To a large extent the material that is covered in Numbers 6 - 8 represents stories already told. Perhaps the information comes from a different source or comes from a later time when it was inserted into Numbers, but the stories retold in 6-8 offers further information for events that have already occurred.
Numbers 6 offers further clarification on "nazirites", those who are dedicated to God. In Leviticus we heard about those who take vows in front of God, a nazirite is one such vow. This person is being dedicated to God and therefore has certain obligations to fulfill, literally the person is now divine property belonging to God. There are many famous nazirites in the bible, the most famous would be Sampson and Samuel. Recall in the story of Sampson (that we will read if you stick it out to Judges) that he is blessed and told not to cut his hair, a typical requirement for a nazirite. Samuel, on the other hand, was dedicated to God by Hannah but are not told about typical nazirite actions on Samuel's part.
A nazirite can be a lifelong dedication, or just a temporary period of time. The 6th chapter outlines what is required of those taking up the lifestyle and how to be dedicated, and then what must be done upon completion of the period of dedication.
It is important to note that one taking the pledge of being a nazirite has standards that are more stringent than even the priesthood. Again, this reminds us that being a member of the laity can be just, if not more, important than a pastor to the life of the community.
The close of Numbers 6 also contains the priestly benediction, a benediction that is still very popular in its usage today.
Numbers 7 revisits the story of the dedication of the altar, which occurred back in Leviticus. However, Numbers has just taken great length to describe the leaders of Israel and their tribes, so now it speaks of what these leaders offered at the dedication. Notice that the dedication offering from each tribe is the same, there are no favorites here.
Psalms 26 & 27
The 26th Psalm would seem to be a plea of judgment of someone who has been accused of something. Perhaps others have claimed that they are not righteous, or perhaps they has just falsely accused the psalmist of some activity. The psalmist is willing to put his or her fate in God's hands and puts forward their claim to be righteous. The opening words "vindicate me" can also be translated as "judge me." The Psalm is another reminder that God will be the ultimate judge and Israel is aware of this, or at least the Psalmist.
On another level this Psalm could also be a statement that bad things do happen to good people. This could directly contradict what many of the time thought; if you are good then good things happen; bad and bad things will happen to you. If we are to believe the Psalmist, then they are righteous, yet some sort of bad has befallen them and they seek to have this situation rectified.
A final interpretation could be that this person is entering into the temple and is making their statement that they are worthy to approach God.
The voice speaking in Psalm 27 expresses their trust in God. Clearly this person has seen hard times and been lead through them on previous occasions so they trust in God to protect them. This Psalm is ascribed to David, and one can recall the many times that David was placed in difficult situations yet trusted in God to deliver him. The fourth verse is frequently found in call to worships and is the ultimate expression of faith in God.
Perhaps in the sixth verse the Psalmist has come to the Tent of Meeting, or Tabernacle, and begins his or her petition to God. Verses 7-13 wold be the petition itself. It would seem that one issue that has come up is the false accusation that has been leveled against the psalmist.
The psalm then closes with words of confidence and trust that God will see the psalmist through this trouble.
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