Numbers 30

Chap. XXX. Ver. 1—16. The law of vows.—If a man vow to do any thing sinful in itself, he ought deeply to repent of the sin which he has committed; for no vow or oath can bind him to break the command of God. Some vows relate to the performance of what was previously our indispensable duty; and such a vow is implied in our attendance on the Lord’s table. But there are things of a discretionary nature; as Jacob’s vow concerning the proportion of his substance which he would set apart for religious purposes; Paul’s solemn determination to take nothing of the Corinthians; the Nazarites’ vow; the vows concerning undemanded sacrifices; and vows of abstinence in respect of things lawful, for a limited season.

Vows in such things may on some occasions be properly made; but they are a kind of promissory oaths, and should be formed with solemnity, and religiously observed; seeing the life or soul is bound as a surety for the performance of them. An unmarried woman in her father’s house was required to notify her vows to her father; and if he did not refuse his consent, she was bound by them; but if he did, they were disannulled, and the obligation ceased. If she had vowed discreetly and properly, “she had done well that it was in her heart,” and her willing mind would be accepted; if otherwise, her fault would be forgiven.—In many instances such vows might not only be disagreeable to a parent, but prejudicial to the whole family.—It is supposed by many expositors, that, by parity of reason, minor sons were under the same restriction in respect of their vows: but if they were intended also, it is extraordinary that daughters exclusively should be mentioned.

The males were certainly allowed more liberty in various cases than the females: the vows of the latter might be adjudged more prejudicial to families; or the sons, being more immediately under the father’s tuition, might be thought less liable to be inveigled into rash engagements of this kind.—T°. Scott.

Notes on the verses

Chap. XXX. Ver. 2. If a man vow, &c.—[The preceding chapters had treated of sacrifices required by law; and in the last words had said, they were enjoined ‘beside your vows and your free-will-offerings,” which Moses now proceeds to discuss; so that what is here said of vows seems meant only of what vowed to be offered to the Lord. ‘The laws here delivered must have been very useful, as they both prevented and annulled rash vows, and provided a proper sanction for the support and performance of those which were rationally made.]—Bagster.

Chap. XXXI. Ver. 3. Avenge the Lord.—It was God’s quarrel, not their own, that they were now to take up. These people were idolaters, and had seduced the Israelites to practise the same abominations: idolatry is an offence against God; and the civil power has no authority to meddle with what belongs to Him, without especial directions, certified, as in this case, in the most unequivocal manner. Private revenge, ambition, or avarice were to have no place in this business: JEHOVAH is to be avenged; and through Him, the Children of Israel, (ver. 2.) because they were nearly ruined by their idolatries. If Jehovah, instead of punishing sinners by earthquakes, pestilence, or famine, is pleased expressly to command any person or people to avenge his cause, this commission justifies, nay sanctifies, war, massacre, or devastation. Though none can at present show such a commission, yet the Israelites could; and it is therefore absurd to censure Moses, Joshua, and Israel, for the dreadful slaughter made by them.

God himself — sentence of condemnation, and employed them merely as ministers of his vengeance; and unless it could be proved that the criminals did not deserve their doom, or that God had no right to punish his rebellious creatures, such objectors only show their enmity to God, by becoming the unsolicited advocates of his enemies.]—Bagster 295