Topical Bible: Vows: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To

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In the biblical context, a vow is a solemn promise made to God, often accompanied by an oath or a pledge to perform a specific act or to abstain from certain behaviors. Vows are considered sacred and binding, reflecting a deep commitment to God. The following scriptures provide insight into the nature and significance of vows, as well as the expectations and consequences associated with them.

Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 :
"When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow. It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it."

This passage emphasizes the seriousness of making vows to God. It warns against making hasty or thoughtless promises, highlighting the importance of fulfilling one's commitments promptly. The scripture underscores that God holds individuals accountable for their vows, and it is better not to vow at all than to fail in keeping one's word.

Numbers 30:2 :
"If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised."

Here, the binding nature of vows is reiterated. The verse instructs that once a vow is made, it must be honored without exception. This reflects the high value placed on integrity and faithfulness in one's relationship with God.

Deuteronomy 23:21-23 :
"If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to keep it, because He will require it of you, and it will be counted against you as sin. But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty of sin. Be careful to follow through on what comes from your lips, because you have freely vowed to the LORD your God with your own mouth."

This passage further elaborates on the obligation to fulfill vows, warning that failure to do so is considered sinful. It also provides the option of refraining from making vows, indicating that such restraint is not sinful. The emphasis is on the voluntary nature of vows and the personal responsibility to uphold them.

Judges 11:30-31 :
"And Jephthah made a vow to the LORD: 'If You will indeed deliver the Ammonites into my hand, then whatever comes out of the door of my house to greet me on my return in triumph from the Ammonites will belong to the LORD, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering.'"

The account of Jephthah illustrates the potential consequences of making rash vows. Jephthah's vow, made in the heat of battle, led to a tragic outcome. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of careful consideration before making vows to God.

Psalm 50:14 :
"Sacrifice a thank offering to God, and fulfill your vows to the Most High."

This verse connects the act of fulfilling vows with worship and thanksgiving. It suggests that keeping one's promises to God is an integral part of a life of gratitude and devotion.

Proverbs 20:25 :
"It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly, only later to reconsider his vows."

Proverbs warns against the danger of making impulsive vows. The verse highlights the wisdom in thoughtful deliberation before committing oneself to a vow, as reconsideration after the fact can lead to spiritual and moral entanglements.

Jonah 2:9 :
"But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to You. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD."

In Jonah's prayer from the belly of the fish, he reaffirms his commitment to fulfill his vows to God. This expression of devotion and acknowledgment of God's salvation underscores the transformative power of keeping one's promises to the Lord.

These scriptures collectively portray vows as a profound expression of faith and commitment to God. They highlight the importance of sincerity, integrity, and the careful consideration required when making such promises.

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Genesis 28:20,21
And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,
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Genesis 31:13
I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed the pillar, and where you vowed a vow to me: now arise, get you out from this land, and return to the land of your kindred.
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Leviticus 5:4-13
Or if a soul swear, pronouncing with his lips to do evil, or to do good, whatever it be that a man shall pronounce with an oath, and it be hid from him; when he knows of it, then he shall be guilty in one of these.
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Leviticus 22:18-25
Speak to Aaron, and to his sons, and to all the children of Israel, and say to them, Whatever he be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers in Israel, that will offer his oblation for all his vows, and for all his freewill offerings, which they will offer to the LORD for a burnt offering;
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Numbers 15:2-16
Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them, When you be come into the land of your habitations, which I give to you,
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Numbers 30:1-16
And Moses spoke to the heads of the tribes concerning the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which the LORD has commanded.
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Deuteronomy 23:18,21-23
You shall not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD your God for any vow: for even both these are abomination to the LORD your God.
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Job 22:27
You shall make your prayer to him, and he shall hear you, and you shall pay your vows.
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Psalm 22:25
My praise shall be of you in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him.
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Psalm 50:14,15
Offer to God thanksgiving; and pay your vows to the most High:
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Psalm 56:12
Your vows are on me, O God: I will render praises to you.
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Psalm 61:5,8
For you, O God, have heard my vows: you have given me the heritage of those that fear your name.
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Psalm 65:1
Praise waits for you, O God, in Sion: and to you shall the vow be performed.
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Psalm 66:13,14
I will go into your house with burnt offerings: I will pay you my vows,
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Psalm 76:11
Vow, and pay to the LORD your God: let all that be round about him bring presents to him that ought to be feared.
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Psalm 116:14-19
I will pay my vows to the LORD now in the presence of all his people.
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Proverbs 20:25
It is a snare to the man who devours that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.
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Ecclesiastes 5:4-6
When you vow a vow to God, defer not to pay it; for he has no pleasure in fools: pay that which you have vowed.
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Jonah 2:9
But I will sacrifice to you with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.
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Nahum 1:15
Behold on the mountains the feet of him that brings good tidings, that publishes peace! O Judah, keep your solemn feasts, perform your vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through you; he is utterly cut off.
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