Biblical Parallels Index – Bemidbar 6
Overview
This index is meant to help the reader explore Biblical parallels, be they two accounts of the same event or law, stories with similar motifs and themes, or units of text which are linguistically similar and perhaps alluding one to the other. The page includes links to tools that aid in comparison, primary sources that touch upon the parallels, and summaries of and links to articles which analyze them in depth.Nazirites in Tanakh
The haftarah of Parashat Naso is taken from the story of Shimshon because of the theme of naziritehood that appears in both. Looking at the story of Shimshon in light of the laws of Bemidbar 6 and commentators' understanding thereof helps shed light on the character and actions of Shimshon.
Tools
- Use of a concordance reveals that Shimshon is the only named Nazirite in all of Tanakh. In addition, there are only three places where the text states that one should not allow a razor to pass over one's head: in Bemidbar 6, and in the stories of Shimshon and Shemuel, allowing for the possibility that Shemuel, too, was a Nazirite.
Articles
- See The Life of Shimshon as a Nazir, by R. Mosheh Lichtenstein, for analysis of how the construct of naziritehood relates to the personality and innate challenges of Shimshon as an individual. He suggests that one who chooses to become a nazirite often contains impulsive and bursting energies. such tendencies contain much spiritual potential but simultaneously also embody much danger. The Torah portion focuses on how the framework of the naziritehood can curb and develop these traits to bring a person to holiness. The story of Shimshon, in contrast, highlights the religious dangers of such a personality.
- See The Birth of Shimshon the Nazirite and Considering the Naziritehood of Shimshon of Dan, both by R. Michael Hattin, for exploration of the unique aspects of the stories of Shimshon’s birth and naziritehood and how the latter represents an attempted antidote to the spiritual torpor of his generation. R. Hattin suggests that in general a Nazirite is "a person who is profoundly driven towards an encounter with the Divine, one who will not settle for a comfortable but unexamined life", and is often a reaction to what he perceives as society's breakdown. Shimshon's naziritehood, imposed from above, was meant to be a symbol to the people of the need to change their ways.
- See Shimshon and Shemuel for a comparison of these two Nazir-like leaders. The comparison highlights how Shimshon does not appear to fully accomplish his mission, while Shemuel surpasses him in every respect. Whereas Shimshon strived to only physically save the nation, Shemuel looked to improve their spiritual state. As such, he enabled them to merit full, and not just partial, salvation.