Topical Bible: Vows: A Minor, of Himself

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In the biblical context, a vow is a solemn promise made to God, often involving a commitment to perform a specific act, offer a sacrifice, or abstain from certain activities. The making of vows is a significant aspect of Old Testament religious practice, reflecting a deep sense of devotion and accountability to God. When considering vows made by minors, the Scriptures provide specific guidelines and considerations.

Biblical Context and Guidelines

The primary biblical passage addressing vows made by minors is found in the Book of Numbers. Numbers 30:3-5 states: "And if a woman in her father’s house during her youth makes a vow to the LORD or obligates herself by a pledge, and her father hears about her vow or pledge but says nothing to her, all the vows and pledges with which she has bound herself shall stand. But if her father prohibits her on the day he hears about it, none of the vows or pledges with which she has bound herself shall stand. The LORD will absolve her because her father has prohibited her."

This passage indicates that a minor, specifically a young woman living in her father's house, may make a vow to the Lord. However, the validity of such a vow is contingent upon the father's response. If the father hears the vow and does not object, the vow stands. Conversely, if the father disallows the vow upon hearing it, the vow is nullified, and the minor is absolved from her commitment.

Parental Authority and Responsibility

The biblical framework underscores the authority and responsibility of the parent, particularly the father, in overseeing the spiritual commitments of minors within the household. This reflects the broader biblical principle of parental guidance and authority in the spiritual upbringing of children. The father's role in either affirming or nullifying a vow made by a minor serves as a protective measure, ensuring that vows are made with wisdom and understanding.

Spiritual Implications

The making of vows by minors, as regulated in Scripture, highlights the importance of discernment and accountability in spiritual commitments. It acknowledges the potential for youthful zeal to lead to hasty or ill-considered promises. By involving the parent in the process, the biblical text provides a safeguard against rash vows that may not be fully comprehended by the minor.

Application in the New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not explicitly address the issue of minors making vows, the principles of accountability and parental guidance remain relevant. Ephesians 6:1-4 emphasizes the role of parents in nurturing their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. This includes guiding them in understanding the seriousness of making commitments to God.

In summary, the biblical treatment of vows made by minors reflects a balance between personal devotion and parental oversight. It underscores the importance of thoughtful and informed spiritual commitments, while also recognizing the role of family authority in guiding the spiritual lives of young believers.

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Mark 7:11-13
But you say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatever you might be profited by me; he shall be free.
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Library

The Prophet Jonah.
... the book in the collection of the Minor Prophets, which ... He retained all his human
weakness to himself, and the ... at last, offer sacrifices and even vows to Jehovah ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet jonah.htm

Whether the Acts of the Orders are Rightly Assigned in the Text?
... only, for instance the prayers of individuals, vows, and so ... more perfect as delivered
by our Lord Himself, than as ... Hence of all the minor orders the Order of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the acts of the 2.htm

Acts XXI
... he felt to be a matter of minor importance. ... their proposition to Paul, were the Nazarite
vows, with their ... which we have rendered, he "purified himself with them ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxi.htm

A Song of Deliverance
... Why, he prayed himself into it. ... The Psalmist begins in a very minor key. ... He vows that,
because his heart is full of the great mercies of his delivering God, he ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/a song of deliverance 2.htm

Mr. Bernard Shaw
... flaming and fantastic flower, like a decadent minor poet ... more the fiercer bonds and
wilder vows that are ... more he would be inclined to prostrate himself before a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/iv mr bernard shaw.htm

Whether Marriage Already Contracted Should be Annulled by the ...
... OF THE IMPEDIMENT OF VOWS AND ORDERS (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether marriage ... The minor is
proved as follows ... vow, since by marriage a man surrenders himself actually to ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether marriage already contracted should.htm

Waiting and Singing
... God, which the Psalmist gives us when he vows to love ... it were, wrought himself clear,
and sung himself out of ... trust, though it may begin with a minor, will end ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/waiting and singing.htm

The Gift of the Spirit
... Whenever minor matters occupy the attention, the divine power ... communion with heaven
gathers to Himself power to ... the Lord and renew their vows of consecration ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 5 the gift of.htm

The Parables Exemplified in the Early History of the Church.
... To Him shall prayer unceasing And daily vows ascend; His ... 5:3); and Simon Magus to
bring upon himself the rebuke ... from Cyprus to the coasts of Asia Minor (Acts 13 ...
/.../the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter vii the parables exemplified.htm

Chapter xxviii
... of Rebekah's type, in spite of what minor failings she ... such places where God had
once revealed Himself men with ... the next years are to bring Jacob vows to give ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxviii.htm