Numbers 6:12

And he shall consecrate unto the LORD the days of his separation, and shall bring a lamb of the first year for a trespass offering: but the days that were before shall be lost, because his separation was defiled.

And he shall consecrate {H5144} unto the LORD {H3068} the days {H3117} of his separation {H5145}, and shall bring {H935} a lamb {H3532} of the first {H1121} year {H8141} for a trespass offering {H817}: but the days {H3117} that were before {H7223} shall be lost {H5307}, because his separation {H5145} was defiled {H2930}.

he is to consecrate to ADONAI the full period of his being a nazir by bringing a male lamb in its first year as a guilt offering. The previous days will not be counted, because his consecration became defiled.

He must rededicate his time of separation to the LORD and bring a year-old male lamb as a guilt offering. But the preceding days shall not be counted, because his separation was defiled.

And he shall separate unto Jehovah the days of his separation, and shall bring a he-lamb a year old for a trespass-offering; but the former days shall be void, because his separation was defiled.

Commentary

Context

Numbers 6 details the regulations concerning the Nazarite vow, a special vow of dedication to the LORD taken by men or women in ancient Israel. This voluntary commitment involved specific restrictions: abstaining from wine and strong drink, not cutting their hair, and avoiding contact with any dead body. This verse, Numbers 6:12, addresses a crucial aspect of the vow: what happens if it is accidentally defiled, specifically by sudden contact with a dead person (as described in Numbers 6:9-10). It outlines the process for purification and the consequences of such defilement on the vow's duration.

Key Themes

  • Holiness and Purity: The Nazarite vow was a pursuit of intense holiness and separation unto God. This verse underscores the strictness of God's requirements for purity, even unintentional defilement necessitating a purification process.
  • Consequences of Defilement: The phrase "the days that were before shall be lost" highlights that any defilement, even accidental, invalidated the previous period of dedication. This emphasizes the seriousness of the vow and the integrity required for spiritual commitments.
  • Atonement and Restoration: Despite the loss of previous days, God provides a way for the Nazarite to be purified and to restart their vow. The requirement of a "lamb of the first year for a trespass offering" (Hebrew: asham) signifies the need for atonement to restore one's standing before God after an offense, even an unintentional one. This points to God's gracious provision for reconciliation.
  • Renewed Commitment: The process of bringing offerings, shaving the head, and restarting the vow signifies a renewed and intentional commitment to the original purpose of dedication.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "consecrate" comes from the Hebrew root qadash (ืงึธื“ึทืฉื), meaning "to set apart," "to make holy," or "to dedicate." Here, it refers to the act of setting apart the days of the renewed vow unto the LORD.
  • The "trespass offering" (Hebrew: asham, ืึธืฉึธืื) was a specific type of sacrifice in the Mosaic Law, typically offered for unintentional sins, violations of holy things, or breaches of trust, often involving restitution. Its inclusion here underscores the need to make amends for the defilement and to restore the Nazarite's standing in God's eyes. Leviticus 5:6 provides further context for this offering.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Seriousness of Spiritual Commitments: While we are not under the Mosaic Law, the principle of taking our commitments to God seriously remains. This includes vows, promises, or even our general commitment to live a life dedicated to Christ.
  • Acknowledging and Addressing Sin: Even unintentional spiritual missteps or "defilements" in our walk require acknowledgment and a process of restoration. The New Testament teaches us about confessing our sins to God to receive forgiveness and cleansing.
  • God's Provision for Restoration: Just as God provided a means for the defiled Nazarite to restart their vow, He provides grace and a path to restoration for us through Christ when we stumble. Our past failures do not have to define our future if we seek His forgiveness and renew our commitment.
  • The Cost of Disobedience: The "lost days" serve as a reminder that even unintentional breaks in commitment can have consequences, requiring us to re-engage with renewed focus and effort.
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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 5:6 (3 votes)

    And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the LORD for his sin which he hath sinned, a female from the flock, a lamb or a kid of the goats, for a sin offering; and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his sin.

  • Leviticus 14:24 (2 votes)

    And the priest shall take the lamb of the trespass offering, and the log of oil, and the priest shall wave them [for] a wave offering before the LORD:

  • Ezekiel 18:24 (2 votes)

    But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, [and] doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked [man] doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.

  • John 8:29 (2 votes)

    And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

  • John 8:31 (2 votes)

    ยถ Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, [then] are ye my disciples indeed;

  • James 2:10 (2 votes)

    For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one [point], he is guilty of all.

  • 2 John 1:8 (2 votes)

    Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.