Nazirites

The name has nothing to do with Jesus’ hometown, Nazareth. Rather, they were a specially dedicated group of people who took vows not to touch wine or any grape products, not to cut their hair (either head or beard), and not to touch a dead body.

Numbers 6 describes the Nazirite rules in detail. One could choose to be a Nazirite for a period of a month or a lifetime.

Whatever the time frame, the vows were taken with great seriousness. Although the Nazirites took vows that made them “separate . . . to the LORD,” they did not live apart from other Israelites.

Three Nazirites are significant: Samson, the strongman judge of Israel; Samuel, the judge who crowned Israel’s first two kings; and John the Baptist, the only Nazirite in the New Testament.

Samson’s long hair played a key role in the story of his capture by the Philistines.

See 499 (Samson).

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Treasures in the Mud: The Grace of Being Searched

Charles H. Spurgeon

The surpassing grace of God is seen very clearly in that we were not only sought, but we were also sought out. People seek for something that is lost upon the floor of the house, but in such a case there is only seeking, not seeking out. The loss is more perplexing and the search more persevering when something is sought out.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Fighting for the Truth and Love

John MacArthur

In a world where truth is under attack, few rise to defend it. But let's remember that our apathy won't be an excuse before Christ. In Revelation, we see how He rebuked the churches that tolerated falsehood. Let's do the same, bravely defend the truth.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Holy Hatred of Sin

John MacArthur

We desperately need to recover a holy hatred of sin. We need to do this corporately as a church, but we also need to do it individually as believers. Sin is surely not a pleasant subject to study or preach on, but it is necessary.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Calm And Quiet

David Jeremiah

According to medical researchers at Duke University, there is a “vicious cycle” involving insomnia, anxiety, and depression. It’s sort of a “which came first: the chicken or the egg?” scenario.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Rope of Prayer

David Jeremiah

Daniel was a man who communicated with heaven. He prayed fervently, consistently, and for the will of God. He knew nothing of praying only before meals, at bedtime, and when he really needed God’s help.