Lamentations 4:7
Her Nazarites were purer then snow, they were whiter then milke, they were more ruddie in body then rubies, their polishing was of Saphir. Lamentations 4:7 (KJV)
Lamentations is a collection of sorrowful poems traditionally ascribed to the prophet Jeremiah. The book mourns the destruction of Jerusalem and the subsequent exile of the Israelites, portraying a nation in deep distress.
The quoted description of Nazarites does not appear in the canonical text of Lamentations; scholars treat it as a later poetic addition rather than Scripture. Nevertheless, the passage offers a vivid portrait of the idealized purity and physical excellence associated with Nazarites.
Nazarites were individuals who voluntarily took a vow of consecration to God for a specified period. During the vow they abstained from wine, refrained from cutting their hair, and observed other restrictions that set them apart for holy service.
The phrase “purer than snow” highlights the extraordinary purity and devotion of the Nazarites, comparing their moral cleanliness to the immaculate whiteness of fresh snow. This imagery underscores their commitment to holiness.
“They were whiter than milk” reinforces the theme of purity, using the whiteness of milk—a symbol of nourishment and innocence—to suggest that the Nazarites surpassed even the most pristine natural substance in righteousness.
The description “more ruddy in body than rubies” points to a healthy, vibrant complexion. “Ruddy” conveys a robust, reddish glow, and the comparison to rubies emphasizes a striking, flourishing physical appearance that reflects vitality.
Finally, “their polishing was of sapphire” evokes the image of refined grooming or spiritual refinement likened to the deep blue brilliance of sapphire. Sapphire, a precious stone of great beauty and value, signifies the noble and polished qualities attributed to the Nazarites.
Together, these images construct an ideal picture of Nazarites as exemplars of purity, health, and refined character, set against the backdrop of Lamentations’ broader lament over a nation that has fallen far short of such ideals.
