“Consecration and Blessing: A Life Set Apart and a Face That Shines”
If Numbers 5 guarded the moral integrity of the camp,
Numbers 6 reveals two profound truths:
• Some are called to special consecration.
• All are invited into divine blessing.
The chapter teaches that holiness is not merely avoidance of defilement — it is positive dedication to God. And such dedication is crowned by the shining favour of the Lord.
This chapter teaches one central truth:
Consecration sets a life apart for God, and divine blessing rests upon those who dwell under His name and His shining presence.
I. The Nazirite Vow — A Voluntary Separation
“When either a man or a woman makes a special vow…” (Num 6:2)
The Nazirite vow is remarkable because it is voluntary. It is not imposed; it is chosen.
St Augustine writes:
“Love freely binds itself where compulsion cannot.”
(Sermons)
This vow expresses intensified devotion — a deliberate drawing near to God through visible discipline.
1. Abstinence from the Vine — Joy Restrained for Holiness
The Nazirite must abstain from:
• wine
• strong drink
• vinegar
• even grapes and raisins
St Gregory the Great teaches:
“What is lawful may be laid aside for what is higher.”
(Homilies)
Wine symbolises joy and earthly delight.
Typology
The Nazirite renounces ordinary joy for deeper consecration.
Christ, at times, abstains — yet later provides wine at Cana.
John the Baptist, a Nazirite-like figure, prepares the way in austerity.
Temporary restraint anticipates fuller joy in God.
2. Uncut Hair — Visible Dedication
“All the days… no razor shall touch his head.” (6:5)
Hair becomes a sign of separation.
St Ambrose writes:
“What grows naturally becomes a crown when offered to God.”
(On the Patriarchs)
The outward sign reflects inward vow.
Typology
Hair symbolises vitality and strength.
Consecration does not erase humanity; it offers it.
Christ wears no outward Nazirite sign — yet His whole life is consecrated to the Father.
3. Avoidance of Death — Separation from Defilement
“He shall not go near a dead body.” (6:6)
Even familial loss does not override the vow.
St Augustine writes:
“Consecration prioritises eternal life above earthly ties.”
(Sermons)
Death symbolises corruption and separation.
Typology
The Nazirite points toward life untouched by decay.
Christ touches the dead — yet death cannot defile Him.
Instead, He reverses death itself.
4. Accidental Defilement — Restarting the Vow
If accidental contact occurs, the days are void; the vow restarts.
St Gregory the Great teaches:
“Holiness demands renewal when broken.”
(Homilies)
Typology
Consecration can be interrupted but restored.
Christ’s priesthood alone is uninterrupted and perfect.
5. Completion of the Vow — Sacrifice and Offering
At the vow’s end:
• burnt offering
• sin offering
• peace offering
• grain and drink offerings
The hair is shaved and burned with the peace offering.
St Ambrose writes:
“What was set apart returns to God in thanksgiving.”
(On the Mysteries)
Typology
Consecration culminates in sacrifice.
Christ fulfils every offering in Himself.
The Nazirite vow foreshadows total self-giving.
II. The Priestly Blessing — Divine Favour Bestowed
After consecration comes benediction.
“The Lord bless you and keep you…” (6:24–26)
This is one of Scripture’s most luminous passages.
St Augustine writes:
“In these words heaven bends toward earth.”
(Sermons)
1. “The Lord Bless You and Keep You”
Blessing implies fruitfulness and protection.
St Gregory the Great teaches:
“To be kept by God is to remain within His providence.”
(Homilies)
Typology
Keeping echoes Edenic guardianship restored.
Christ keeps His own.
2. “Make His Face Shine Upon You”
The shining face recalls Moses descending from Sinai.
St Ambrose writes:
“The light of God is favour made visible.”
(On the Mysteries)
Typology
Divine light symbolises approval and communion.
Christ is the true radiance of God’s glory.
The shining face becomes incarnate in Him.
3. “Lift Up His Countenance… and Give You Peace”
Peace (shalom) implies wholeness and harmony.
St Augustine teaches:
“Peace is the tranquillity of rightly ordered love.”
(The City of God)
Typology
Peace follows reconciliation.
Christ is our peace.
4. “They Shall Put My Name Upon the People”
“So shall they put my name…” (6:27)
God places His name upon Israel.
St Gregory the Great writes:
“To bear God’s name is to belong to Him.”
(Homilies)
Typology
The name signifies ownership and covenant.
Christ teaches baptism “in the name” — a deeper fulfilment.
The New Jerusalem bears the name upon foreheads.
The Movement of the Chapter
Numbers 6 flows beautifully:
• voluntary dedication
• disciplined separation
• sacrificial completion
• divine blessing
• covenant naming
Holiness ascends; blessing descends.
The Meaning of Numbers 6
This chapter teaches:
• consecration is freely embraced
• holiness may require restraint
• dedication has visible expression
• broken vows require renewal
• sacrifice seals commitment
• blessing flows from divine favour
• peace follows divine light
• belonging is marked by God’s name
It proclaims:
Lives set apart for God dwell under His shining face and covenant peace.
Christ Revealed in Numbers 6
Christ is:
• the perfectly consecrated Son
• the fulfiller of every vow
• untouched by corruption
• the radiant face of God
• the giver of true peace
• the bearer of the divine name
• the blessing embodied
He does not merely receive the blessing —
He is the blessing.
Spiritual Application
Consider what consecration God may call you to.
Practise voluntary discipline.
Guard holiness carefully.
Renew devotion when interrupted.
Live visibly dedicated.
Receive God’s blessing with gratitude.
Walk under His shining face.
Rest in Christ’s peace.
Closing Prayer
Lord God of holiness and peace,
You call us to lives set apart
and bless us with Your shining presence.
Consecrate our hearts to You.
Renew us when we falter.
Let Your face shine upon us.
Through Jesus Christ,
our perfect offering and eternal blessing,
grant us Your peace
now and for ever.
Amen.
St. Mary's, St. John Bosco and St. Edward's 