Old Testament Passages on Making Vows
The Old Testament contains several passages that address the concept of making vows to God, emphasizing the importance of keeping such promises. A vow is defined as a solemn promise made to God to perform or abstain from a certain action [1]. The practice of making vows is first mentioned in Genesis 28:18-22, where Jacob vows to tithe to God if He is with him and protects him on his journey.
The law in the Old Testament regulates the practice of vows rather than introducing it, indicating that vows were a pre-existing custom [1]. Various types of vows are mentioned, including vows of devotion, abstinence, and destruction. The biblical texts provide guidelines for making and fulfilling vows, stressing that they should be voluntary, performed faithfully, and carried out without delay [2].
Numbers 30:2 states that when a person makes a vow to Yahweh, they shall not break their word but do according to all that proceeds out of their mouth. Deuteronomy 23:21-23 also emphasizes the importance of fulfilling vows, warning that delaying to pay a vow can be considered sinful. The Psalms frequently reference vows, with Psalm 66:13 declaring, "I will come into your temple with burnt offerings; I will pay my vows to you" [3].
The biblical texts also discuss the circumstances under which vows can be annulled or redeemed. For example, Numbers 30:3-5 states that a father's consent is required for a daughter's vow to be valid, while a husband's consent is needed for a wife's vow [2]. Leviticus 27 provides rules for redeeming persons or animals that have been vowed to God.
Different traditions interpret the biblical teachings on vows in various ways. For instance, the Jewish tradition, as represented by Ramban (Nachmanides), emphasizes the importance of bringing choice offerings when making vows [4]. In contrast, the Protestant academic tradition, as seen in Tyndale House's commentary on Numbers 30:1, highlights the potential for vows to be made in haste and forgotten [5].
The practice of making vows continued into the New Testament period, with references to vows and voluntary offerings found in Acts 18:18 and 21:23. The biblical emphasis on the importance of keeping vows reflects the seriousness with which such promises were regarded in ancient Israelite society.
The consequences of making vows are also explored in the rabbinic tradition. The Midrash Rabbah notes that some individuals, like Jacob and Jephthah, made vows that ultimately led to negative outcomes, while others, such as Hannah, made vows that resulted in positive consequences [6].
The biblical passages on vows demonstrate a complex and nuanced understanding of this practice, highlighting both its potential benefits and risks. The tradition's emphasis on careful consideration and faithful fulfillment underscores the significance of vows as a means of expressing devotion to God.
Sources
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Vows — A vow is a solemn promise made to God to perform or to abstain from performing a certain thing. The earliest mention of a vow is that of Jacob. (Genesis 28:18-22; 31:13) Vows in general are also mentioned in the book of Job, (Job 22:27) The law therefore did not introduce, but regulated the practice of, vows. Three sorts are mentioned: 1, Vows of devotion; 2, Vows of abstinence; 3, Vows of destruction. + As to vows of devotion, the following rules are laid down: A man might devote to sacred uses possessions or persons, but not the first-born of either man or be”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Vows — Solemn promises made to God -- Ps 76:11. Were made in reference to Devoting the person to God. -- Nu 6:2. Dedicating children to God. -- 1Sa 1:11. Devoting property to God. -- Ge 28:22. Offering sacrifices. -- Le 7:16; 22:18:22; Nu 15:3. Afflicting the soul. -- Nu 30:13. To be voluntary -- De 23:21,22. To be performed faithfully -- Nu 30:2. To be performed without delay -- De 23:21,23. Danger of inconsiderately making -- Pr 20:25. Of children void without the consent of parents -- Nu 30:3-5. Of married women void without consent of husbands -- Nu 30:6-8,10-13.”
- Psalms “I will come into your temple with burnt offerings. I will pay my vows to you, -- Psalms 66:13”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Kabbalistic/Philosophical)) “Ramban (Nachmanides) on Deuteronomy 23:23: BUT IF THOU SHALT FORBEAR TO VOW, IT SHALL BE NO SIN IN THEE. Because those who bring a burnt-offering and sacrifices for G-d 326 Exodus 18:12. receive a good reward for it, as it is written, I will offer unto Thee burnt-offerings of fatlings, with the sweet smoke of rams; I will offer bullocks with goats. Selah; 327 Psalms 66:15. I will come into Thy House with burnt-offerings . 328 Ibid. , Verse 13. He also said concerning freewill offerings, and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him , 329 Leviticus 1:4. and again He said, of a swee”
- Numbers (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Numbers 30:1: 30:1-16 Vows were an important way to express devotion or piety, but were sometimes made in haste and were often forgotten. Voluntary pledges were commonly made on special religious occasions or in times of war. Perhaps the reference to vows and voluntary offerings (29:39) prompted the further discussion here (cp. 15:3; see also 6:1-21; Lev 5:4-5; 27:1-34; Deut 23:21-23). These instructions were applied in the case of Hannah and Elkanah (1 Sam 1:1-28). Such practices, which included fasting, continued into the New Testament period (e.g., Matt 6:16; 15:3-9; Acts 1”
- Midrash Rabbah (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Midrash Rabbah, Bereishit Rabbah 70:3: There are four who took vows; two took vows and lost, and two took vows and profited. Jacob took a vow 4 Genesis 28:20–22. and lost. 5 Rachel died because Jacob was tardy in fulfilling his vow (see Shabbat 32b). Yiftaḥ took a vow and lost. 6 He took a vow that he would offer up to the Lord what would emerge first from his house, and it was his daughter. (See Judges 11:30–34). Hannah took a vow and profited. 7 She took a vow that she would give a son born to her to God (I Samuel 1:11). Samuel the prophet was born to her. Israel took a vow and profited, as ”