The loving heart will ask not only what must, but what may, be done; and the sacrifices offered in the flames of love are acceptable to God (2 Chronicles 6:8). These are the principles which underlie the laws concerning singular vows.

I. THE SINGULARITY LIES IN THE ELEMENT OF SEPARATION.

1. Hence the subject of the vow is styled a Nazarite.

(1) From נזר, to separate, to consecrate (see Numbers 6; Judges 13:5; 1 Samuel 1:11, 28).

(2) Probably the prayer of Jabez was of the nature of a singular vow (1 Chronicles 4:10). Paul seems to have taken upon himself such a vow (see Acts 18:18).

2. Jesus was a Nazarite in spirit.

(1) He was not a Nazarite in the letter (Matthew 11:19). What a rebuke is here to the uncharitableness of certain extreme advocates of total abstinence!

(2) Yet in spirit was Jesus the Grand Antitype of all those anciently separated to God. Hence his dwelling at Nazareth was in the order of providence, and in fulfillment of prophecy, viz. that he should be called a Nazarene (Matthew 2:23).

3. So are true Christians.

(1) The disciples of Jesus, who were first called "Christians" at Antioch, were also distinguished as "Nazarenes" (see Acts 11:26; Acts 24:5). They do not appear to have refused either title.

(2) Professors should strive to prove themselves worthy of both. All Christians, in their baptism and in their voluntary acceptance of Christ, are bound by sacred vows.

(3) The true merit of our modern abstainers from intoxicants who are so for the glory of God, is that of the Nazarite.

II. THINGS MAY BE CONSECRATED AS WELL AS PERSONS.

1. A beast might be the subject of a singular vow.

(1) The Law prescribes that should it be such as might be offered in sacrifice to God, it must not be exchanged (verses 9, 10). The reason appears to be that in this case it must be looked upon as a type of Christ, and for him there can be no substitute.

(2) But if unsuitable for sacrifice, then it becomes the priests'. In this case it became the subject of estimation, and from the value put upon it by the priest there is no appeal. This assumes that his valuation is just; and this certainly is true of his Great Antitype, who will be our Judge.

2. A house may be the subject of a singular vow.

(1) By means of dedicated things the sanctuary came to be the depository of great treasure (1 Kings 15:15).

(2) The riches of the gospel are principally spiritual. The houses which enrich the Church are saintly families.

3. A field might be the subject of a singular vow.

(1) The estimation of the land is by the quantity of seed sown in it, fifty shekels to the homer (verse 16). But the estimation was modified with respect to the law of the jubilee. The values of all earthly things are influenced by their relation to things heavenly.

(2) If the owner would redeem that he vowed to God, he must add a fifth to the estimated value. This was a general rule; and was instituted to discourage fickleness in relation to the service of God. - J.A.M.

During the Italian war a panic occurred in a whole reserve corps d'armee of the French forces, and the account is given us by the Hen. Mr. R —, the editor of a prominent American journal, who was there, partook of the fright, and ran himself with the fugitives. Five Austrians, whose retreat was cut off, rode rapidly into the village where the reserve forces were stationed, with the design of giving themselves up. The frightened inhabitants cried out, "The Austrians are coming!" and ran for their lives. The soldiers followed suit — horse, foot, and dragoons, pell-mell, without waiting to take care of the wounded, ran fifteen miles without stopping. One wounded French general offered a large reward to be carried to a place of safety. Mr. R — confesses to have run ten miles on foot before he stopped. A panic among the loyal troops in the first battle of Bull's Run in the American civil conflict, if not the cause of their defeat, greatly aggravated the disasters of the battle.

(Lowrie.)