If her husband
forbids her when he hears about it, he nullifies the vow that obligates her
(Numbers 30:8).
In this passage Moses emphasizes the sanctity of a promise.
He starts out saying a man must absolutely keep his word to the Lord, and if he
takes an oath he’d better make good his pledge. He doesn’t stop at how
important it is to keep a promise already made; he also warns against making rash
vows in the first place.
We’d all be better off if everyone took promises as
seriously as Moses.
The rules are different when it comes to women. A young
woman still living at home can have her promises annulled by her father, and a
wife can have her promises overruled by her husband. But if the husband or
father knows about the promise and says nothing, it stands.
At first glance, it might seem this passage is demeaning to
women; however, that’s not the point. The purpose of this regulation is not to
be condescending to women, but to protect them [6]. On the other hand, it also
protects husbands and families from being burdened with debts racked up by
non-worldly wise wives and daughters. These are not the arbitrary restrictions
of a woman-hating God, but the sheltering embrace of a benevolent parent.
As an example of another biblical writer’s honor and respect
for successful businesswomen, see Proverbs 31:10-31.
TODAY’S MEDITATION
Have you ever made a
promise and later wished someone could get you out of it? Do you need to let
someone off the hook for a bad promise they made?
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