Definition: And the priest shall take the sodden shoulder of the ram, and one unleavened cake out of the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and shall put [them] upon the hands of the Nazarite, after [the hair of] his separation is shaven:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Numbers 6:19. It's a really important and fascinating story about a man who was chosen as God’s special servant and faced a serious challenge. Here’s the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Story: This verse describes a process of purification and dedication for a man named Nazarite. He was chosen to be a very important leader, and he had a really tough situation – his hair was cut off! He needed to prove himself worthy of this role. Let’s unpack the items: “Numbers 6:19” : This is the verse itself – it's a specific part of a larger story. “And the priest shall take the sodden shoulder of the ram…” - This describes the first offering. The priest was given a ram’s shoulder that had been soaked with water (it was wet). “…and one unleavened cake out of the basket…” – This means he received a small, plain cake from a basket. “…and one unleavened wafer…” – This is another small piece of bread. “And shall put [them] upon the hands of the Nazarite…” - This is the crucial part! He was instructed to place these three items – the cake, the wafer, and the hand – on his hands. What does this all mean? It’s a symbolic act of purification and dedication. Here's what it represents: The Ram’s Shoulder: This symbolizes Nazarite’s special status as God’s chosen servant. He was given a significant responsibility and needed to show his devotion. The Wet Sheep: The soaked ram’s shoulder represents a time of hardship, difficulty, or even shame. It's a reminder that he had been through something difficult. The Cake & Wafer: These represent basic sustenance – food and bread. They signify that Nazarite was providing for himself, but also needed to be humble and grateful. Putting Them Upon His Hands: This is the most important part. It signifies that he was symbolically "re-dedicated" or cleansed through these three simple offerings. It’s a way of saying: “You are now worthy of this position because you have overcome this challenge.” Why is this story significant? This story is seen as a powerful example of: Divine Favor: It shows that God rewards those who are dedicated and humble. Transformation: It’s about more than just receiving something; it's about undergoing a change – being purified by a difficult experience. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Give you some historical context (like when this story was written)? Compare it to another story with a similar theme?