Numbers 30 - Introduction
_OF THE VOWS AND OATHS OF MEN AND WOMEN: HOW FAR IT IS IN THE POWER OF A FATHER TO DISANNUL THE VOW OF AN UNMARRIED DAUGHTER, OR OF AN HUSBAND TO DISANNUL THAT OF A WIFE._ _Before Christ 1452._... [ Continue Reading ]
_OF THE VOWS AND OATHS OF MEN AND WOMEN: HOW FAR IT IS IN THE POWER OF A FATHER TO DISANNUL THE VOW OF AN UNMARRIED DAUGHTER, OR OF AN HUSBAND TO DISANNUL THAT OF A WIFE._ _Before Christ 1452._... [ Continue Reading ]
MOSES SPAKE UNTO THE HEADS OF THE TRIBES— i.e. the representatives of the people assembled together, Deuteronomy 33:5. 1 Chronicles 28:1. It is very likely that some case had been propounded to Moses about _vows;_ concerning which, by the Lord's command, he here gives them such rules as might direct... [ Continue Reading ]
IF A MAN, &C.— That is, a _person_ entirely master of himself, and actually endowed with reason. See Leviticus 27. The Jewish rabbis have advanced two excellent maxims upon this subject: the one, that a good man, who performs his duty, does well not to lay himself under the obligation of vows; the o... [ Continue Reading ]
IF A WOMAN ALSO, &C.— Two cases are next put, of persons who are under authority, and not entirely at their own disposal; and, by a very equitable law, it is determined, that their vows shall not stand, if disallowed by those under whose authority they are. The same law, founded in natural reason, e... [ Continue Reading ]
IF SHE HAD—A HUSBAND— This is better rendered by Houbigant, _but the woman who is married, when she voweth a vow,_ &c.... [ Continue Reading ]
EVERY VOW OF A WIDOW, &C.— Here again the case is put, of persons in their own power, who, being their own mistresses, might certainly dispose of themselves as they pleased.... [ Continue Reading ]
IF SHE VOWED IN HER HUSBAND'S HOUSE— i.e. If she who is a widow, or divorced, did make her vow during her husband's life, or before she was divorced. This sense, which is very natural, distinguishes this law from that in the 6th verse. The rabbis say, that if she was only betrothed, none could make... [ Continue Reading ]
EVERY BINDING OATH TO AFFLICT THE SOUL— By fasting, abstinence, or rather acts of mortification and self-denial. See Leviticus 16:24. Perhaps St. Paul had this passage in view, when he says, _the wife hath not power over her own body._ 1 Corinthians 7:4. The husband had it in his power to _establish... [ Continue Reading ]
THESE ARE THE STATUTES, &C.— These statutes were ordained for the good of families, for the support of order, economy, and necessary tranquillity, and for the prevention of superstition and vice.... [ Continue Reading ]