role of the priest in mediating these offerings reinforces the theme of **divinely appointed mediation** as the means of access to God in the Old Covenant, a concept deeply woven into the fabric of Israel's worship life, as seen in the broader instructions for the priesthood in [Leviticus](/leviticus "The Book of Leviticus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ram (Hebrew, _ʼayil'_):** Derived from a root meaning "strength," this term refers to a male sheep, specifically chosen for its robust nature. In the context of sacrifice, the ram often symbolized strength and was a common offering, particularly for burnt offerings and peace offerings, signifying a valuable and potent gift presented to the LORD.
* **Peace Offerings (Hebrew, _shelem'_):** From the root *shalem*, meaning "to be complete, sound, or whole," *shelem* refers to a voluntary sacrifice offered for thanksgiving, to fulfill a vow, or simply to express fellowship and communion with God. These offerings were distinct in that a portion was consumed by the worshiper and the priest, symbolizing a shared meal and a state of "shalom" or restored wholeness and harmony with the Divine.
* **Meat Offering (Hebrew, _minchâh'_):** More accurately translated as "grain offering" or "tribute offering," this term denotes a bloodless donation, typically of fine flour, oil, and frankincense. It served as a gift or tribute to God, often accompanying animal sacrifices, symbolizing the dedication of one's produce and labor, and an act of worship and gratitude.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shall offer the ram [for] a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD":** This clause specifies the central animal sacrifice for the Nazirite's completion. The ram, a male sheep, was a common sacrificial animal. Its designation as a "peace offering" highlights the primary purpose of this final act: to re-establish and celebrate the Nazirite's fellowship with God after their period of separation, expressing gratitude and wholeness, and signifying a return to a state of "shalom" with the Divine.
* **"with the basket of unleavened bread":** This indicates an accompanying offering required alongside the ram. Unleavened bread, symbolizing purity, sincerity, and haste (as notably seen in the Passover narrative), was a staple in many offerings, signifying the worshiper's clean and uncorrupted dedication. The "basket" (Hebrew: *sal*) implies a significant quantity, reflecting the completeness and generosity of the offering.
* **"the priest shall offer also his meat offering, and his drink offering":** This clause underscores the indispensable role of the priest in mediating the worship. The grain offering (meat offering) and drink offering (a libation, typically of wine) were supplementary but essential components, signifying the Nazirite's full dedication of their substance and life to God, presented through the authorized priestly channel, thereby completing the comprehensive sacrificial ritual.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Numbers 6:17, and indeed throughout the sacrificial system, is **Symbolism**. Each element of the offering—the ram, the unleavened bread, the grain offering, and the drink offering—carries profound symbolic weight, representing deeper theological truths. The ram as a peace offering symbolizes reconciliation, fellowship, and thanksgiving, indicating a state of wholeness with God. The unleavened bread speaks to purity, sincerity, and the absence of corruption or sin. The grain offering (meat offering) represents the dedication of one's labor and sustenance, a gift of gratitude and acknowledgement of God's provision. The drink offering symbolizes the pouring out of one's life in devotion and complete surrender. Together, these elements form a comprehensive symbolic representation of the Nazirite's complete dedication, purification, and joyful re-entry into fellowship with God, all mediated through the divinely appointed priesthood. The meticulous detailing of each item further underscores the **Precision** and **Order** inherent in Israelite worship, reflecting God's holy and orderly character and the seriousness with which sacred vows were to be concluded.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 6:17 powerfully illustrates several enduring theological principles: the sacredness of vows, the importance of thanksgiving and fellowship with God, and the necessity of priestly mediation. The completion of the Nazirite vow through these specific offerings underscores God's expectation that commitments made to Him be honored with integrity and a spirit of gratitude. The peace offering, in particular, highlights that worship is not solely about atonement for sin, but also about joyful communion and expressing a relationship of wholeness and well-being with the Divine. The priest's role further emphasizes that access to God, in the Old Covenant, was always through an appointed mediator, underscoring the structured and covenantal nature of Israel's relationship with the LORD.

* [Leviticus 7:11-21](/leviticus/7-11-21 "Leviticus 7:11-21 - Law of the Peace Offering")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")
* [Hebrews 13:15-16](/hebrews/13-15-16 "Hebrews 13:15-16 - Sacrifices of Praise and Good Deeds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific rituals of the Nazirite vow and its animal sacrifices are no longer practiced by believers today, the underlying spiritual principles of Numbers 6:17 remain profoundly relevant for contemporary Christian life. This verse calls us to reflect on the seriousness with which we approach our commitments to God, whether they are formal vows or daily decisions to live in obedience and devotion. It reminds us that our relationship with God is meant to be one of peace and fellowship, characterized by heartfelt thanksgiving for His goodness and provision. Furthermore, it challenges us to consider what "offerings" we are bringing to the Lord in our lives—not animals, but our time, talents, resources, and indeed, our very selves, as a "living sacrifice." This passage encourages a holistic and joyful dedication, acknowledging that true worship encompasses every aspect of our existence, presented through our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. It invites us to consider how our lives, in their entirety, can be an offering of "shalom" to God, reflecting His peace and wholeness back to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What commitments have I made to God, and how faithfully am I fulfilling them with integrity and gratitude?**
* **In what specific ways do I express thanksgiving and actively seek fellowship with God in my daily life?**
* **How can I offer my "whole self" as a living sacrifice to the Lord, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the Nazirite's offerings?**
* **How does understanding the meticulous role of the Old Testament priest deepen my appreciation for Jesus as my ultimate and perfect High Priest?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the "peace offering" for the Nazirite?**

Answer: The peace offering (Hebrew: *shelem*) was profoundly significant for the Nazirite because it marked the culmination of their vow with an act of joyful fellowship and thanksgiving. Unlike sin or burnt offerings, which primarily dealt with atonement or complete dedication, the peace offering symbolized a restored and harmonious relationship with God. For the Nazirite, it was a celebratory meal shared with the LORD, the priest, and the worshiper's family, signifying the successful completion of their period of separation and their re-entry into full communion with God and the community, in a state of "shalom" or wholeness, as meticulously detailed in the laws concerning peace offerings found in [Leviticus 7:11-21](/leviticus/7-11-21 "Leviticus 7:11-21 - Law of the Peace Offering"). It was a moment of communal celebration and divine-human fellowship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 6:17, with its detailed account of the Nazirite's concluding sacrifices, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The ram offered as a "peace offering" powerfully foreshadows Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who is our true and lasting peace. Through His singular, perfect sacrifice on the cross, Christ not only atoned for our sins but also established an eternal covenant of peace, reconciling humanity to God (as profoundly articulated in [Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). The accompanying grain and drink offerings, symbolizing complete dedication and the pouring out of life, are fully realized in Christ's obedient life and sacrificial death, where He perfectly offered Himself, body and spirit, as the ultimate "living sacrifice" (echoing the call to believers in [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as a Living Sacrifice")). Furthermore, the priest's essential role in offering these sacrifices points directly to Jesus, our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus Our Great High Priest"), who has entered the heavenly sanctuary once for all, mediating our access to God and continually interceding on our behalf ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Thus, the Nazirite's meticulous ritual of completion, aimed at restoring fellowship, is perfectly and eternally achieved in Christ, who is our peace, our perfect offering, and our faithful mediator, enabling us to live in perpetual "shalom" with God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.