Bible Commentaries
Numbers 30

Verses 1-16

Numbers 30:1-16 . The Circumstances under which Vows are Binding.— The vows coming under review are of two kinds: ( a) promises to give or dedicate something to Yahweh, ( b) pledges to practise some form of abstinence. These, if undertaken by men, or by women in positions of independence, are unconditionally binding. But young unmarried women (under the control of their fathers) and married women (under control of their husbands) are only to be bound by their vows if, when the vows were undertaken, no objection was raised. Interference by father or husband at a later date entails guilt on the man. The case of unmarried women who have passed their youth is not expressly considered. See p. 105.

Numbers 30:9 . Apparently misplaced, since Numbers 30:10 continues the subject of Numbers 30:8.