Today, in Numbers we read about GOD’s directions to Israelite couples regarding a wife’s vows. We further learn in the New Testament how GOD has designed marriage in such a way as to promote peace. The husband is charged with the leadership of the wife and the wife is charged with submission. Both roles are equally important, powerful and beautiful. These verses in Numbers are one example of these roles in action regarding vows.
Numbers 30:10-16
And if she vowed in her husband’s house or bound herself by a pledge with an oath, 11 and her husband heard of it and said nothing to her and did not oppose her, then all her vows shall stand, and every pledge by which she bound herself shall stand. 12 But if her husband makes them null and void on the day that he hears them, then whatever proceeds out of her lips concerning her vows or concerning her pledge of herself shall not stand. Her husband has made them void, and the LORD will forgive her. 13 Any vow and any binding oath to afflict herself, her husband may establish, or her husband may make void. 14 But if her husband says nothing to her from day to day, then he establishes all her vows or all her pledges that are upon her. He has established them, because he said nothing to her on the day that he heard of them. 15 But if he makes them null and void after he has heard of them, then he shall bear her iniquity.”
16 These are the statutes that the LORD commanded Moses about a man and his wife and about a father and his daughter while she is in her youth within her father’s house.
[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?
+ Who is this passage speaking to?
+ Will a vow be kept by a wife if her husband hears it and remains silent?
+ What happens if a husband disapproves of his wife’s vow?
+ What if a husband agrees
+ What does GOD say about the role of the husband in the New Testament? The wife?
[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?
+ Is there a sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ How am I doing with my vows?
[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?
+ What is my next step?