‏ Numbers 30

* Vows to be kept. (1,2) The cases wherein vows might be

released. (3-16)

1,2 No man can be bound by his own promise to do what he is

already, by the Divine precept, forbidden to do. In other

matters the command is, that he shall not break his words,

through he may change his mind. 3-16 Two cases of vows are determined. The case of a daughter

in her father's house. When her vow comes to his knowledge, it

is in his power either to confirm it or do it away. The law is

plain in the case of a wife. If her husband allows her vow,

though only by silence, it stands. If he disallows it, her

obligation to her husband takes place of it; for to him she

ought to be in subjection, as unto the Lord. The Divine law

consults the good order of families. It is fit that every man

should bear rule in his own house, and have his wife and

children in subjection; rather than that this great rule should

be broken, or any encouragement be given to inferior relations

to break those bonds asunder, God releases the obligation even

of a solemn vow. So much does religion secure the welfare of all

societies; and in it the families of the earth have a blessing.