Male or Female; No Difference

Numbers 6:2 KJV

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate themselves unto the LORD:

The vow of the Nazarite was an exceptional one. It was not required of all, but meant to stir up spiritual growth in others.

·       Some were Nazarites by call of God, as was Samson.

·       Some were Nazarites by design of there parents as was Samuel.

·       Others were Nazarites by their own choice, which is referenced here.

Those who took the vow of the Nazarite would set a limit of time for their vow, such as a month, though they could be a Nazarite for life. Any person taking the vow of the Nazarite had do be in a position to make the vow of their own accord. A married man, for instance, had responsibilities to wife and family and a wife or daughter who took the vow without consent of husband or father could have their vow annulled.

The thing that impressed me in this reading was that both men and women could take this vow. Once taken, the conditions and expectations were exact. The man and the woman were equal.

That is the case of salvation. There is no difference between man and woman:

·       The same salvation applies to both.

·       The same blood saves both.

·       The same resurrection gives victory to both.

·       The same walk of faith is urged upon both.

·       The same call to witness is made for both.

There are obvious differences in role, function and family responsibilities between the man and the woman. But in Christ we are equal.