What is the meaning of Numbers 30:15? But if he nullifies them • Moses has just laid out that a father or husband possesses the delegated authority to confirm or cancel a woman’s vows (Numbers 30:5, 8). • To “nullify” means he officially cancels the promise so that God no longer requires it (Deuteronomy 23:21 reminds us that unpaid vows are sin). • The phrase underscores that leadership carries real decision-making power; authority is not a polite suggestion but an accountability-laden charge (see 1 Corinthians 11:3). after he hears of them • Timing matters. Earlier verses show that a man must speak up “on the day he hears” (Numbers 30:7, 12). Silence equals agreement. • If he waits, the woman assumes her vow stands and may already be performing it; reversing course later creates moral confusion. • Scripture repeatedly warns against delaying right action (Proverbs 3:27-28; James 4:17). Prompt leadership prevents needless guilt. then he will bear her iniquity • God places the burden of any resulting sin squarely on the man who overrode the vow too late. The woman is released; he answers for the breach. • This principle of representative responsibility appears elsewhere: the high priest bears Israel’s guilt (Exodus 28:38); goats and priests bear sin in Leviticus 10:17; 16:22. • In marriage the husband is “head” (Ephesians 5:23-25), meant to shield, not expose. If his poor leadership produces wrongdoing, he stands liable—an echo of Christ, who bears the church’s sins voluntarily (Isaiah 53:5; Galatians 3:13). • Practical takeaway: Godly authority protects others even at personal cost. summary Numbers 30:15 teaches that with God-given authority comes weighty accountability. A man may annul a woman’s vow, but if he does so belatedly, he—not she—must answer for any transgression. The verse upholds prompt, responsible leadership that safeguards those under one’s care, foreshadowing the ultimate burden-bearing of Christ for His people. |