I am using the daily Bible reading schedule from “The Bible.net” for my daily Bible reading.

Today, I am reading and commenting on Numbers 5-6.

    Every time I read about the vow of the Nazirite I wonder why one would take such a vow. It is not that it is such a hard vow to keep, or even all that demanding. I just struggle to see what goals would be furthered by taking it. Having said that I started thinking about the types of things for which it might be helpful. It would be a helpful reminder for pledges to accomplish a task that requires a minimal amount of effort sporadically applied, such as setting aside a certain amount of money over time, or paying a certain number of visits to shut-ins. It would also be useful as a reminder to oneself about a vow to take advantage of a certain type of opportunity the next time one occurred. Basically, the vow of the Nazirite serves as a discipline to remind one to practice some other discipline, or intermittent activity. There is one other purpose for the vow of the Nazirite, one that can be both good and bad, it reminds those around you that you have made a promise to do something in the service of God. The good part is that it may inspire those around you to encourage you in what you have promised. The bad side is that some people would use it to show others how much “holier” they are than most. The latter is a form of self-righteousness which is the opposite of holy.