Numbers 30:9

But every vow of a widow, and of her that is divorced, wherewith they have bound their souls, shall stand against her.

But every vow {H5088} of a widow {H490}, and of her that is divorced {H1644}, wherewith they have bound {H631} their souls {H5315}, shall stand {H6965} against her.

"The vow of a widow, however, or of a divorcee, including everything to which she has obligated herself, will stand against her.

Every vow a widow or divorced woman pledges to fulfill is binding on her.

But the vow of a widow, or of her that is divorced, even everything wherewith she hath bound her soul, shall stand against her.

Commentary

Numbers 30:9, from the King James Version, states: "But every vow of a widow, and of her that is divorced, wherewith they have bound their souls, shall stand against her." This verse concludes a series of laws concerning vows made by different individuals within ancient Israelite society, highlighting a unique legal and spiritual standing for women without a male head of household.

Context of Vows in Numbers 30

Chapter 30 of the Book of Numbers meticulously outlines the laws regarding vows (Hebrew: neder, meaning a solemn promise or dedication to God). The preceding verses establish that a man's vow is binding once uttered (Numbers 30:2). However, for women, the law introduces a hierarchical structure of authority:

  • A young woman living in her father's house: Her father could annul her vow on the day he heard it (Numbers 30:5).
  • A married woman: Her husband had the authority to make her vow void on the day he heard it; otherwise, it would stand (Numbers 30:8).

Numbers 30:9 provides the crucial exception: widows and divorced women. Because they were not under the authority of a father or husband, their vows were considered fully binding upon them, with no one having the legal right to annul them. This reflects their independent legal status regarding such spiritual commitments in ancient Israelite society.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Solemnity of Vows: The passage underscores the profound seriousness with which God viewed promises made to Him. A vow was not a casual statement but a binding commitment, often described as "binding their souls."
  • Accountability and Integrity: For widows and divorced women, this verse emphasizes their direct and full accountability before God for their words. It highlights a principle of integrity in all commitments, especially those made to the Divine.
  • Legal Autonomy: In a patriarchal society, this law granted widows and divorced women a unique form of legal and spiritual autonomy concerning their vows. Unlike their unmarried or married counterparts, their solemn declarations stood firm without requiring external validation or annulment.
  • Divine Justice: The consistent application of the law, adapting to different social statuses, demonstrates God's meticulous attention to justice and fairness in His covenant relationship with Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "bound their souls" (Hebrew: asar nefesh) is particularly significant. It signifies a profound, internal commitment where the person's very being or life force is pledged. This was not merely a verbal agreement but a deep, personal dedication that carried spiritual weight and consequences if broken. The term neder for 'vow' itself implies something set apart or dedicated, often involving an act of self-denial or a specific offering to God.

Practical Application and Reflection

While the specific social structures of ancient Israel differ from modern contexts, the underlying principles of honoring one's commitments and the seriousness of promises made to God remain timeless. This verse reminds us:

  • To approach all our words, especially those made before God, with careful consideration and integrity.
  • That God takes our promises seriously, and we are held accountable for them.
  • The importance of personal responsibility in our spiritual walk, particularly when we are in a position of independent decision-making.

The law in Numbers 30:9, far from being restrictive, affirmed the spiritual agency of widows and divorced women, ensuring that their solemn words to God were as binding as those of any man, reflecting God's consistent standards for all who make a vow unto the LORD.

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Cross-References

  • Romans 7:2 (3 votes)

    For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to [her] husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of [her] husband.

  • Luke 2:37 (3 votes)

    And she [was] a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served [God] with fastings and prayers night and day.

  • Leviticus 21:7 (2 votes)

    They shall not take a wife [that is] a whore, or profane; neither shall they take a woman put away from her husband: for he [is] holy unto his God.