Tag Archive | Vows

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 66

Mar7
Day 66.  Reading Numbers 28-30. 
 

Read today’s scripture.

What do you learn about God’s goodness?

Who can you share that with today?

Numbers 28-29.

The LORD has Moses review some important things for this new generation as they are poised to enter the Promised Land. The first thing is the offerings He requires daily, weekly (on Sabbath), and annually, as well as those on the special holy days. Why so many, you might ask. Doesn’t this deplete their herds and flocks?  

First, remember that these offerings, except for the sin and guilt offerings that were burned totally, were for the priests and Levites.  Their total service was to the Lord. They would not have their own flocks and herds.  This is the way Israel would support them and at the same time, acknowledge their thanksgiving and worship to God.

Numbers 30.

This section on men and women and making vows may seem patronizing, but it actually protects women who are usually (but not always) more emotional.  First, when a man makes a vow to God, it is binding. Period.  But, if a woman makes a vow to the LORD, binding herself by a pledge, her father (if she is single) or her husband (when married) can nullify that vow. 

The LORD – knowing women very well – sometimes calls these vows “thoughtless utterances of her lips.”  (We might say, frivolous, and you know exactly what He means. Women are women and sometimes nasty!)  In such a case, the man in her life could cancel those vows, and she would not be held to them before the LORD. (And I might say, to her relief most of the time!). But a husband or father, seeing an earnest heart, may also NOT void her vow.   

I think of Hannah, years later, who had no children. She went to the Tabernacle and VOWED that if the LORD would give her a son, she would give him back for all of his life.  Her husband, Elkanah, learned of her pledge and did not cancel it.  The LORD heard Hannah, saw her heart, and gave her a son whom she named Samuel. When he was weaned, she took him to the Tabernacle and gave him up for his lifetime.  God honored her vow and fulfillment by giving her other children. (1 Samuel 1 and 2)

(Of course, men make foolish vows too, often in the heat of battle or boasting!  See Judges 11:29-40, Jephthah’s tragic vow, and  1 Samuel 14:24-48 King Saul’s rash vow.)  (I bet these men wished someone had stopped their vows!!)

  • LORD, help me to never begrudge the offerings I give to You, in whatever ways you use them.   May my heart and hand be always “open.”
  • And LORD, may I always think before I speak. Help me to consider your Word and ways before I say something foolish. And when I do spout something I regret, lead me to confession and your forgiveness.

 

 

#2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 66

Mar6

    Day 66—  TODAY, Day 66, is a day to celebrate. Studies have shown that if you perform a new action for 66 days, it’s 100% likely that you will have established a “habit.” So CELEBRATE your habit of daily Bible reading! Hooray!  We are in the THIRD month so far! Praise God!

   Day 66 – Numbers 28 – 30 (Reviewing celebrations & offerings, Vows)

In Chapter 28 & 29, Moses reviews, summarizes, and strengthens the instructions for honoring Sabbaths, Celebration Feasts (Holidays), and the various offerings for each, as Israel is about to enter the Promised Land and a lot of things will change.

(Remember the food, grain, peace, and other offerings are many times given as support to the Priests and Levites after being donated or “waved” before God.  This was very important because 22,000 Levites were depending on this.)

Chapter 30 reviews the taking of vows. Moses clarifies and reinforces the laws as they apply to married women and under age girls.  In one case, the woman’s husband has “veto” rights if his wife makes a “thoughtless” vow. In the case of a young girl still living at home, her father can annual the vow. Neither of these women will be guilty before the LORD for not following through.  In the case of widowed or divorced women however, there is no one to veto the vow. It stands before God.

Instead of thinking of this as a limitation, see it as a protection for women.  I like it that my Hubby has the ultimate responsibility before God.  Whew!