Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, vows are solemn promises made to God, often involving commitments to perform certain acts, offer sacrifices, or abstain from specific behaviors. The concept of vows is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where they are seen as expressions of devotion and dedication to God. Importantly, vows are to be made voluntarily, reflecting the free will and sincere intent of the individual making the vow.Old Testament Context The voluntary nature of vows is emphasized in several passages throughout the Old Testament. In Deuteronomy 23:21-23 , the Israelites are instructed: "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 follow through on what comes from your lips, because you have freely vowed to the LORD your God with your own mouth." This passage underscores that while vows are serious commitments, they are not obligatory; one is not required to make a vow, but if made, it must be fulfilled. Similarly, in Numbers 30:2 , the importance of fulfilling vows is reiterated: "If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to bind himself with a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised." The emphasis here is on the integrity and faithfulness required once a vow is made, highlighting the voluntary nature of entering into such a commitment. Examples of Voluntary Vows Several biblical figures made voluntary vows, demonstrating their personal commitment to God. One notable example is Hannah, the mother of Samuel. In 1 Samuel 1:11 , Hannah makes a vow to the LORD, saying, "O LORD of Hosts, if You will indeed look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but give her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever come over his head." Hannah's vow was a personal and voluntary act of devotion, reflecting her deep desire and faith. Another example is found in the account of Jephthah in Judges 11:30-31 , where he makes a vow to the LORD: "If You will indeed deliver the Ammonites into my hands, 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." Jephthah's vow, though made voluntarily, illustrates the gravity and potential consequences of making vows without careful consideration. New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the emphasis shifts from the making of vows to the integrity of one's word. Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:33-37 , "Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, 'Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.' But I tell you not to swear at all... Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' Anything more comes from the evil one." Here, the focus is on honesty and straightforwardness in communication, suggesting that the need for vows should be minimized by living a life of truthfulness. Conclusion The biblical teaching on vows highlights their voluntary nature, emphasizing that they are not required but, once made, must be fulfilled with integrity. This principle reflects the broader biblical theme of free will and personal responsibility in one's relationship with God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 23:21,22When 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Whether the Vow of Obedience is the Chief of the Three Religious ... Whether it is Right to Say that Religious Perfection Consists in ... Whether a Vow Should Always be About a Better Good? Of Vows. The Miserable Entanglements Caused by Vowing Rashly. The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the ... Conclusion. Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount Family Prayer. All Internal Livers Obliged to Attend to God's Inspirations. ... The National Oath at Shechem Resources What is the Christian view of asceticism / monasticism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Society of Jesus? Who are the Jesuits, and what do they believe? | GotQuestions.org What is Jainism? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Vows of Ananias and Sapphira, in the Dedication of the Proceeds of the Sale of Their Land Vows of Certain Jews With Paul Vows of Children Void Without the Consent of Parents Vows of Hannah, to Consecrate to the Lord the Child for Which She Prayed Vows of Job, not to Entertain Thoughts of Fornication Vows of Mariners Who Cast out Jonah Vows of Married Women Void Without Consent of Husbands Vows of the Jews, to Kill Paul Vows of the Mother of Micah, in the Dedication of Silver for the Making of an Idol Vows of Things Corrupt or Blemished an Insult to God Vows of Widows and Women Divorced from Their Husbands Binding Vows of Wives, Could Only be Objected to at the Time of Making Vows were Made in Reference to Afflicting the Soul Vows were Made in Reference to Dedicating Children to God Vows were Made in Reference to Devoting Property to God Vows were Made in Reference to Devoting the Person to God Vows were Made in Reference to Offering Sacrifices Vows: All Things Dedicated By, to be Brought to the Tabernacle Vows: Clean Beasts the Subjects of, not to be Redeemed Vows: Danger of Inconsiderately Making Vows: Edible Things offered In, to be Eaten the Same Day They Were offered Vows: Estimation of the Redemption Price of Things offered in Vows Vows: Might be Redeemed by Paying a Suitable Compensation Vows: Rash: The Israelites, to Destroy the Benjamites Vows: Solemn Promises Made to God Vows: The Hire of a Prostitute or Price of a Dog Could not be The Vows: The Redemption Price of the offering of Real Estate, to be Valued by the Priest Vows: Things Forbidden to be offered in Receipts of the Whore and the Price of a "Dog" Vows: Things offered In, to be Brought to the Tabernacle or Temple Vows: To be Performed Faithfully Vows: To be Performed Without Delay Vows: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms Free-will-offerings (6 Occurrences) Freewill-offerings (8 Occurrences) Drink-offerings (31 Occurrences) Voluntary-offerings (4 Occurrences) Heave-offering (55 Occurrences) |
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