Topical Bible: Vows were Made in Reference to Afflicting the Soul

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In the biblical context, vows made in reference to afflicting the soul are often associated with acts of fasting, penitence, and self-denial as expressions of devotion, repentance, or supplication before God. These vows are deeply rooted in the Hebrew tradition and are seen as solemn commitments to God, reflecting a sincere desire to seek His favor or forgiveness.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of afflicting the soul is prominently featured in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). Leviticus 16:29-31 instructs the Israelites: "This is to be a permanent statute for you: On the tenth day of the seventh month, you must humble yourselves and not do any work... It is a Sabbath of solemn rest for you, that you may humble your souls; it is a permanent statute." Here, "humbling" or "afflicting" the soul is understood as fasting and abstaining from physical pleasures to focus on spiritual matters.

Vows and Fasting

Fasting is a common form of afflicting the soul, often accompanied by vows. In the book of Jonah, the people of Nineveh proclaimed a fast and put on sackcloth as a sign of repentance after hearing Jonah's message. Jonah 3:5 states, "And the people of Nineveh believed God. They proclaimed a fast and dressed in sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least."

Similarly, in 1 Samuel 7:6 , the Israelites gathered at Mizpah, where they "drew water and poured it out before the LORD. On that day they fasted and there they confessed, 'We have sinned against the LORD.'" This act of fasting was a collective vow to afflict their souls in repentance and seek God's mercy.

Personal Vows and Affliction

Personal vows involving the affliction of the soul are also evident in Scripture. Hannah, the mother of Samuel, made a vow in her deep distress, promising to dedicate her son to the Lord if He granted her a child. 1 Samuel 1:11 records her vow: "And she made a vow, pleading, 'O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant, but giving 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.'"

The Seriousness of Vows

The Bible underscores the seriousness of making vows, especially those involving the affliction of the soul. Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 warns, "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 highlights the importance of integrity and the fulfillment of one's commitments to God.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, while the emphasis shifts from ritualistic practices to the condition of the heart, the principle of sincere devotion remains. Jesus teaches about fasting in Matthew 6:16-18 , advising, "When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting... But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father, who is unseen."

Conclusion

Vows made in reference to afflicting the soul are a profound expression of faith and commitment in the biblical tradition. They serve as a means of drawing closer to God, seeking His guidance, and demonstrating repentance and humility. The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of sincerity and the fulfillment of such vows, reflecting a heart truly devoted to the Lord.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 30:13
Every vow, and every binding oath to afflict the soul, her husband may establish it, or her husband may make it void.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Barley Field on Fire
... Man, can you recollect your vows, which you have lived ... be your delight, you said,
if you were spared, and ... covenant, and have despised your promise made to God. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/the barley field on fire.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... they had lost all, what a complaint made they then ... taken away his tabernacles, as
if it were of a ... the righteous.' But this is spoken of with reference to things ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm