Verses 1-16

The Law of Vows

This chapter deals with the subject of Vows, which is also treated in Leviticus 27, where see notes. A vow made by a man is binding (Numbers 30:2). But a woman is not considered to have an independent right to make a vow. So long as she is unmarried she is under the jurisdiction of her father, and on her marriage she comes under that of her husband. The assent, therefore, of her father or husband must be given or implied in order that her vow may be binding.

2. Vow a vow.. or swear an oath to bind his soul] The former is a positive vow or vow of performance; the latter is a negative vow or vow of abstinence: see on Leviticus 27.

3-5. Case of an unmarried woman.

6-8. Case of a woman who has entered into a vow while unmarried, but who marries before her vow is fulfilled. The husband has the power either to confirm his wife's vow, or disallow it when he hears of it. The words in Numbers 30:6 should read 'if she be married to a husband while her vows are upon her.'

9. Case of a widow, or divorced woman. Her vow is binding.

10-15. Case of a married woman. Her vow to be binding must be ratified by her husband.