Topical Encyclopedia In the context of biblical law and tradition, the subject of vows made by women, particularly those who are married, is addressed with specific guidelines. The primary scriptural reference for understanding the nature and binding nature of vows made by women is found in the Book of Numbers, chapter 30. This passage provides insight into the authority structure within the family unit as ordained in the Old Testament.Scriptural Basis: Numbers 30:6-8 states: "If a woman marries while under a vow or rash promise by which she has bound herself, and her husband hears of it but says nothing to her on the day he hears of it, then her vows and the pledges by which she has bound herself shall stand. But if her husband prohibits her when he hears of it, he nullifies the vow that binds her or the rash promise by which she has bound herself, and the LORD will release her." This passage delineates the authority of a husband over the vows made by his wife. If a married woman makes a vow or a pledge, it is subject to her husband's approval. Should the husband choose to remain silent upon hearing the vow, it is considered binding. However, if he expresses disapproval, the vow is nullified, and the woman is released from her obligation before God. Theological Implications: The regulation of vows in this manner underscores the biblical principle of headship within the family. The husband, as the head of the household, holds a position of authority and responsibility. This structure is reflective of the broader biblical theme of order and governance within the family, as seen in passages such as Ephesians 5:22-24, which speaks to the relationship between husbands and wives. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Israelite society, vows were serious commitments made before God, often involving promises of abstinence, offerings, or other acts of devotion. The ability of a husband to nullify his wife's vows highlights the patriarchal nature of the society and the protective role the husband played in ensuring that family commitments were in alignment with the household's well-being and resources. Practical Considerations: For the contemporary reader, this passage may raise questions about the application of such principles in modern Christian life. While the cultural context has evolved, the underlying principle of mutual respect and communication within marriage remains relevant. The passage encourages couples to discuss and agree upon commitments, ensuring that both parties are in harmony with the decisions made before God. Conclusion: The biblical instruction regarding the vows of married women reflects a divinely instituted order within the family, emphasizing the husband's role in affirming or nullifying such commitments. This structure is intended to maintain unity and order within the household, aligning with the broader biblical narrative of family and community life. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 30:6-8And if she had at all an husband, when she vowed, or uttered ought out of her lips, with which she bound her soul; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Still the Countess Sylvie was Silent. ... With the Entry of Angela's Great Picture "The Coming of Christ" ... Life at Herrnhut. Sermons on Selected Lessons of the Gospels. Index i. Of Subjects The Religious Revolution Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... Memoir of John Bunyan Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ... Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon: Resources Is it appropriate for a woman to propose to a man? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman? | GotQuestions.org Can a Christian woman consider getting breast implants / breast augmentation? | GotQuestions.org Woman: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Woman of Distinction: Fair and Graceful Woman of Distinction: Fond of Dress and Ornaments Woman of Distinction: Haughty in Their Deportment Woman of Distinction: Wore Their Hair Plaited and Adorned With Gold and Pearls Woman of the Poorer Classes Swarthy from Exposure to the Sun Woman were Required to Hear and Obey the Law Woman: (At Ease and Careless) of a State of Carnal Security Woman: (Chaste and Holy) of Saints Woman: (Delicate) of Backsliding Israel Woman: (Foolish) of Mere Professors Woman: (Forsaken) of Israel in Her Captivity Woman: (Gloriously Arrayed) of the Church of Christ Woman: (Lewd) of the Roman Apostasy Woman: Allowed to Join in the Temple-Music from the Time of David Woman: Considered a Valuable Booty in War Woman: Frequently: Active in Instigating to Iniquity Woman: Frequently: Fond of Self-Indulgence Woman: Frequently: Silly and Easily Led Into Error Woman: Frequently: Subtle and Deceitful Woman: Frequently: Zealous in Promoting Superstition and Idolatry Woman: Generally Lived in a Separated Apartment or Tent Woman: Generally Wore a Vail in the Presence of the Other Sex Woman: Good and Virtuous, Described Woman: had a Court of the Tabernacle Assigned to Them Woman: Loving and Affectionate Woman: Often Engaged in Agriculture Woman: Often Engaged in Attending Funerals As Mourners Woman: Often Engaged in Celebrating the Victories of the Nation Woman: Often Engaged in Domestic Employments Woman: Often Engaged in Drawing and Carrying Water Woman: Often Engaged in Embroidery Woman: Often Engaged in Grinding Corn Woman: Often Engaged in Spinning Woman: Often Engaged in Tending Sheep Woman: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Origin and Cause of the Name Woman: Originally Made by God in his own Image Woman: Originally Made for Man Woman: Originally Made: from One of Adam's Ribs Woman: Originally Made: Subordinate to Man Woman: Originally Made: To be an Helpmeet for Man Woman: Originally Made: To be the Glory of Man Woman: Punishment for Injuring, when With Child Woman: Safety in Childbirth Promised to the Faithful and Holy Woman: Salvation Promised Through the Seed of Woman: Submissive and Respectful to Husbands Woman: Tender and Constant to Her offspring Woman: To be Governed By, Considered a Calamity by the Jews Woman: To be Slain By, Considered a Great Disgrace Woman: To Wear Her Hair Long As a Covering Woman: Unfaithfulness of, when Married Found out by the Waters of Woman: Virtuous, Held in High Estimation Woman: Vows of, when Married not Binding Upon the Husband Woman: Young of Distinction, Dressed in Robes of Various Colours Woman: Young: Could not Marry Without Consent of Parents Woman: Young: Fond of Ornaments Woman: Young: Inherited Parents' Property when There Was No Male Heir Woman: Young: Kind and Courteous to Strangers Woman: Young: Not to be Given in Marriage Considered a Calamity Woman: Young: Often Taken Captive Woman: Young: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing when not Betrothed Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing, when Betrothed Woman: Young: Required to Learn from and Imitate Their Elders Related Terms Woman-servant (12 Occurrences) |