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was a great and mighty prophet. His birth was foretold to his father, Zechariah, by the angel Gabriel. It was a miracle that Elizabeth, John=s mother, was able to give birth, since both of his parents were past the child-bearing years. John entered this world, ....

Middle of Essay
.... vow, which was an ancient vow dating back to the days of the children of Israel (37). The vow was a promise of separation from the common people in order that the calling of God would become clear. Specifically, the Nazarite vow states that they must abstain from wine and other fermented drink, must not drink vinegar, or grape juice, or eat grapes or raisins. A Nazarite must not touch anything from the grapevine, or cut his hair or go near a dead body (Numbers 6:1-12 NIV). This vow explains and fulfills the words that Gabriel spoke; AHe is never to take wine or other fermented drink.@ The Nazarite vow separated John from the other boys, bu ....