Definition: That he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a rasor upon mine head; for I [have been] a Nazarite unto God from my motherâs womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any [other] man.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage together. It’s a really interesting and somewhat dramatic verse from the Book of Judges! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: This verse comes after a very violent and chaotic period in Israel’s history. A woman named “Rasor” (likely a name meaning "stone" or "rock") has been attacking and harming King Saul, the king of Israel. She's been deliberately trying to harm him with stones and other things. What it says: “That he told her all his heart…” – This is key. The Nazarite (a special kind of protector) was deeply distressed and heartbroken by this constant abuse. He confessed everything in his soul to her. “…and said unto her, There hath not come a rasor upon mine head;” - This means he wasn't afraid or threatened. He didn’t feel like he was going to be harmed. “For I [have been] a Nazarite unto God from my mother’s womb: ” – This is the core of the story. The Nazarite was given this special protection by his mother – it was a sacred vow and duty passed down through generations. It meant he was ordained to be protected by God. “If I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any [other] man.” – This is the scary part! If he shaved his head (as punishment for his actions), it would mean he would lose his power, his ability to lead and protect. He’d become vulnerable and less capable. In simpler terms: The Nazarite was deeply hurt by this woman's attacks and vowed to be protected by God from harm. He felt like he was being deliberately targeted and was worried about losing his strength and ability to do his duty. What it’s trying to say: This verse highlights a serious situation of betrayal, abuse, and the importance of divine protection. It speaks to a deep sense of vulnerability and the need for God's intervention to safeguard those who are entrusted with responsibility. It emphasizes that being protected by God is vital for one’s purpose and ability to fulfill their role. Important Note: The word "Nazarite" isn't really about a specific royal title, but rather a lifelong vow of protection and obedience to God. --- Do you want me to elaborate on any part of this passage? For example, would you like me to: Explain the significance of the Nazarite tradition in Jewish history? Discuss the context of the story within the larger narrative of Israel’s struggles?