Num 30:1-2 | Clarke | e4.org | CHAPTER XXX The law concerning vows of men , 1, 2. Of women under age, and in what cases the father may annul them , 3-5. The vows of a wife, and in what cases the husband may annul them , 6-8. The vows of a widow, or divorced woman, in what cases they may be considered either as confirmed or annulled , 9-15. Recapitulation of these ordinances , 16. NOTES ON CHAP. XXX

‏ Numbers 30:1-2

CHAPTER XXX

The law concerning vows of men, 1, 2.

Of women under age, and in what cases the father may annul them, 3-5.

The vows of a wife, and in what cases the husband may annul them, 6-8.

The vows of a widow, or divorced woman, in what cases they may be considered either as confirmed or annulled, 9-15.

Recapitulation of these ordinances, 16.

NOTES ON CHAP. XXX

Verse 2. If a man vow a vow] A vow is a religious promise made to God. Vows were of several kinds:-

1. Of abstinence or humiliation, see ver.Nu 30:13;

2. Of the Nazarite, see Nu 6:1-21;

3. Of giving certain things or sacrifices to the Lord, Le 7:16;

4. Of alms given to the poor, see De 23:21.

The law in this chapter must have been very useful, as it both prevented and annulled rash vows, and provided a proper sanction for the support and performance of those that were rationally and piously made. Besides, this law must have acted as a great preventive of lying and hypocrisy. If a vow was properly made, a man or woman was bound, under penalty of the displeasure of God, to fulfil it.