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NUMBERS 4–6

Week 7, Day 7

Clergy sometimes complain that they have to do all sorts of routine tasks unrelated to preaching and pastoral care. If so, they are in the biblical tradition. Part of the calling of the Levites was to assemble and disassemble the tabernacle as the Israelites moved from place to place. It wasn’t glamorous work, but it was essential; and from the scriptural point of view it was holy—like cooking a church supper.

The process for settling a marital suspicion is known as trial by ordeal. It was to be used in instances when suspicion was felt but there was no evidence. In a male-dominated culture, it was probably a woman’s best defense against a jealous husband.

Chapter 6 is a bright spot in this book. One admires the nazirites for their desire to dedicate themselves to a special pursuit of God. It is the kind of commitment some make during Lent. It’s easy to discredit such acts as meaningless or superficial; but if they are performed earnestly, they have a positive effect. God honors the seeking heart, and probably the discipline is good for our character.

The blessing with which this chapter ends is a good model not only for benedictions but for our general lifestyle. These beautiful words sent persons on their way under the glow of faith and hope. In a world where people seem so easily to curse and damn others, we ought to be ones who bless. Thus, in some measure, we help God’s kingdom to come.

PRAYER: Help me this day to bring blessing to someone by a word of love and grace, spoken in your name and in your Spirit. Amen.

How and where are nazirite principles preserved in the church today?