Numbers 30
-The statutes for making vows, which the LORD commanded
Moses for men, wives, and daughters, is tackled in this brief portion of Scripture.
A person’s word was their bond in ancient Israel, and trustworthiness was of
prime importance to the LORD. Hasty remarks and promises were not tolerated as
we can see from this text. “If a man makes a vow to the LORD, or takes an oath
to bind himself with a binding obligation, he shall not violate his word; he shall
do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth (Numbers 30:2).” A daughter’s
word was also important, but some protections were given if a father disagreed
with his daughter’s vows. If the father said nothing, then all her vows were to
stand, but if the father objected, she was released from immature and
potentially foolish decisions. The emphasis was on preventing rash statements
that were flippant and did not carry intended meaning. A husband likewise had
authority over the vows of his wife to confirm or annual decisions of promise.
The LORD would forgive daughters and wives who were protected by their husbands
taking action, and the males were to bear the guilt in these instances. The
widow or divorced woman did have to carry the weight of their decisions when
they made a vow (Numbers 30:3-16).
-*Application* Our society is known for broken promises and
unfaithfulness to all sorts of vows and contracts. We need to examine our lives
and the decisions we make in regard to things we tell the LORD, or others, we
are going to do. Be a person of your word. Make bonds that last. Be a person
that others and God can count on. Lying is definitely a sin and can destroy our
lives (Exodus 20:16, Proverbs 12:22, Revelation 21:27; 22:15). Also, notice the
protection God can give within the family structure. Godly men who are guarding
the home from foolish or rash decisions by their daughters or spouses are
blessed of God. If Adam would have done this, we might still be living in a
utopia (Genesis 3:6).
Verse to Memorize:
Numbers 30:2
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