Topical Bible: Offerings: Vow

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, a vow offering is a voluntary promise made to God, often accompanied by a sacrifice or offering. Vows are a significant aspect of worship and devotion in the Scriptures, reflecting a deep commitment to God and His commandments. The practice of making vows is rooted in the desire to express gratitude, seek divine favor, or fulfill a personal commitment to the Lord.

Old Testament Context

The concept of vow offerings is prominently featured in the Old Testament. In the Mosaic Law, specific instructions are given regarding the making and fulfillment of vows. Leviticus 22:18-21 provides guidelines for offering a vow: "Speak to Aaron and his sons and to all the Israelites and say to them: 'If any of you—whether an Israelite or a foreigner residing in Israel—presents a gift for a burnt offering to the LORD, either to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering, you must present a male without defect from the cattle, sheep, or goats in order that it may be accepted on your behalf.'"

The vow offering was to be made with sincerity and integrity, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 23:21-23 : "If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to keep it, because He will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of sin. But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty of sin. Be careful to do whatever comes from your lips, because you have freely vowed what you promised to the LORD your God with your own mouth."

Examples of Vows in the Old Testament

Several notable figures in the Old Testament made vows to God. Jacob, for instance, made a vow at Bethel, promising that if God would be with him and provide for him, he would dedicate a tenth of all he received to the Lord (Genesis 28:20-22). Similarly, Hannah vowed that if God granted her a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord all the days of his life (1 Samuel 1:11).

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not emphasize vow offerings to the same extent as the Old Testament, the concept of vows is still present. Jesus addressed the issue of vows in the Sermon on the Mount, urging His followers to let their "Yes" be "Yes," and their "No," "No" (Matthew 5:33-37). This teaching underscores the importance of honesty and integrity in one's commitments to God and others.

The Apostle Paul also participated in a vow, as recorded in Acts 18:18 : "Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchrea because of a vow he had taken."

Theological Significance

Vow offerings in the Bible highlight the seriousness with which God views promises made to Him. They serve as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and integrity in one's relationship with God. The act of making a vow is not to be taken lightly, as it reflects a solemn commitment to the Lord. The Scriptures consistently teach that God values the heart's intention and the fulfillment of one's promises, emphasizing that vows should be made thoughtfully and fulfilled diligently.

Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 7:16,17
But if the sacrifice of his offering be a vow, or a voluntary offering, it shall be eaten the same day that he offers his sacrifice: and on the morrow also the remainder of it shall be eaten:
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Leviticus 22:17-25
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
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Deuteronomy 23:21-23
When you shall vow a vow to the LORD your God, you shall not slack to pay it: for the LORD your God will surely require it of you; and it would be sin in you.
Nave's Topical Index

Strong's Hebrew

5088. neder -- a vow
... Word Origin from nadar Definition a vow NASB Word Usage votive (3), votive offering
(1), votive offerings (5), vow (26), vows (24). vowed. ...
/hebrew/5088.htm - 6k

Library

Whether a Vow is an Act of Latria or Religion?
... and offerings and they shall make vows to the Lord, and perform them." Now, the
worship of God is properly the act of religion or latria. Therefore, a vow is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether a vow is an.htm

Separation to God.
... The offerings to be made on the conclusion of his vow give an impressive answer
to this question, and bring out the important difference between being ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part i separation to god.htm

'The Love of Thine Espousals'
... of the children of Israel, which offered burnt-offerings, and sacrificed
peace-offerings of oxen ... that every lip which united in that lightly made vow drew ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the love of thine espousals.htm

Acts XXI
... within the period of his vow, it was necessary that he should purify himself, shear
his head on the seventh day, and on the eighth day bring certain offerings. ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxi.htm

On Domestic and Social Life.
... 2965] Render all the fear that is due to them, all offerings, all customs ... 2968] but
we leave it to the power of those that are willing, as a vow: exhorting them ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii on domestic and social.htm

Monasteries, which have once Been Consecrated with the Consent of ...
... jus," appropriated the lands, and left to the clergy nothing but the altars, with
tithes and offerings (Itin. ... [292] The reader may like to see the vow on this ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xxiv monasteries which have.htm

A Warning against Hypocrisy
... Voluntary offerings and the tithe constitute the revenue of the Lord's work ... But when
the heart is stirred by the influence of the Holy Spirit, and a vow is made ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 7 a warning against.htm

The Manner of Our Offering Sacrifices.
... sacrifice of animals, but brings fine flour only for a vow, he throws a ... for escaping
distempers, or for other occasions, in which meat-offerings are consumed ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 the manner of.htm

Praises and Vows Accepted in Zion
... is the center, where his one sacrifice is the altar whereon all offerings are laid ...
waiteth for thee, O God, in Zion; and unto thee shall the vow be performed.". ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/praises and vows accepted in.htm

Degrees of Sin
... greater than others appears, (1) Because there was difference in the offerings under
the ... A vow is a religious promise made to God, to dedicate ourselves to him ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/3 2 degrees of sin.htm