Numbers 30:7
and her husband hears of it but says nothing to her on that day, then the vows or pledges by which she has bound herself shall stand.
and her husband hears of it
In the ancient Hebrew context, the family structure was patriarchal, with the husband often serving as the head of the household. The Hebrew word for "hears" (שָׁמַע, shama) implies not just the act of hearing but also understanding and acknowledging. This phrase indicates the husband's awareness and potential authority over the vows made by his wife. It reflects the cultural and legal norms of ancient Israel, where the husband had a significant role in affirming or nullifying vows made by his wife.

but says nothing to her
The phrase "says nothing" (חָרַשׁ, charash) suggests a deliberate choice of silence. In the context of Numbers 30, this silence is significant because it implies consent. The husband's lack of objection is seen as an agreement to the vow. This reflects the biblical principle that silence can be a form of assent, a concept that is echoed in various legal and relational contexts throughout Scripture.

on that day
The specification of "that day" (בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא, bayom hahu) underscores the immediacy and urgency of the husband's response. In the cultural and legal framework of ancient Israel, there was an expectation of prompt decision-making. This immediacy ensured that vows were taken seriously and that any objections were raised in a timely manner, maintaining the integrity and accountability of personal commitments.

then her vows shall stand
The word "stand" (קוּם, qum) in Hebrew conveys the idea of being established or confirmed. This phrase indicates that the vows made by the wife are validated and must be fulfilled. It highlights the seriousness with which vows were regarded in biblical times, reflecting the broader biblical theme of faithfulness and the importance of keeping one's word.

and her obligations by which she has bound herself shall stand
The term "obligations" (אֲסָרִים, asarim) refers to the commitments or promises that the wife has made. The phrase "by which she has bound herself" emphasizes personal responsibility and the voluntary nature of the vow. The repetition of "shall stand" reinforces the idea that these commitments are binding and must be honored. This reflects the biblical principle that personal integrity and accountability are essential in one's relationship with God and others.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received and communicated God's laws, including those concerning vows.

2. Israelites
The people to whom the laws were given, living in the wilderness during their journey to the Promised Land.

3. Husband
The male spouse who has the authority to confirm or nullify his wife's vows according to the cultural and legal context of ancient Israel.

4. Wife
The female spouse who makes a vow or pledge, subject to her husband's confirmation or annulment.

5. Vows
Promises or commitments made to God, which were taken very seriously in the Israelite community.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Vows
Vows are serious commitments before God. In ancient Israel, they were binding and required careful consideration. Today, we should also treat our promises with seriousness and integrity.

Authority and Responsibility in Marriage
The passage highlights the husband's role in confirming or nullifying vows. This reflects a structure of authority and responsibility within marriage, emphasizing the need for communication and mutual respect.

The Role of Silence
The husband's silence is significant. It implies consent and acceptance of the vow. In our lives, silence can also be a form of agreement, and we should be mindful of when to speak up or remain silent.

Cultural Context and Modern Application
While the cultural context of Numbers 30 is different from today, the principles of accountability, communication, and integrity in relationships remain relevant.

God's Order and Structure
God's laws provided order and structure for the Israelites. Understanding and respecting God's design for relationships and commitments can lead to harmony and fulfillment in our lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of vows in Numbers 30:7 relate to the promises we make today, both to God and to others?

2. In what ways can the principle of authority and responsibility within marriage, as seen in this passage, be applied to modern Christian marriages?

3. How does the husband's silence in Numbers 30:7 serve as a lesson for us in terms of communication and decision-making in our relationships?

4. What are some practical ways we can ensure that our commitments and promises align with God's will and are made with integrity?

5. How can understanding the cultural context of Numbers 30 help us apply its principles to our lives today, especially in terms of accountability and respect within relationships?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 3
The dynamic of authority and responsibility within marriage can be traced back to the creation account, where roles and relationships are established.

Ephesians 5
This passage discusses the roles of husbands and wives, emphasizing mutual respect and love, which can be related to the understanding of authority and responsibility in Numbers 30.

Matthew 5
Jesus speaks about the importance of keeping one's word, which underscores the seriousness of vows and commitments.

1 Corinthians 11
Discusses the order and structure within the family and church, which can be related to the authority dynamics in Numbers 30.
The Head of the Household Honoured and CautionedD. Young Numbers 30:3-16
People
Moses
Places
Jericho
Topics
Bonds, Bound, Established, Force, Heareth, Hearing, Hears, Held, Herself, Hold, Husband, Kept, Nothing, Oaths, Obligated, Obligations, Peace, Pledges, Says, Silent, Soul, Stand, Undertakings, Vows, Whatsoever, Wherewith
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 30:1-16

     5468   promises, human

Numbers 30:2-15

     5444   pledges

Numbers 30:2-16

     5329   guarantee

Library
Covenanting Confers Obligation.
As it has been shown that all duty, and that alone, ought to be vowed to God in covenant, it is manifest that what is lawfully engaged to in swearing by the name of God is enjoined in the moral law, and, because of the authority of that law, ought to be performed as a duty. But it is now to be proved that what is promised to God by vow or oath, ought to be performed also because of the act of Covenanting. The performance of that exercise is commanded, and the same law which enjoins that the duties
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

"And the Redeemer Shall Come unto Zion, and unto them that Turn,"
Isaiah lix. 20.--"And the Redeemer shall come unto Zion, and unto them that turn," &c. Doctrines, as things, have their seasons and times. Every thing is beautiful in its season. So there is no word of truth, but it hath a season and time in which it is beautiful. And indeed that is a great part of wisdom, to bring forth everything in its season, to discern when and where, and to whom it is pertinent and edifying, to speak such and such truths. But there is one doctrine that is never out of season,
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Nature of Covenanting.
A covenant is a mutual voluntary compact between two parties on given terms or conditions. It may be made between superiors and inferiors, or between equals. The sentiment that a covenant can be made only between parties respectively independent of one another is inconsistent with the testimony of Scripture. Parties to covenants in a great variety of relative circumstances, are there introduced. There, covenant relations among men are represented as obtaining not merely between nation and nation,
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Numbers 30:7 NIV
Numbers 30:7 NLT
Numbers 30:7 ESV
Numbers 30:7 NASB
Numbers 30:7 KJV

Numbers 30:7 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Numbers 30:6
Top of Page
Top of Page