It was the privilege of any man or woman in Israel to separate himself very specially to the Lord. When he did this, he was called a “Nazarite.” Not a Nazarene, this was a person who lived at Nazareth. A man who wished to enjoy this position was (1) to drink no wine; (2) to let his hair grown and (3) not to touch a dead body. They are a lesson for us. Wine in the Old Testament is a picture of earthly joy. During the time a person was a Nazarite, he was to drink no wine. The believer is a person who is separated from worldly excitement to Christ at all times. A thing might not he called “sinful,” but would keep us from really enjoying the Lord. To let his hair grow, would mean to give up any right to his own dignity or reputation. For the Bible tells us it is a shame for a man to have long hair (1 Cor. 11:14). It was a shame for a man to be a Nazarite. To touch a dead body, would be to be made unclean. Are we not surrounded by those who are dead in trespasses and sins? The Lord Jesus Himself was the true and perfect Nazarite. He made Himself of no reputation and He kept Himself unspotted from the world.
V.13-20 At the end of the time of a man’s Nazarite vow, he is to bring burnt offerings, sin offerings, peace offerings, meat offerings and drink offerings! He is to shave his hair, and then “after that, the Nazarite may drink wine”! The time is coming when our Lord Jesus Christ the One who fulfilled all those offerings, will receive that worthy place of honor, dignity and joy on this earth. We shall reign with Him over this earth (Rev. 5:1010And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. (Revelation 5:10)).