Re:Verse reading–Judges 13:1-5, 14:1-9, 16:1-30 (day one)
“The boy shall be a Nazirite to God”–v 13:7
The Nazirite vow was given to Israel by God in Numbers 6. It was a voluntary offering of self to God. No alcohol meant that the Nazirite would seek God over the pleasures of the world. Not cutting the hair symbolized that he would seek God over appearance and acceptance in polite society. Not touching dead bodies meant that he would keep himself ceremonially pure at all times. Taken together, they symbolized a life totally devoted to God.
Samson was a Nazirite from birth. Like Israel, he had power only so long as he guarded this single devotion. Drifting from it, he had no power.
Jesus was also a Nazirite from birth. Not the outward code (the Lord drank wine for an example) but the inward reality. Wholly dedicated to God, He became the Savior of world and called us to a life like His.
I’m curious as to the beliefs in what touching a dead body signifies? In Navajo culture it’s taboo to touch a dead body and Also to view a body during pregnancy. They say that spirit will attach itself to your soul. Maybe, in a way that your soul will be changed from the grief, or maybe the trauma?