Nazarite Vows

Student Choice assignment #3
Numbers 6: Nazarite Vows

1. Read Numbers 6:2-6, 14, 18; Judges 13:5, 24; 1 Samuel 1:11, 19-20, 28; Luke 1:13-15; Bible Dictionary "Nazarite" and Institute Manual "What was a Nazarite?"

First of all, a Nazarite was a man or woman (even though the scriptures that I read did not mention any women's names that were Nazarites) that consecrates themselves to God for a short period of time or lifelong service.  They vow to separate themselves and serve Him.  The requirements for doing this are that they may not drink any wine or strong drink or partake of anything that comes from the vine.  They are not to shave their hair at all, but to let it grow.  They are to stay away from dead bodies even if it is a member of their own family.

Some of the better known (famous) Nazarites from the scriptures are Samson, Samuel the boy prophet, and John the Baptist.  Now I understand a little more fully why Samson never wanted to have his hair cut. :)

2. Read Alma 5:57.  Write about how the Lord  wants us to live differently from the world today.

This was easy.  I think that the Lord wants us to stay away from things that could tempt us and persuade us to follow the adversary because that will take our hearts away from the Lord.  If we were to act as Nazarites, then we would vow to stay away from unclean things and follow Christ and have our name numbered among the righteous.  How often in our day to day living do we consciously think of what we are doing and if it is in accordance with our Savior's counsels to us?  Are we keeping our vows (covenants)?  There is so much filth in this world and the Lord wants better for us than that.  That is why he asks us to cleave unto the good and leave behind all those things that are not helpful for us or our spirits.