A Side-Lesson

These are the regulations the LORD gave Moses concerning relationships between a man and his wife, and between a father and a young daughter who still lives at home. [Numbers 30.16]

The relationship between men and women here is one subject of potentially controversial discussion. By itself, the discussion that a woman's decision is subject to the men in her life (first, father, then husband) is, alone, enough to start a heated argument about equality. But that is not what I am focused on here...

The thing that I wonder about today, is the "vow" itself.

As a side-lesson from Numbers 30, we are given some insight into the seriousness of a vow made.

How serious was a vow? It was serious enough that, as the responsibility is defined in Numbers 30.15, if a man doesn't properly perform his duty in the role of nullifying a vow his wife has made, he himself "will be punished for her guilt." 

We are not told who carries out the punishment for a broken vow. Is it the people? The priests? The elders of the community? Is it God that executes the punishment?

I think it is God. And, I think the "punishment" may very well look like 'a plague' or 'sickness' or 'disease.'

The sad thing is, not much emphasis is really placed on making or breaking vows today. I wonder how much "punishment" is 'out there' because of it?

Just a thought.

Father, I know Jesus has redeemed us from the curse of the law. But I also know that Jesus' work on our behalf is not forced on anyone - instead it is imparted in response where faith is found. I know, LORD that if I am not in faith, I am vulnerable to any and everything related to disobedience and the law. May I be found trusting in Jesus for every area of my life!