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Numbers 30

World English Bible

WEB

1Moses spoke to the heads of the tribes of the children of Israel, saying, “This is the thing which Yahweh has commanded. 2When a man vows a vow to Yahweh, or swears an oath to bind his soul with a bond, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth. 3“Also, when a woman vows a vow to Yahweh and binds herself by a pledge, being in her father’s house, in her youth, 4and her father hears her vow and her pledge with which she has bound her soul, and her father says nothing to her, then all her vows shall stand, and every pledge with which she has bound her soul shall stand. 5But if her father forbids her in the day that he hears, none of her vows or of her pledges with which she has bound her soul, shall stand. Yahweh will forgive her, because her father has forbidden her. 6“If she has a husband, while her vows are on her, or the rash utterance of her lips with which she has bound her soul, 7and her husband hears it, and says nothing to her in the day that he hears it; then her vows shall stand, and her pledges with which she has bound her soul shall stand. 8But if her husband forbids her in the day that he hears it, then he makes void her vow which is on her and the rash utterance of her lips, with which she has bound her soul. Yahweh will forgive her. 9“But the vow of a widow, or of her who is divorced, everything with which she has bound her soul shall stand against her. 10“If she vowed in her husband’s house or bound her soul by a bond with an oath, 11and her husband heard it, and held his peace at her and didn’t disallow her, then all her vows shall stand, and every pledge with which she bound her soul shall stand. 12But if her husband made them null and void in the day that he heard them, then whatever proceeded out of her lips concerning her vows, or concerning the bond of her soul, shall not stand. Her husband has made them void. Yahweh will forgive her. 13Every vow, and every binding oath to afflict the soul, her husband may establish it, or her husband may make it void. 14But if her husband says nothing to her from day to day, then he establishes all her vows or all her pledges which are on her. He has established them, because he said nothing to her in the day that he heard them. 15But if he makes them null and void after he has heard them, then he shall bear her iniquity.” 16These are the statutes which Yahweh commanded Moses, between a man and his wife, between a father and his daughter, being in her youth, in her father’s house.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Numbers Chapter 30 focuses on the laws regarding vows and oaths, emphasizing the importance of integrity and accountability in one's commitments before God. The chapter begins with instructions given to Moses regarding the vows made by men and women. It highlights that a man’s vow is binding, and he cannot break it, while a woman’s vow can be annulled by her father or husband if done so within a specific timeframe. This reflects the cultural context of ancient Israel, where family authority played a significant role in personal commitments. The chapter underscores the seriousness of making vows, as seen in verses like Numbers 30:2, which states, "If a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said.", emphasizing the need for faithfulness in our promises to God.

The chapter also addresses the unique situation of women, particularly daughters and wives, and their vows. If a woman makes a vow while living in her father’s house, her father has the authority to annul it if he disapproves. Similarly, a husband can annul his wife’s vow if he hears it and disapproves. This provision illustrates the protective measures in place for women in their societal roles, ensuring that their commitments align with the family’s well-being. The concluding verses reiterate the importance of adhering to vows, stating that these laws apply to both men and women, reinforcing the idea that all believers are accountable to God for their words and promises. Overall, Numbers 30 teaches us about the weight of our words and the necessity of honoring our commitments, reminding us that our integrity reflects our relationship with God.
#Vows #Oaths #Integrity #Commitment #Moses

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Referenced by

  1. Leviticus 27:2v2Leviticus 27:2 discusses making a vow to the Lord, which is further elaborated in Numbers 30:2, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling vows made to God.
  2. Joshua 9:18v2Joshua 9:18 shows the Israelites honoring their oath to the Gibeonites despite being deceived. Numbers 30:2 underscores the importance of keeping vows made before God.

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