Links for today’s readings:
Read: Numbers 30 Listen: (2:20) Read: 1 Corinthians 4 Listen: (3:15)
Scripture Focus: Numbers 30:2, 9
2 When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said.
9 “Any vow or obligation taken by a widow or divorced woman will be binding on her.
Reflection: Weighing In but No Way Out
By Erin Newton
During the final weeks of each academic year, I contemplate quitting the program. The hours of reading, stress of studying and writing, and the financial burdens tempt me to give it all up. Then some dear friend reminds me of why I started in the first place. As most attest, those in seminary generally feel “called” to be there. So, instead of giving up, I hunker down and finish the term.
Numbers 30 speaks of vows made to God by both men and women. In the context of the preceding chapters that spoke of festivals, feasts, and offerings, it’s likely that these vows are offerings of sorts, usually with some economic importance tied to them. Numbers 30 reminds the people that what they have vowed to give to God they must see to completion.
Of course, there are some caveats with the vows—as we read that some vows could be reversed depending on the decision by a woman’s new husband or existing father, a.k.a. head of household. To our modern ears, this sounds rather patriarchal and antiquated, but what is fascinating here is the clear and unabashed freedom women could have over finances (at least in some circumstances). Such insight is a welcomed relief to many today.
Apart from these few exemptions, Numbers 30 sets forth the rule: give what you said you’d give to God. The people are said to be bound by these vows. They are seen as more than suggestions. They are not empty words dumped in a fit of brainstorming.
The binding nature of the vows also meant that the people should be careful with their words. It would not do to quickly pledge a large sum or valuable resource to God without understanding its impact on one’s personal life.
Such a vow was both a barrier to impulsivity and a motivator in times of weariness. People would need to think about their resources and their current life situation and then follow-through despite what the future may actually hold.
As Christians today, we also make vows to God, all the time. We tell him that we will devote our lives, time, money, or energy to him—if he will grant us some blessed measure to do so. But we are also tempted to give up and look for a way out.
Let us bind ourselves to our vows after taking the time to weigh the costs.
Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer
Let us make a vow to the Lord our God and keep it; let all around him bring gifts to him who is worthy to be feared. — Psalm 76.11
– Divine Hours prayers from The Divine Hours: Prayers for Springtime
by Phyllis Tickle
Read more: Called to More
Beware rash vows, but consider: Is the Holy Spirit stirring you to something “more?” Is there a “vow” you are called to?
Read more: Your Net Worth
All of our lives, the work of our hands, the proportion of our gifts are dearly valued by God.