Numbers 30:5
But if her father prohibits her on the day he hears about it, then none of the vows or pledges by which she has bound herself shall stand. The LORD will absolve her because her father has prohibited her.
But if her father prohibits her on the day he hears about it
In ancient Israelite society, the father held significant authority over his household, including his unmarried daughters. This reflects the patriarchal structure of the time, where the father was responsible for the spiritual and physical well-being of his family. The immediacy of "on the day he hears about it" underscores the importance of prompt decision-making in maintaining family order and spiritual integrity. This authority is seen in other parts of Scripture, such as Genesis 31:19-35, where Laban exercises control over his household gods.

then none of the vows or pledges by which she has bound herself shall stand
Vows were serious commitments made before God, often involving promises or offerings. In the cultural context, a woman's vow could impact her family's resources or obligations. The father's ability to nullify these vows reflects his role as the protector and provider, ensuring that any commitments align with the family's capacity and spiritual direction. This principle of oversight is echoed in the New Testament, where spiritual leaders are called to guide and protect their congregations (Hebrews 13:17).

The LORD will absolve her because her father has prohibited her
The absolution by the LORD indicates divine recognition of the father's authority and the importance of family unity. It also shows God's mercy, as the woman is not held accountable for a vow she cannot fulfill due to her father's intervention. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's grace and forgiveness, as seen in passages like Psalm 103:12, where God removes transgressions from His people. The father's prohibition serves as a type of Christ's intercession, where Jesus mediates on behalf of believers, absolving them from the consequences of sin (1 John 2:1).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received and communicated God's laws to the people.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, to whom the laws and commandments were given.

3. Father
Represents the head of the household with authority over his daughter in the context of vows.

4. Daughter
A young woman living in her father's house, subject to his authority regarding vows.

5. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, who provides the laws and releases the daughter from her vow if overruled by her father.
Teaching Points
Authority and Responsibility
The passage highlights the father's role in protecting his daughter from rash vows, emphasizing the importance of wise and responsible leadership within the family.

The Sanctity of Vows
Vows are serious commitments before God. This passage teaches the importance of considering the implications of our promises and the need for accountability.

God's Provision for Release
The provision for release from a vow shows God's understanding and compassion, recognizing human limitations and the need for grace.

Family Dynamics and Spiritual Leadership
The passage underscores the importance of spiritual leadership within the family, where the father is called to guide and protect his household in accordance with God's will.

The Role of Women in Biblical Times
Understanding the cultural context of the time helps us appreciate the protective measures in place for women, while also recognizing the evolving roles and responsibilities in contemporary settings.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the authority structure described in Numbers 30:5 reflect the broader biblical teaching on family roles and responsibilities?

2. In what ways can the principle of accountability in making vows be applied to our modern-day commitments and promises?

3. How does the concept of being released from a vow by a higher authority relate to the grace and forgiveness offered through Christ?

4. What lessons can we learn from the father's role in this passage about spiritual leadership and protection within the family?

5. How can we apply the understanding of cultural context in Numbers 30:5 to address contemporary issues related to authority and gender roles in the church and family?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 20:12
This verse emphasizes the importance of honoring one's father and mother, which is foundational to understanding the authority structure in Numbers 30:5.

Ephesians 6:1-3
This passage reiterates the command to honor parents, showing continuity in the New Testament regarding family authority.

Matthew 5:33-37
Jesus teaches about the seriousness of making vows, which connects to the theme of vows in Numbers 30.

1 Corinthians 11:3
This verse discusses the order of authority, which can be related to the father's role in Numbers 30:5.
The Head of the Household Honoured and CautionedD. Young Numbers 30:3-16
People
Moses
Places
Jericho
Topics
Bonds, Bound, Broken, Disallow, Disallowed, Disapproval, Established, Expresses, Forbid, Forbidden, Forbids, Force, Forgive, Forgiveness, Heareth, Hearing, Hears, Hers, Herself, Makes, None, Oath, Oaths, Obligated, Obligations, Opposed, Pardon, Pledge, Pledges, Prohibited, Propitious, Release, Soul, Stand, Undertakings, Vow, Vows, Wherewith
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 30:1-16

     5468   promises, human

Numbers 30:2-15

     5444   pledges

Numbers 30:2-16

     5329   guarantee

Numbers 30:3-5

     5674   daughters

Library
Covenanting Confers Obligation.
As it has been shown that all duty, and that alone, ought to be vowed to God in covenant, it is manifest that what is lawfully engaged to in swearing by the name of God is enjoined in the moral law, and, because of the authority of that law, ought to be performed as a duty. But it is now to be proved that what is promised to God by vow or oath, ought to be performed also because of the act of Covenanting. The performance of that exercise is commanded, and the same law which enjoins that the duties
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

"And the Redeemer Shall Come unto Zion, and unto them that Turn,"
Isaiah lix. 20.--"And the Redeemer shall come unto Zion, and unto them that turn," &c. Doctrines, as things, have their seasons and times. Every thing is beautiful in its season. So there is no word of truth, but it hath a season and time in which it is beautiful. And indeed that is a great part of wisdom, to bring forth everything in its season, to discern when and where, and to whom it is pertinent and edifying, to speak such and such truths. But there is one doctrine that is never out of season,
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Nature of Covenanting.
A covenant is a mutual voluntary compact between two parties on given terms or conditions. It may be made between superiors and inferiors, or between equals. The sentiment that a covenant can be made only between parties respectively independent of one another is inconsistent with the testimony of Scripture. Parties to covenants in a great variety of relative circumstances, are there introduced. There, covenant relations among men are represented as obtaining not merely between nation and nation,
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Numbers 30:5 NIV
Numbers 30:5 NLT
Numbers 30:5 ESV
Numbers 30:5 NASB
Numbers 30:5 KJV

Numbers 30:5 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Numbers 30:4
Top of Page
Top of Page