The Nazarites Lamentations 4:7

As Jeremiah continued his description of the overthrown people and city of Jerusalem, he included the sanctuary, the priesthood, the children, and those who once prospered sumptuously. In chapter four and verse seven of Lamentations Jeremiah adds the Nazarites to those whom he observed. He wrote

Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was of sapphire:

The verse begins, “Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk,...” The “Nazarites” which means “consecrated, devoted or separated one” were people among those in Judah who had vows they kept to consecrate themselves to God. They were held in high esteem by others in Jerusalem, and they were known to abstain from strong drink, not cut their hair, and stay away from dead bodies along with other disciplines described in the book of Numbers in chapter six and verses one through twenty-one. The Nazarites in Jeremiah's time were described as “purer than snow, they were whiter than milk” which refers to their purity and beautiful devotion to the Lord God.

The verse goes on to say, “ they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was of sapphire:” As Jeremiah continued his description of the Nazarites of Jerusalem, he compared them to precious jewels. First, he employs “rubies” or “corals” and refers to their being “more ruddy in body” which means “red or dyed red” and implies high value and worth. Next Jeremiah used “sapphire” which represented the “blue veins of a healthy person” and speaks of their “polishing” which means “cutting, polishing or separation” and denotes the special separation and honor that was given to the Nazarites.

There are times in the Bible where a complete thought is covered over two or more verses rather than a single verse. This is the case with Jeremiah's words in verse seven of chapter four. Chapters and verses were added after these words were written to make it easier for readers to find certain passages. What we learn from this verse is the more blessed side of the Nazarites, and we must keep in mind that Jeremiah is pointing out what these Nazarites were like before the devastation. We might do well to use this description as a reference for times when we know someone who was prospering, beloved, and as precious as jewels. However, we see their status did not last, and what used to be is no more. As we ponder these words of Jeremiah let us examine ourselves and pray for others who may have fallen from a valued position, and keep ourselves within the love of Jesus as we do.

Next time Jeremiah will tell more of the Nazarites, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

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